Abstract: An electric drive riding greens mower having a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a motor generator set and a plurality of lawn mowers. An internal combustion engine is also supported by the frame. A generator is coupled to an internal combustion engine to provide electrical power. A hydraulic drive system is adapted to drive at least one of the ground engaging wheels. A plurality of mowers are supported from the frame, one of the plurality of mowers precedes each of the plurality of ground engaging wheels. Each mower includes a cutting reel and an electric motor operable to rotatably drive the cutting reel.

Abstract: The mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a motor generator set, an internal combustion motor and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. The motor generator set provides electrical energy for electric motors that drive the reel type lawn mowers. A housing encloses the internal combustion motor and motor generator set and utilizes a combination of passive noise abatement means and active noise abatement means to reduce noise generated within the interior of the housing. The passive noise abatement means is provided at plurality of locations around the motor generator set within the housing.

Abstract: A self-propelled mower having a frame, a plurality of ground engaging wheels supporting the frame, and an internal combustion engine outputting mechanical motion. An electrical generator is operably coupled with the internal combustion engine to output electrical energy in response to the mechanical motion. An electric wheel motor is operably coupled between the electrical generator and at least one of the plurality of ground engaging wheels to drive the ground engaging wheel in response to the electrical energy. A cutting device is supported by the frame. The cutting device is driven by the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a motor generator set, an internal combustion motor and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. The motor generator set provides electrical energy for electric motors that drive the reel type lawn mowers. A housing encloses the internal combustion motor and motor generator set and utilizes a combination of passive noise abatement and active noise abatement to reduce noise generated within the interior of the housing. The passive noise abatement includes multiple sound abating linings, and the active noise abatement is provided at plurality of locations around the motor generator set within the housing.

Abstract: A gang-type rotary lawn mower including a frame supported by wheels for movement over the ground, a power source which is mounted on the frame and which drives at least two of the wheels, an operator's seat mounted on the frame, a steering system enabling the operator to steer the lawn mower, at least two side-by-side front rotary cutting deck assemblies mounted on the frame, the front deck assemblies defining a gap between adjacent front deck assemblies, and at least one rear rotary cutting deck assembly mounted on the frame behind the front deck assemblies, each rear deck assembly being aligned with a respective gap between adjacent front deck assemblies, each of the front and rear deck assemblies including a single-spindle mulching deck defining a downwardly opening space, a single spindle mounted for rotation about a generally vertical axis within the space, and at least one cutting blade mounted on the spindle for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A passive distribution deflector for use in a grass collection system on a riding mower or the like. The deflector has a lower body portion having substantially closed side walls and an open bottom portion, and an open top portion having a cross-sectional area less than the open bottom portion. A top discharge member is formed on a deflector surface and has a plurality of curved regions, connected to the lower body portion. The curved regions each having longitudinal axis pointing in a direction different from the longitudinal axis of the lower portion, and the curved regions of the top discharge member are separated from one another by at least one ridge portion.

Abstract: Provided is an electric drive riding greens mower. The mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a motor generator set and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The motor generator set provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The motor generator set includes an internal combustion motor which provides the mechanical energy to an electric generator which provides electrical energy in response to the received mechanical energy. Further, a mower is provided which includes fly-by-wire electric steering through an electric mower.

Abstract: A leveling apparatus for a reel type cutting head for use on a gang mower. The leveling apparatus includes a linkage which attaches at an inboard end to the frame of the mower and at an outboard end of a control arm. The control arm in turn attaches to the cutting head to pivot the cutting head about a horizontal axis. As the mower is lowered to engage the ground, the linkage pivots the cutting head to maintain the cutting head level as the cutting head is lowered to engage the ground. In a particular embodiment, the linkage comprises a parallel linkage having an upper and a lower link and inboard and outboard control arms which are arranged to form a parallelogram whose shape changes as the mower is raised and lowered. The parallel linkage connects to the cutting head to pivot the cutting head about a horizontal axis and maintains the cutting head substantially level as the cutting head is raised and lowered.

Abstract: A parallel-series four-wheel-drive hydraulic circuit for a riding lawn mower. The lawn mower includes first and second hydraulic circuits. The first hydraulic circuit comprises a first hydraulic motor drivingly connected to a first wheel, a second hydraulic motor drivingly connected to a second wheel, a hydraulic pump connected in series with said first and second hydraulic motors, and a first fluid path allowing recirculation of hydraulic fluid through the second motor so that the speed of the second motor can increase relative to the speed of the first motor. Correspondingly, the speed of the second wheel can increase relative to the speed of the first wheel. A first conduit communicates between the first and second motors, a second conduit communicates between the second motor and the pump, and the fluid path communicates between the first and second conduits. The fluid path includes a check valve preventing reverse fluid flow through the fluid path from the first conduit to the second conduit.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary lawn mower with an improved mulching deck. The rotary lawn mower comprises a plurality of sets of cutting blades. Each of the blade sets includes a lower, leading blade and an upper, trailing blade. The lower blade has a leading cutting edge and an upwardly angled trailing edge. The upper trailing blade extends at an angle relative to the leading blade and has a leading cutting edge for cutting clippings deflected upwardly by the upwardly angled trailing edge of the leading blade. The lawn mower further comprises a mulching deck including a plastic, dent-resistant, rust-proof insert which is positioned in the deck. The insert provides correct air flow for mulching and a sound barrier for reduced noise. The insert defines a plurality of recesses. A blade set is mounted for rotation about an axis of each recess.

