Abstract: A V-blade for a snowplow, a snowplow incorporating the V-blade and a method of use thereof. The blade includes left and right wings engaged with one another. A trip edge is provided on each wing and includes a lower section of moldboard, a cutting edge, and a snow shield. Each trip edge engages an upper section of the associated moldboard via a biasing assembly. The biasing assembly biases the trip edge into alignment with the moldboard's upper section and also biases the trip edge towards a central vertical axis. When the V-blade strikes an obstacle on the surface during snow removal, the trip edges individually pivot about a horizontal axis extending along a shaft of the associated biasing assembly. The trip edges subsequently translate linearly along the horizontal axis and away from the vertical axis.

Abstract: A multi-position snowplow blade, a snowplow incorporating the blade and a method of use thereof. The blade includes left and right wings that each having a trip edge pivotally engaged therewith. Each trip edge includes a lower section of a moldboard, a cutting edge, and a snow shield. A biasing assembly biases the trip edge into alignment with an upper section of the moldboard. The trip edges trip when the blade strikes an obstacle on a surface being plowed. When the trip edge trips, it pivots about a horizontal axis and relative to the associated upper section. Each snow shield pivotally engages the lower section of the associated trip edge and pivots relative thereto when the trip edge trips. The pivotal motion of the two snow shields widens a gap therebetween and helps to reduce the possibility of damage to the pivoting trip edges.

Abstract: A V-blade for a snowplow, a snowplow incorporating the V-blade and a method of use thereof. The blade includes left and right wings engaged with a central shaft. A trip edge is provided on each wing and includes a lower section of moldboard, a cutting edge, and snow shield engaged with an upper section of the moldboard via a biasing assembly. The assembly biases the trip edge into alignment with the upper section. When an obstacle on the surface is struck by the trip edge, the trip edge pivots relative to the upper section about a horizontal axis extending along a shaft of the biasing assembly. A translation assembly causes the trip edge to move laterally in a first direction away from the central shaft and parallel to the vertical axis extending therealong. The trip edge returns to its original position under spring force.

Abstract: A boom mower attachment that moves a cutting mechanism in a first movement, a second movement, and a third movement by only using two motions of a single control and method of use thereof is provided. The boom mower may include a frame, a boom assembly carried by the frame, a cutting mechanism operably engaged with the boom assembly, and at least one translation assembly operably engaged with the boom assembly and the cutting mechanism that moves the cutting mechanism in one or more of the first movement, the second movement, and the third movement. An implement control system including a control, at least one function switching mechanism, and an implement is also provided. Activation of the control is operative to move the implement in a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode by only using two motions of the control.

Abstract: A boom mower attachment that moves a cutting mechanism in a first movement, a second movement, and a third movement by only using two motions of a single control and method of use thereof is provided. The boom mower may include a frame, a boom assembly carried by the frame, a cutting mechanism operably engaged with the boom assembly, and at least one translation assembly operably engaged with the boom assembly and the cutting mechanism that moves the cutting mechanism in one or more of the first movement, the second movement, and the third movement. An implement control system including a control, at least one function switching mechanism, and an implement is also provided. Activation of the control is operative to move the implement in a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode by only using two motions of the control.

Abstract: Skid-steer type power unit engageable with an implement using an attachment assembly including an attachment frame and a hitch. An arcuate frame member is located forwardly of the attachment frame and is engaged therewith in such a way that the frame member pivots about a vertical axis located forwardly of the frame member and generally centrally positioned relative to the attachment frame. The frame member pivots in response to actuation of a hydraulic cylinder. The power unit includes a system for transferring weight of the implement rearwardly onto the power unit. A belt-drive power-take off system on the power unit powers the implement's operation. An underbelly drop spreader is located between the front and rear wheels of the power unit and a brine delivery system distributes brine from nozzles located rearwardly of the rear wheels. A unique control panel permits operation of all systems on the power unit and implement.

