Abstract: A passive self-adjusting standing platform assembly for a lawn maintenance apparatus having a frame. The passive self-adjusting standing platform assembly includes a base, a guide assembly attached to the base, and a platform assembly that is selectively movable or slidable relative to the guide assembly in order to maintain an operator in an upright or substantially vertical orientation as the lawn maintenance apparatus traverses uneven or sloped ground. The standing platform assembly further including a locking assembly for selectively locking the sliding or movement of the platform assembly relative to the guide assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a valve actuator comprising a release key defining an actuation axis, the release key having an engagement feature adapted for engagement with a bypass valve, a release mount defining a surface coaxial with the actuation axis, and a release key disposed within the release mount and interior adapted to rotate about the actuation axis, the release key having an engagement feature adapted for engagement with the bypass valve, a surface mated to the interior surface, a release key shoulder, a release key stem extending through the release mount, the release key stem having a flat; a spring engaged between the shoulder and the release mount; a release lever elongated to define a first axis and second axis, operationally engaged with the flat, and operable to apply torque to the release key; and a release rod engaged with the second lever axis.

Abstract: A single motor steering system is disclosed. One example embodiment is a steering system, comprising: first and second steerable wheels coupled to first and second wheel gears, respectively; a controller that generates a motor control signal based on an input signal; a steering motor configured to rotate a driven steering gear based on the motor control signal, wherein the driven steering gear is mechanically linked to a linked steering gear configured to rotate with the driven steering gear, wherein the driven steering gear is coupled to the first wheel gear such that rotation of the driven steering gear rotates the first wheel gear and the first steerable wheel to a first angle, and wherein the linked steering gear is coupled to the second wheel gear such that rotation of the linked steering gear rotates the second wheel gear and the second steerable wheel to a second angle.

Abstract: A chute control assembly for a snow thrower having a housing, handle, and a chute includes a control mechanism, a connecting mechanism, and a guide mechanism. The control mechanism includes an actuator mechanism that allows an operator to manually control the orientation of the chute from a position spaced apart from the chute. The connecting mechanism transfers rotation of the actuator mechanism to the guide mechanism. The guide mechanism is attached to the chute and rotates and adjust the orientation of the chute in response to rotation of the actuator mechanism in order to change the direction that snow is thrown from the snow thrower.

Abstract: A turf maintenance apparatus having folding handles facilitating compact storage is presented herein. The folding handles can be compressed or extended to adjust overall length and can rotate between an extended operator position and a folded storage position. Depending on implementation, the folding handles can be locked in the folded storage position and can also lock in the extended operator position. An operator presence device(s) can disable operation of a motor or engine when the handles are not locked in the extended operator position.

Abstract: A chute control assembly for a snow thrower having a housing, handle, and a chute includes a control mechanism, a connecting mechanism, and a guide mechanism. The control mechanism includes an actuator mechanism that allows an operator to manually control the orientation of the chute from a position spaced apart from the chute. The connecting mechanism transfers rotation of the actuator mechanism to the guide mechanism. The guide mechanism is attached to the chute and rotates and adjust the orientation of the chute in response to rotation of the actuator mechanism in order to change the direction that snow is thrown from the snow thrower.

Abstract: A passive self-adjusting seat assembly for a lawn maintenance vehicle having a frame. The passive self-adjusting seat assembly includes a base, a guide assembly attached to the base, and a platform assembly that is selectively movable or slidable relative to the guide assembly in order to maintain an operator in an upright or substantially vertical orientation as the lawn maintenance vehicle traverses uneven or sloped ground. The seat assembly further including a locking assembly for selectively locking the sliding or movement of the platform assembly relative to the guide assembly.

Abstract: A chute control assembly for a snow thrower having a housing, handle, and a chute includes a control mechanism, a connecting mechanism, and a guide mechanism. The control mechanism includes an actuator mechanism that allows an operator to manually control the orientation of the chute from a position spaced apart from the chute. The connecting mechanism transfers rotation of the actuator mechanism to the guide mechanism. The guide mechanism is attached to the chute and rotates and adjust the orientation of the chute in response to rotation of the actuator mechanism in order to change the direction that snow is thrown from the snow thrower.

Abstract: A turf maintenance apparatus having folding handles facilitating compact storage is presented herein. The folding handles can be compressed or extended to adjust overall length and can rotate between an extended operator position and a folded storage position. Depending on implementation, the folding handles can be locked in the folded storage position and can also lock in the extended operator position. One or more operator presence devices can disable operation of a motor or engine when deactivated. A first operator presence device can deactivate operation of the motor or engine when the folding handles are not locked in the extended operator position, and a second operator presence device can deactivate operation of the motor or engine absent an operator maintaining activation of the second operator presence device.

