Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for controlling a self-propelled machine wherein the apparatuses and methods include a handle and a control device and can utilize first and second linking members. The control device is pivotably coupled to the handle, and includes a slidable control portion that is linearly translatable relative to the handle. The first linking member includes a first proximal section that is coupled to the control device, and a first distal section that is engagable with the machine. The first linking member is actuatable in response to pivoting of the control device. The second linking member includes a second proximal section coupled to the control device and a first distal section engagable with a transmission. The second linking member is actuatable in response to sliding of the slidable control portion. The control device can be pivoted between an ON state and an OFF state to implement operator presence control.

Abstract: A lawnmower is convertible between a bagging mode and a mulching mode. The convertible lawnmower includes a cutter housing having a discharge opening, an engine mount centrally positioned on the cutter housing, a prime mover supported on the engine mount, a rotary mulching blade coupled to the prime mover to rotate in a cutting plane about a rotation axis within the cutter housing, a cover and a fin extending from the cover toward the cutting plane. The cover is movably mounted within the cutter housing in a plane parallel to the cutting plane and between a full bagging position where the discharge opening is unobstructed by the cover and a full mulching position where the cover obstructs the discharge opening.

Abstract: Chute apparatuses and methods are disclosed for use with a mowing machine to selectively maintain cut grass clippings within the housing, such as for mulching, or to discharge the grass clippings from the housing through a discharge chute by selectively and easily opening the discharge chute. A chute flap attached to a mowing machine is selectively movable from a closed chute flap position where it can provide a portion of the housing for the mowing machine to an open chute flap position where the chute flap can provide a discharge chute for material such as cut grass to exit the housing. A retaining flap is selectively movable from a retaining position to a non-retaining position wherein the retaining flap can in its retaining position provide support to maintain the chute flap in either its closed or open chute flap position. The chute flap and the retaining flap can both be pivotable along different axes.

Abstract: A lawnmower is convertible between a bagging mode and a mulching mode. The convertible lawnmower includes a cutter housing having a discharge opening, an engine mount centrally positioned on the cutter housing, a prime mover supported on the engine mount, a rotary mulching blade coupled to the prime mover to rotate in a cutting plane about a rotation axis within the cutter housing, a cover and a fin extending from the cover toward the cutting plane. The cover is movably mounted within the cutter housing in a plane parallel to the cutting plane and between a fill bagging position where the discharge opening is unobstructed by the cover and a full mulching position where the cover obstructs the discharge opening.

Abstract: A lawnmower is convertible between a bagging mode and a mulching mode. The convertible lawnmower includes a cutter housing having a discharge opening, an engine mount centrally positioned on the cutter housing, a prime mover supported on the engine mount, a rotary mulching blade coupled to the prime mover to rotate in a cutting plane about a rotation axis within the cutter housing, a cover and a fin extending from the cover toward the cutting plane. The cover is movably mounted within the cutter housing in a plane parallel to the cutting plane and between a full bagging position where the discharge opening is unobstructed by the cover and a full mulching position where the cover obstructs the discharge opening.

Abstract: A power equipment apparatus includes an internal combustion engine and a generator operatively connected to the engine, wherein the generator is configured to generate electrical power. A receptacle is configured to receive the electrical power from the generator and to provide a consumer with access to at least a portion of the electrical power.

Abstract: Mowing machine chute cleaner apparatuses and methods are disclosed including a housing and at least one rotatable blade positioned at least partially within the housing for cutting grass. The mowing machine includes a discharge chute for discharge of cut grass, wherein the discharge chute defining an exit opening, and the mowing machine includes a cover flap attached to the grass mowing machine and being movable from a closed position covering the discharge chute exit opening to an open position wherein the discharge chute exit opening is uncovered by the cover flap. The mowing machine also includes a movable clearing flap attached to the grass mowing machine which can be moved in a clearing motion through at least a portion of the discharge chute by movement of the cover flap to at least partially clear cut grass from the discharge chute.

Abstract: A power equipment apparatus includes an internal combustion engine and a generator operatively coupled to the engine, wherein the generator is configured to generate electrical power. A driven element such as a wheel is configured to be driven by an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to receive electrical power from the generator.

Abstract: A lawnmower is convertible between a bagging mode and a mulching mode. The convertible lawnmower includes a cutter housing having a discharge opening, an engine mount centrally positioned on the cutter housing, a prime mover supported on the engine mount, a mulching blade coupled to the prime mover to rotate in a blade circle within the cutter housing, a mounting ring rotatably mounted in the cutter housing, and a plate connected to the mounting ring. The plate translates along an arcuate path in the cutting chamber between a full bagging position where the plate is laterally spaced from the discharge opening and a full mulching position where the plate obstructs the discharge opening.