Abstract: A boom mower attachment that moves a cutting mechanism in a first movement, a second movement, and a third movement by only using two motions of a single control and method of use thereof is provided. The boom mower may include a frame, a boom assembly carried by the frame, a cutting mechanism operably engaged with the boom assembly, and at least one translation assembly operably engaged with the boom assembly and the cutting mechanism that moves the cutting mechanism in one or more of the first movement, the second movement, and the third movement. An implement control system including a control, at least one function switching mechanism, and an implement is also provided. Activation of the control is operative to move the implement in a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode by only using two motions of the control.

Abstract: A wide area mower with an open-box structure mower deck. The deck has a width from the left to right side of about 72 to 120 inches. The deck's length is about 24 to 70 inches. A left and right front wheel are positioned in front of the deck. The wide mower deck will flex, twist, or bend when one of the left or right wheels travels over uneven terrain while the rest of the mower travels over substantially level terrain. A cutting height adjustment mechanism is provided on the mower that allows an operator to raise or lower an entire left side or an entire right side of the mower deck to a selected cutting height. This is done simply by disengaging a locking mechanism and manipulating a lever on a four-bar linkage attached to each side of the deck and then re-engaging the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A wide area mower with an open-box structure mower deck. The deck has a width from the left to right side of about 72 to 120 inches. The deck's length is about 24 to 70 inches. A left and right front wheel are positioned in front of the deck. The wide mower deck will flex, twist, or bend when one of the left or right wheels travels over uneven terrain while the rest of the mower travels over substantially level terrain. A cutting height adjustment mechanism is provided on the mower that allows an operator to raise or lower an entire left side or an entire right side of the mower deck to a selected cutting height. This is done simply by disengaging a locking mechanism and manipulating a lever on a four-bar linkage attached to each side of the deck and then re-engaging the locking mechanism.

Abstract: Skid-steer type power unit engageable with an implement using an attachment assembly including an attachment frame and a hitch. An arcuate frame member is located forwardly of the attachment frame and is engaged therewith in such a way that the frame member pivots about a vertical axis located forwardly of the frame member and generally centrally positioned relative to the attachment frame. The frame member pivots in response to actuation of a hydraulic cylinder. The power unit includes a system for transferring weight of the implement rearwardly onto the power unit. A belt-drive power-take off system on the power unit powers the implement's operation. An underbelly drop spreader is located between the front and rear wheels of the power unit and a brine delivery system distributes brine from nozzles located rearwardly of the rear wheels. A unique control panel permits operation of all systems on the power unit and implement.

Abstract: An attachment system for removably attaching an implement under a vehicle. The mounting system includes a vehicle frame. The vehicle frame has a pair of spaced apart frame portions. Each of a pair of hitch receiving points is connectable with a respective one of the frame portions. An implement includes support structure extending for a length. A pair of hitch pins is associated with the support structure. The hitch pins are spaced apart in a direction along the length of the support structure. Each hitch pin is for attachment to a respective one of the hitch receiving points. A structural member is associated with the support structure and has a portion adapted to attach to structure outboard of a frame portion. A lift mechanism is connectable with a portion of the vehicle frame. The lift mechanism is attachable with the structural member to move the hitch pins relative to the hitch receiving points.

Abstract: An attachment system for removably attaching an implement under a vehicle. The mounting system includes a vehicle frame. The vehicle frame has a pair of spaced apart frame portions. Each of a pair of hitch receiving points is connectable with a respective one of the frame portions. An implement includes support structure extending for a length. A pair of hitch pins is associated with the support structure. The hitch pins are spaced apart in a direction along the length of the support structure. Each hitch pin is for attachment to a respective one of the hitch receiving points. A structural member is associated with the support structure and has a portion adapted to attach to structure outboard of a frame portion. A lift mechanism is connectable with a portion of the vehicle frame. The lift mechanism is attachable with the structural member to move the hitch pins relative to the hitch receiving points.