Abstract: A drive-by-wire steering system for a power equipment device is provided. One example embodiment comprises a steering interface system, a power steering system, and a communication link connecting the steering interface system and power steering system. The power steering system can adjust steering angle of wheels of the power equipment device based on inputs received from the steering interface system. The steering interface system can receive user inputs and provide powered feedback and/or a simulated caster effect via a steering interface. Additional embodiments include power equipment devices and steering interface systems.

Abstract: A high efficiency turf maintenance apparatus having low power consumption and good cutting performance including a bagging apparatus for turf clippings is presented herein. A blade configuration is disclosed to provide lift and to propel turf clippings from a mow deck to the bagging apparatus. Further, the blade configuration can be implemented with minimal increase in power consumption, allowing the bagging apparatus to be utilized with an electric motor power source with little or no impact on battery life.

Abstract: A chute control assembly for a snow thrower having a housing, handle, and a chute includes a control mechanism, a connecting mechanism, and a guide mechanism. The control mechanism includes an actuator mechanism that allows an operator to manually control the orientation of the chute from a position spaced apart from the chute. The connecting mechanism transfers rotation of the actuator mechanism to the guide mechanism. The guide mechanism is attached to the chute and rotates and adjust the orientation of the chute in response to rotation of the actuator mechanism in order to change the direction that snow is thrown from the snow thrower.

Abstract: A sand bunker rake/infield groomer vehicle having a frame; a plurality of wheels to traverse a driven surface, wherein the wheels are rotatably mounted to the frame; a power source mounted to the frame; and a rear attachment structure attached to the frame, wherein the rear attachment structure provides a joint enabling rotation; a bracket including a shaft wherein the bracket is configured to cooperate with an associated rake/grooming attachment; and a pivoting bracket mounted to the frame.

Abstract: A passive self-adjusting seat assembly for a lawn maintenance vehicle having a frame. The passive self-adjusting seat assembly includes a base, a guide assembly attached to the base, and a platform assembly that is selectively movable or slidable relative to the guide assembly in order to maintain an operator in an upright or substantially vertical orientation as the lawn maintenance vehicle traverses uneven or sloped ground. The seat assembly further including a locking assembly for selectively locking the sliding or movement of the platform assembly relative to the guide assembly.

Abstract: A chute control assembly for a snow thrower having a housing, handle, and a chute includes a control mechanism, a connecting mechanism, and a guide mechanism. The control mechanism includes an actuator mechanism that allows an operator to manually control the orientation of the chute from a position spaced apart from the chute. The connecting mechanism transfers rotation of the actuator mechanism to the guide mechanism. The guide mechanism is attached to the chute and rotates and adjust the orientation of the chute in response to rotation of the actuator mechanism in order to change the direction that snow is thrown from the snow thrower.

Abstract: A chute control assembly for a snow thrower having a housing, handle, and a chute includes a control mechanism, a connecting mechanism, and a guide mechanism. The control mechanism includes an actuator mechanism that allows an operator to manually control the orientation of the chute from a position spaced apart from the chute. The connecting mechanism transfers rotation of the actuator mechanism to the guide mechanism. The guide mechanism is attached to the chute and rotates and adjust the orientation of the chute in response to rotation of the actuator mechanism in order to change the direction that snow is thrown from the snow thrower.

Abstract: A sand bunker rake/infield groomer vehicle having a frame; a plurality of wheels to traverse a driven surface, wherein the wheels are rotatably mounted to the frame; a power source mounted to the frame; and a rear attachment structure attached to the frame, wherein the rear attachment structure provides a joint enabling rotation; a bracket including a shaft wherein the bracket is configured to cooperate with an associated rake/grooming attachment; and a pivoting bracket mounted to the frame.

Abstract: A chute control assembly for a snow thrower having a housing, handle, and a chute includes a control mechanism, a connecting mechanism, and a guide mechanism. The control mechanism includes an actuator mechanism that allows an operator to manually control the orientation of the chute from a position spaced apart from the chute. The connecting mechanism transfers rotation of the actuator mechanism to the guide mechanism. The guide mechanism is attached to the chute and rotates and adjust the orientation of the chute in response to rotation of the actuator mechanism in order to change the direction that snow is thrown from the snow thrower.