Abstract: Vehicles including a power system incorporating dual drive shafts. An exemplary power system may include an engine having a vertically-oriented crankshaft that extends outwardly both below the engine (lower drive shaft) and above the engine (upper drive shaft). The lower drive shaft may power an implement of the vehicle via an implement drive system, while the upper drive shaft may power drive wheels of the vehicle via a traction drive system. In another embodiment, the second drive shaft may be formed by a jackshaft adjacent the engine.

Abstract: A control system for use with a turf maintenance vehicle. In one embodiment, the control system may provide a discrete engine speed input that may provide one engine speed command upon actuation, but result in additional engine speed commands depending on an actuation time of the input. In other embodiments, the vehicle may include an electronic controller (EC) providing resettable property statistics for one or more properties. In still another embodiment, the EC may provide a maintenance monitor onboard the vehicle that indicates maintenance status, when maintenance tasks are due or past due, and permanently records historical information regarding maintenance tasks. The maintenance monitor may further adjust a maintenance interval before the maintenance task is again due based upon inputs to the maintenance monitor.

Abstract: A powered material broadcast spreader apparatus. The apparatus may include a granular material hopper having one or more upwardly extending walls that partially enclose an interior volume of the hopper. A first wall may define an opening passing outwardly from the interior volume. The apparatus may also include a motor surrounded by the one or more walls, and a motor cover having a contact surface congruent with a mating inner surface of the first wall. The motor cover is configured to form a motor compartment adapted to effectively isolate the motor from the interior volume, while permitting access to the motor from outside the hopper via the opening in the first wall.

Abstract: A support platform isolator system for a turf maintenance vehicle. The isolator system may include one or more rear isolators, and one or more forward isolators, the isolators positioned between a chassis of the vehicle and a support platform. The isolator system may not only reduce “metal-on-metal” noise between the chassis and the platform, but may also attenuate vibration and/or shock loads transmitted to the platform. In addition, the system may assist in locating the platform on, and retaining the platform to, the chassis. The isolators of the system may form primary contact areas between the chassis and the platform.

Abstract: An adjustable suspension system for an operator platform that is pivotally attached at a pivot axis to a chassis of a turf maintenance vehicle. The system may include a suspension apparatus selectively attachable either to a support area of the chassis, or to the platform such that the apparatus is located between the support area and the platform. The suspension apparatus may be attachable at either a first location or a second location, wherein the suspension apparatus is spaced-apart from the pivot axis: by a first distance when in the first location; and by a second distance, different than the first distance, when in the second location. The suspension apparatus may include a support member and resilient element(s) attached to the support member.

Abstract: A push-pull cable system including a cable assembly, a stabilizing element, and a guide member. The stabilizing element and guide member may maintain alignment of a wire of the cable assembly as it pushes against a mechanism resistive force that is not aligned with the wire itself. As a result, the cable system may be utilized in applications wherein space constraints prevent alignment of the wire with the resistive force vector of the mechanism.

Abstract: A grounds maintenance vehicle such as a stand-on spreader/sprayer and a steering system for use with the same. In one embodiment, the steering system includes a laterally swinging control handle accessible by an operator standing on a platform of the vehicle. The handle controls movement of one or more steerable wheels such that lateral swinging of the control handle toward a left side results in a corresponding left turn, while lateral swinging of the control handle toward a right side results in a corresponding right turn.

Abstract: A control system for electronically controlling engine speed and PTO clutch mechanism engagement of a grounds maintenance vehicle such as a lawn mower. In one embodiment, an electronic controller (electronic control unit or ECU) may receive operator inputs from a speed setting switch and an on/off PTO clutch engagement switch. The ECU may take these inputs and make intelligent decisions as to when to engage/disengage the clutch mechanism and may change engine speed automatically prior to, during, and/or after clutch mechanism engagement/disengagement. In one or more of these speed setting switch positions, the switch may set a speed of the engine to a first speed when the clutch mechanism is disengaged, and a second speed (different than the first speed) when the clutch mechanism is engaged.

Abstract: A control system for electronically controlling engine speed and PTO clutch mechanism engagement of a grounds maintenance vehicle such as a lawn mower. In one embodiment, an electronic controller (electronic control unit or ECU) may receive operator inputs from a speed setting switch and an on/off PTO clutch engagement switch. The ECU may take these inputs and make intelligent decisions as to when to engage/disengage the clutch mechanism and may change engine speed automatically prior to, during, and/or after clutch mechanism engagement/disengagement. In one or more of these speed setting switch positions, the switch may set a speed of the engine to a first speed when the clutch mechanism is disengaged, and a second speed (different than the first speed) when the clutch mechanism is engaged.

Abstract: A jacking apparatus including a jack mount, the apparatus for use with a vehicle such as a riding lawn mower. The jack mount is, in one embodiment, configured to be attached to and removed from the vehicle without the use of tools. In one embodiment, the jack mount includes two jaws that effectively clamp to a frame of the mower. The clamping force is generated by the weight of the mower acting against a jacking force applied to the jack mount by an extensible jacking device.

Abstract: A spindle assembly for use with a rotating member is provided. The spindle assembly may include a flexible shield or seal that, in one embodiment, is radially and axially secured to one end of a spindle shaft of the assembly. The seal may be spaced-apart from one or more bearings rotationally supporting the shaft. As a result, a space between the seal and the bearing may be provided that allows dissipation of energy from a fluid (e.g., pressurized stream of cleaning fluid) that is forced past the seal. Moreover, spindle assembly constructions in accordance with embodiments of the instant invention may permit increased bearing spacing, potentially reducing bearing load and increasing bearing life.

Abstract: A retainer for keeping an endless drive member of a drive system in a desired position. In one embodiment, the endless drive member is configured as a belt, wherein the retainer keeps the belt in position for engagement with an associated sheave even when the belt is slackened. The retainer may be configured as an elongate member having a first end fixed to a structure and a second unsupported end opposite the first end. The retainer may be positioned near the sheave and may be elastically deflected to permit removal of the belt when desired. In one embodiment, the retainer is configured as a coiled compression spring.