Abstract: A mower frame unit is operatively connected with a tractor device and the mower frame is moveable between a generally horizontal first position and a generally vertical second position. The mower frame is moveable from the first position to the second position via a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly carried by the mower frame to pivot the mower frame about a transverse axis. The mower frame carries a tensioner assembly that is operatively connected to a lock assembly. The tensioner assembly serves at least two purposes. Namely, to tension a belt operatively connected to mower blade and to maintain a portion of the lock assembly in a locked manner when the tensioner assembly is in a state of tension.

Abstract: An attachment system for removably attaching an implement under a vehicle. The mounting system includes a vehicle frame. The vehicle frame has a pair of spaced apart frame portions. Each of a pair of hitch receiving points is connectable with a respective one of the frame portions. An implement includes support structure extending for a length. A pair of hitch pins is associated with the support structure. The hitch pins are spaced apart in a direction along the length of the support structure. Each hitch pin is for attachment to a respective one of the hitch receiving points. A structural member is associated with the support structure and has a portion adapted to attach to structure outboard of a frame portion. A lift mechanism is connectable with a portion of the vehicle frame. The lift mechanism is attachable with the structural member to move the hitch pins relative to the hitch receiving points.

Abstract: A mower frame unit is operatively connected with a tractor device and the mower frame is moveable between a generally horizontal first position and a generally vertical second position. The mower frame is moveable from the first position to the second position via a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly carried by the mower frame to pivot the mower frame about a transverse axis. The mower frame carries a tensioner assembly that is operatively connected to a lock assembly. The tensioner assembly serves at least two purposes. Namely, to tension a belt operatively connected to mower blade and to maintain a portion of the lock assembly in a locked manner when the tensioner assembly is in a state of tension.

Abstract: A mower frame unit is operatively connected with a tractor device and the mower frame is moveable between a generally horizontal first position and a generally vertical second position. The mower frame is moveable from the first position to the second position via a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly carried by the mower frame to pivot the mower frame about a transverse axis. The mower frame carries a tensioner assembly that is operatively connected to a lock assembly. The tensioner assembly serves at least two purposes. Namely, to tension a belt operatively connected to mower blade and to maintain a portion of the lock assembly in a locked manner when the tensioner assembly is in a state of tension.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a sidewalk drop spreader for winter services, which is mountable on a vehicle and includes a hopper. The hopper includes a pair of spaced-apart side walls, each one of which extends parallel to the other one of the side walls, a front wall extending between the side walls, and a rear wall extending between the side walls and being spaced apart from the front wall. The hopper also includes a bottom, which in turn includes a rotatable rotor and a compression roller that extend parallel to one another between said the side walls. An agitation system includes a motor mounted to the hopper, which actuates movement of a selected one of the side walls, front wall, and rear wall.

Abstract: A drive system for all-wheel drive vehicles is provided having separate front and rear transaxles powered by a single engine through a power transfer system. The transaxles each include a hydrostatic transmission and an axle, the hydrostatic gearing system within the hydrostatic transmission serving, in conventional manner, to transfer power from the engine to the axle and drive wheel or wheels. Thus, the front and rear transmissions each may include driving shafts, lay shafts, gear wheels, differentials, and/or other drive train entities employed in the art. A single shifting mechanism associated with the gear systems within each hydrostatic transmission is employed to operate the separate hydrostatic transmissions in harmony.

Abstract: A multi-function control system for use with an articulated vehicle for controlling speed and forward and rear movement of the vehicle through a single control. The system includes an operating lever connected to the vehicle by a double pivot and movable in a first direction to control the forward and reverse movement of the vehicle and in a second direction, normal to the first, to control movement of attachments carried by a hitch attached to the front of the vehicle simultaneously. A second operating lever may be connected to the vehicle by a double pivot and connected to the hydraulic valve for the hitch so that the hitch may be operated independently upon movement of the second lever alone in the second direction. The first and second operating levers are connected for movement together in the first direction.