Abstract: A multiple-stage snow thrower having a housing, a power supply operatively connected to a plurality of drive shafts for rotating a plurality of stage assemblies. Each stage assembly of the multiple-stage snow thrower is configured to move snow either axially along the axis of rotation or radially away from the axis of rotation. The first stage assembly is configured to expel snow from the housing, thereby throwing the snow away from the snow thrower. The second, third, and fourth stages assemblies are configured to push the snow toward the longitudinal centerline of the housing and then rearwardly toward the first stage assembly.

Abstract: A walk-behind mower includes a frame and a power source attached to the frame. A selectively steerable drive wheel and a set of follower wheels are rotatably attached to the frame. The walk-behind mower includes a steering wheel assembly attached to the frame, the assembly including a steering column and a steering wheel attached to the steering column. The walk-behind mower also includes a universal joint connecting the steering wheel assembly to the frame. The walk-behind mower further includes a mower deck attached to the frame and a mower blade assembly attached to the deck. In other examples, the walk-behind mower includes a front section and a rear section that rotate relative to each other about a vertical axis.

Abstract: Vehicle control systems that can be used, for example, to configure a vehicle (e.g., a lawn tractor or riding lawn mower) to make low- to substantially zero-radius turns. Some of the present vehicle control systems utilize at least one steered wheel position sensor to generate a signal that indicates the actual position of the steerable structure (e.g., wheel) to which the sensor is coupled, rather than a projected or anticipated position of that steerable structure. Vehicles that include such control systems.

Abstract: A self-cleaning, energy efficient blade assembly for use on lawn maintenance equipment and devices is provided. The blade assembly includes a shell and plurality of blades releasably attachable to the shell, wherein the shell is generally bowl-shaped. The blade assembly may also include a stabilizer ring that is positioned immediately adjacent to the shell for added structural rigidity and strength.

Abstract: A vertical tine tiller having vertically oriented tine assemblies that are configured to rotate about vertical axes is provided. The tiller includes a power source that drives a horizontally-aligned driveshaft, which can selectively drive a transmission assembly. Horizontal rotation of the driveshaft is directly transferred into vertical rotation of a pair of drive rods to which the tine assemblies are attached.

Abstract: Provided is a track drive for outdoor power equipment including a support frame and a drive axle configured to attach to an associated drive hub. A hub bearing is mounted on the drive axle and the support frame enabling the drive axle to rotate relative to the support frame. A drive sprocket is attached to the drive axle and includes an interior half sprocket and an exterior half sprocket. The half sprockets are located on either side of the support frame. Drive teeth are spaced radially about the drive sprocket. The drive sprocket is movably engaged with an endless track to transmit force to rotate the endless track and propel the outdoor power equipment. A kit for adding or replacing a track drive of outdoor power equipment is also provided.

Abstract: A partially tracked utility vehicle and conversion are provided. The converted partially tracked utility vehicle has a chassis, front wheels, and a trailing link suspension. The trailing link suspension has a trailing link with a first end pivotably connected to the chassis and a second end pivotably connected to a walking beam at a walking beam pivot; a shock having a first end pivotably connected to a tension shaft and a second end pivotably connected to the trailing link; the walking beam further comprising a plurality of axle mounted bogey wheels for engaging a track of the partially tracked utility vehicle; a sprocket mounted to a traction drive of the utility vehicle for engaging and providing rotational power to the track; and an actuator attached to the chassis, the actuator having a shaft pivotably connected to the tension shaft and configured to rotate the tension shaft.

Abstract: A lawn maintenance vehicle includes a frame having a first axle and a second axle mounted to the frame. A first drive wheel and a second drive wheel are mounted to the first and second axle. An energy storage device and an electric motor having a motor shaft are mounted to the frame. The electric motor is in electrical communication with the energy storage device and the energy storage device provides electrical power to the electric motor. The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a traction drive. The traction drive is operably connected to the motor shaft, and the traction drive is operably connected to the first and second axles. The lawn maintenance vehicle includes an implement mounted to the frame. The lawn maintenance vehicle can also include an internal combustion engine operably connected to the electric motor.

