Abstract: A vacuum-blower unit has an intake connected by a flexible hose to a method plastics boot pivotally connected to the discharge portion of a rotary mower deck mounted on a riding tractor. The boot is also supported in horizontally spaced relation to the deck by a caster wheel to form an air gap and is adapted for convenient connection with decks of different sizes and configurations and having either a right or left discharge. The boot is cut to form an opening somewhat larger than the discharge outlet of the mower deck to extend the air gap which cooperates with air intake holes in the boot to avoid clogging of the boot with grass clippings, leaves and other debris transported by the vacuum-blower unit through flexible ducts to a trailing wheel supported cart. The cart includes a body enclosed by a canopy having an elongated top air discharge outlet covered by a screen and a row of independently pivotal louvers.

Abstract: A vacuum-blower unit has an intake connected by a flexible hose to a molded plastics boot pivotally connected to the discharge portion of a rotary mower deck mounted on a riding tractor. The boot is also supported in horizontally spaced relation to the deck by a caster wheel to form an air gap and is adapted for convenient connection with decks of different sizes and configurations and having either a right or left discharge. The boot is cut to form an opening somewhat larger than the discharge outlet of the mower deck to extend the air gap which cooperates with air intake holes in the boot to avoid clogging of the boot with grass clippings, leaves and other debris transported by the vacuum-blower unit through flexible ducts to a trailing wheel supported cart. The cart includes a body enclosed by a canopy having an elongated top air discharge outlet covered by a screen and a row of independently pivotal louvers.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is mounted on a frame supported by a set of wheels and has a shaft connected to drive a blower impeller. An annular plate is mounted on the engine surrounding the engine shaft, and a blower housing has a support ring which is secured to the plate by a releasable band clamp to provide for rotating the blower housing on the axis of the engine shaft. The blower housing has a center inlet and a laterally projecting tangential outlet, and a movable air deflector is mounted on the housing adjacent the outlet. The air deflector is actuated by an elongated control rod which extends from a handle assembly projecting rearwardly and upwardly from the frame, and the control rod permits the operator to actuate the air deflector when the blower outlet and deflector are located at either a high position on one side of the frame or a low position on the opposite side of the frame.

Abstract: A lawn spreader includes an elongated generally rectangular hopper supported by a set of wheels and having a bottom member formed by a longitudinally extending aluminum extrusion. The extrusion has upwardly projecting inclined flange portions which are secured to the inclined side walls of the hopper, and the flange portions are integrally connected by a lower portion defining a longitudinally extending guideway. A slide member is supported within the guideway and is also formed from an aluminum extrusion. The slide member includes a longitudinally extending integral rib which projects downwardly and connects directly with the lower end portion of a control lever pivotally supported by a side wall of the hopper. The upper end portion of the lever engages a rotatably adjustable cam for precisely positioning the slide member to regulate accurately the discharge of material from the hopper through a set of spaced apertures within the extrusions.