Abstract: A utility vehicle powertrain enclosure includes an engine and a transmission mounted to a carrier under a utility vehicle cargo box and substantially enclosed by the carrier and a plurality of panels. The carrier has a forward end pivotably attached to a frame member of the utility vehicle, and sides flexibly connected to panels alongside the engine, and a rearward end mounted to the utility vehicle with a pair of suspension members.

Abstract: A utility vehicle powertrain enclosure includes an engine and a transmission mounted to a carrier under a utility vehicle cargo box and substantially enclosed by the carrier and a plurality of panels. The carrier has a forward end pivotably attached to a frame member of the utility vehicle, and sides flexibly connected to panels alongside the engine, and a rearward end mounted to the utility vehicle with a pair of suspension members.

Abstract: A utility vehicle throttle pedal includes a one piece molded plastic body pivotably mounted to a bracket, and having a face, an underside and first and second sidewalls between the face and underside. A throttle connect rod is positioned on the underside of the plastic body and has first and second ends entering first and second openings in the first and second sidewalls. A throttle cable is adjustably attached to the throttle connect rod. The throttle connect rod may be manually connected and disconnected from the throttle pedal without use of tools.

Abstract: A utility vehicle throttle pedal includes a one piece molded plastic body pivotably mounted to a bracket, and having a face, an underside and first and second sidewalls between the face and underside. A throttle connect rod is positioned on the underside of the plastic body and has first and second ends entering first and second openings in the first and second sidewalls. A throttle cable is adjustably attached to the throttle connect rod. The throttle connect rod may be manually connected and disconnected from the throttle pedal without use of tools.

Abstract: A mechanical front wheel drive roller wedging control system includes a 4WD switch in a vehicle operator station, a roller cage drag mechanism electrically activated by the 4WD switch and providing a drag on a roller cage if the 4WD switch is in an on position, and a throttle pedal switch actuated by the throttle pedal and that deactivates the roller cage drag mechanism when the throttle pedal is released.

Abstract: A mechanical front wheel drive roller wedging control system includes a 4WD switch in a vehicle operator station, a roller cage drag mechanism electrically activated by the 4WD switch and providing a drag on a roller cage if the 4WD switch is in an on position, and a throttle pedal switch actuated by the throttle pedal and that deactivates the roller cage drag mechanism when the throttle pedal is released.

Abstract: A radiator mounting arrangement on a utility vehicle with an injection molded top tank and bottom tank, the top tank having a plurality of integrally molded features extending upwardly therefrom. A wire form is attached to a frame member of the utility vehicle and engages the integrally molded features without fasteners.

Abstract: A radiator mounting arrangement on a utility vehicle with an injection molded top tank and bottom tank, the top tank having a plurality of integrally molded features extending upwardly therefrom. A wire form is attached to a frame member of the utility vehicle and engages the integrally molded features without fasteners.

Abstract: A plastic composite drive wheel is provided for use with larger vehicles such as lawn and garden tractors and rear engine riders. The plastic wheel includes spoke segments formed in the inner and outer faces of the wheel, the segments radially alternating between the inner and outer faces. Molded into the plastic wheel is a powdered metal insert, the insert including spokes or fingers which extend into each plastic wheel spoke segment. The insert is adapted to be fixably received with the drive axle of a transmission for transmitting the torque to the plastic wheel.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for adjusting the height of a mower deck includes a pivotable lift handle, a toothed member carried by the vehicle, and a rod-like member pivotally carried by the lift handle. A first portion of the rod engages the toothed member for maintaining the lift handle and mower deck at selected positions. A second portion of the rod radially offset from the first portion defines the axis about which the rod pivots during operation. First and second arcuate slots receive the first and second portions of the rod. The arc of the first slot has its center at a first position within the second slot, and the arc of the second slot has its center at a first position within the first slot. A blocking member carried by the lift handle is abuttable with the rod for preventing the first portion from pivoting to the first position whereat the second portion can pivot out of the second slot.