Abstract: A latch mechanism which facilities installation and removal of a reel space type cutting head of a gang mower. The latch mechanism includes horizontal slots formed in the vertical plates of a pull frame. The horizontal slots receive bushings attached to the cutting head assembly. When the bushings engage the horizontal slots, locking plates are rotated to engage a horizontal crossrod and fixed in place so that the cutting head is locked in position to the pull frame. The cutting head can similarly be removed from the pull frame by moving the locking plates from a locked to an unlocked position, thereby opening the horizontal slots so that the bushings of the cutting head can be removed.

Abstract: Provided is an electric drive riding greens mower. The mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a motor generator set and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The motor generator set provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The motor generator set includes an internal combustion motor which provides the mechanical energy to an electric generator which provides electrical energy in response to the received mechanical energy. Further, the mower may include a hydraulic system for operation of reel lift assemblies and the steering mechanism.

Abstract: An interactive braking system for an electric mower is comprised of an directional control that is connected to a cam follower that, in turn, engages a brake lever. A linkage system connects the brake lever to a brake caliper assembly which is operable to engage a disc connected to an input shaft of a transaxle of a riding mower. The interactive braking system is designed to allow the operator to optimize control of the mower during slow speed operation, for example, when traversing the crown of a green or going down a hill. During these conditions, the directional control can be articulated to a slow speed position thus proportionally engaging the brake assembly. Increased braking force is realized the closer the directional control approaches the neutral position, i.e., zero throttle. The interactive braking system provides for enhanced control of the mower during slow speed operation of both forward and rearward movement of the mower.

Abstract: Provided is a self-calibrating system which self-calibrates for operation regardless of the particular reservoir or expansion tank, which further detects when a hydraulic fluid system adapted to a turf care machine has developed a leak and which warns the machine operator of such a leak before an appreciable amount of hydraulic fluid is allowed to leak from the system. The system includes a reservoir for holding a quantity of hydraulic fluid. The reservoir is connected via a connecting tube or hose located at the upper-most portion of the reservoir and connected to an expansion tank mounted substantially adjacent to the reservoir. The expansion tank includes a fitting having an elongated tube extending down into the expansion tank. The end of this tube is maintained substantially below the level of hydraulic fluid in the expansion tank during operation of the turf care machine to which it is attached.

Abstract: A mechanical system for a controlling a reversible pump in a walk-behind turf care machine having a hydrostatic drive and operator speed and traction controls. The pump includes a rotatable trunion shaft connected to the traction control for controlling hydrostatic pump displacement and direction. A rotatable lever structure fits over the trunion shaft and includes a rotary sleeve, an arm and roller. A control bracket, including a V-shaped contact portion having opposed surfaces for engaging the roller, is operatively connected to the speed and traction controls and to the turf machine frame about a pivot point. Operator manipulation of the control bracket via the speed and traction controls causes a rotatable engagement between the control bracket and the roller, which in turn sets the maximum forward/reverse speeds and direction of the hydrostatic drive. When the traction control is neutral, a spring arrangement is provided for urging of the hydrostatic pump into its neutral position.

Abstract: A gang mower, with a frame supported upon plurality of ground engaging wheels, a prime mover, and a plurality of reel-type lawn mowers. At least one of the reel-type mowers is secured to an arm member which is secured to and pivots about frame so that the reel-type mower may be moved from an operating position beneath the frame to a service position adjacent to the frame. An electric motor provides the driving torque for moving the mower over surfaces to be mowed. Individual electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. Further, electrically driven lift mechanisms move the reel-type lawn mowers between a lowered operating position in which the reel lawn mowers engage the turf being mowed and a raised non-operating or transport position. The pivot support includes a king pin secured to the frame. The king pin enables movement of a swing member. An arm secured to the swing member may be releasably secured in an operating position by a latch to the frame.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid lead detection system which self-calibrates for operation regardless of the particular reservoir or expansion tank. A reservoir stores a quantity of hydraulic fluid and is connected via a connecting tube or hose located at the upper-most portion of the reservoir and connected to an expansion tank mounted substantially adjacent to the reservoir. An elongated tube extends down into the expansion tank. The end of this tube is maintained substantially below the level of hydraulic fluid in the expansion tank during operation of the turf care machine. During operation, the hydraulic fluid expands with rising temperatures, and the connecting tube communicates the expanding fluid to the expansion tank. A float type fluid level sensor measures the level of hydraulic fluid within the expansion tank and outputs an electronic signal corresponding to the fluid level in the expansion tank to the microcomputer based monitoring unit, which also senses the fluid temperature.

Abstract: An electric drive riding greens mower, with a frame supported plurality of ground engaging wheels, supports a battery power source, an operator station and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides the driving torque for moving the mower over surfaces to be mowed. Individual electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. Electrically driven linear actuators move the reel lawn mowers between a lowered operating position in which the reel lawn mowers engage the turf being mowed and a raised non-operating or transport position. An operator oriented controls layout, which includes an operator communication panel, is provided on the mower. All electric operation provides emissionless extremely quiet operation. The mower includes an electric control system having a battery power source providing a plurality of output voltages to drive the various electric components.

Abstract: An electric drive riding greens mower includes a frame member which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a battery power source, an operator station and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides the driving torque for moving the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed. Individual electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. Electrically driven linear actuators move the reel lawn mowers between a lowered operating position in which the reel lawn mowers engage the turf being mowed and a raised non-operating or transport position. A unique swinging arm on the frame member provides for a pivoting mount for the under-center reel mowers to facilitate service. The frame member is further efficiently constructed to facilitate ergonomic operator utilization of the mower. The frame member supports and protect various electrical and mechanical components.