Abstract: A suspension for a tracked utility vehicle is provided. The trailing link suspension for the tracked utility vehicle has at least two trailing links. Each of said trailing links has a shock and a walking beam. The first end of the trailing link is pivotably connected to the tracked utility vehicle chassis. The second end of said trailing link is pivotably connected to the walking beam. The first end of the shock is pivotably connected to the chassis and the second end is pivotably connected to the trailing link. The walking beam has a plurality of axle mounted bogey wheels for engaging one or both of the track of said tracked utility vehicle or the track lug or guide. The shocks are independently adjustable to permit more of the tracked utility vehicle's weight to be supported at the suspension midpoint.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a method and system for localizing and confining an autonomous mobile work system or systems for performing work in a user defined space is disclosed. The system can include two or more variable reflective base stations at first and second locations that can modify their optical or electromagnetic reflectivity based upon either an external command via wired or wireless communications interface, or automatically on a regular or asynchronous time schedule under programmed or user settable control. The system also can include one or more autonomous mobile work systems capable of sensing the state of the variable reflectance base stations via sensors such as electromagnetic or optical sensors capable of measuring distance to the reflective base stations.

Abstract: A lopper a lopping assembly mounted to an upper end of a pole, said lopping assembly includes a movable knife and a counter knife. The movable knife is connected via a first transmission and connection assembly to an operating assembly disposed at a lower end of the pole, which is configured to move the movable knife and/or the counter knife in a direction to one another. The operating assembly includes first and second actuating elements. The first actuating element is coupled to the first transmission and connection assembly and the second actuating element is coupled via a second transmission and connection assembly and releasable latching assembly to the first actuating element. Movement of the second actuating element away from the first actuation element causes, via the second transmission and connection assembly, a movement of the first actuating element in said first direction.

Abstract: Vehicle drive control systems, such as those, for example, configured to permit a vehicle to direct power to at least one drivable element (such as, for example, via a drive shaft, a supplemental drive, or a battery) to assist the vehicle in making a low-radius turn.

Abstract: A collapsible cart (10) having a frame (12), a tongue assembly (22), at least one axle (14) and a base (34). The tongue assembly (22) may be configured to releasably couple the frame (12) to a receiver hitch. The axle (14) may be operatively connected to at least one wheel assembly (16). The axle (14) may also be operatively connected and rotatable relative to the frame (12). The base (34) may be operatively connected to the frame (12). The collapsible cart (10) may have at least one retaining wall (24, 26, 28, 30, 32), and/or wheel bracket (17).

Abstract: A speed control mechanism for controlling selective engagement of the self-propelled transmission assembly for a walk-behind lawn mower is provided. The speed control mechanism is also configured to control the relative output speed of the transmission assembly. The speed control mechanism includes a speed engagement assembly and a speed adjustment assembly, wherein the speed engagement assembly includes a pair of rotatable levers for causing the transmission assembly to actuate between a disengaged position and an engaged position and the speed adjustment assembly includes a rotatable knob for causing the relative output speed of the transmission assembly to the wheels of the lawn mower to increase or decrease.

Abstract: A device includes a housing configured with a working element and a motor configured for urging motion of the working element. The device further includes a power control module. The power control module is configurable for being in electrical connection with at least one of the motor, a first power source configuration and a second power source configuration. The first power source configuration is configurable for being electrically connected to a battery assembly having a DC power output. The second power source configuration is configurable for being electrically connected to a power inverter, the power inverter configured for receiving an AC power and further configured for outputting a DC power to the second power source configuration. The power control module includes an automatic power selection configuration for automatically selecting the second power source configuration when the second power source configuration receives DC power from the power inverter.