Abstract: A lawnmower is convertible between a bagging mode and a mulching mode. The convertible lawnmower includes a cutter housing having a discharge opening, an engine mount centrally positioned on the cutter housing, a prime mover supported on the engine mount, a mulching blade coupled to the prime mover to rotate in a blade circle within the cutter housing, a mounting ring rotatably mounted in the cutter housing, and a plate connected to the mounting ring. The plate translates along an arcuate path in the cutting chamber between a full bagging position where the plate is laterally spaced from the discharge opening and a full mulching position where the plate obstructs the discharge opening.

Abstract: A lawnmower is convertible between a bagging mode and a mulching mode. The convertible lawnmower includes a cutter housing having a discharge opening, an engine mount centrally positioned on the cutter housing, a prime mover supported on the engine mount, a rotary mulching blade coupled to the prime mover to rotate in a cutting plane about a rotation axis within the cutter housing, a cover and a fin extending from the cover toward the cutting plane. The cover is movably mounted within the cutter housing in a plane parallel to the cutting plane and between a fill bagging position where the discharge opening is unobstructed by the cover and a full mulching position where the cover obstructs the discharge opening.

Abstract: A lawnmower is convertible between a bagging mode and a mulching mode. The convertible lawnmower includes a cutter housing having a discharge opening, an engine mount centrally positioned on the cutter housing, a prime mover supported on the engine mount, a mulching blade coupled to the prime mover to rotate in a blade circle within the cutter housing, a mounting ring rotatably mounted in the cutter housing, and a plate connected to the mounting ring. The plate translates along an arcuate path in the cutting chamber between a full bagging position where the plate is laterally spaced from the discharge opening and a full mulching position where the plate obstructs the discharge opening.

Abstract: Mowing machine chute cleaner apparatuses and methods are disclosed including a housing and at least one rotatable blade positioned at least partially within the housing for cutting grass. The mowing machine includes a discharge chute for discharge of cut grass, wherein the discharge chute defining an exit opening, and the mowing machine includes a cover flap attached to the grass mowing machine and being movable from a closed position covering the discharge chute exit opening to an open position wherein the discharge chute exit opening is uncovered by the cover flap. The mowing machine also includes a movable clearing flap attached to the grass mowing machine which can be moved in a clearing motion through at least a portion of the discharge chute by movement of the cover flap to at least partially clear cut grass from the discharge chute.

Abstract: A lawnmower deck includes a deck sub-assembly and a stiffener. The deck sub-assembly has a top surface, a skirt extending outwardly and downwardly from the top surface and encircling the top surface and a first stiffness. The skirt defines a cutting chamber underneath the top surface and a plurality of wheel mounts. The stiffener is connected to at least one of the top surface and the skirt. The stiffener and the deck sub-assembly together have a combined stiffness that is at least approximately 20% greater than the first stiffness.

Abstract: A power equipment apparatus includes an internal combustion engine and a generator operatively coupled to the engine, wherein the generator is configured to generate electrical power. A driven element such as a wheel is configured to be driven by an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to receive electrical power from the generator.

Abstract: A power equipment apparatus includes an internal combustion engine and a generator operatively connected to the engine, wherein the generator is configured to generate electrical power. A receptacle is configured to receive the electrical power from the generator and to provide a consumer with access to at least a portion of the electrical power.

Abstract: A lawnmower includes a cutter housing and an engine mount on the cutter housing. A prime mover is supported on the engine mount and a blade is coupled to the prime mover to rotate within the cutter housing. A plate translates within the cutter housing between a first position and a second position. Preferably, the cutter housing includes a discharge opening and the blade is a mulching blade. The first position is a full bagging position where the discharge opening is substantially unobstructed by the plate and the second position is a full mulching position where the plate substantially obstructs the discharge opening.

Abstract: A mowing machine chute cleaner apparatus and method including a housing and at least one rotatable blade positioned at least partially within the housing for cutting grass. The mowing machine includes a discharge chute for discharge of cut grass, wherein the discharge chute defining an exit opening, and the mowing machine includes a cover flap attached to the grass mowing machine and being movable from a closed position covering the discharge chute exit opening to an open position wherein the discharge chute exit opening is uncovered by the cover flap. The mowing machine also includes a movable clearing flap attached to the grass mowing machine which can be moved in a clearing motion through at least a portion of the discharge chute by movement of the cover flap to at least partially clear cut grass from the discharge chute.

Abstract: A mowing machine chute cleaner apparatus and method including a housing and at least one rotatable blade positioned at least partially within the housing for cutting grass. The mowing machine includes a discharge chute for discharge of cut grass, wherein the discharge chute defining an exit opening, and the mowing machine includes a cover flap attached to the grass mowing machine and being movable from a closed position covering the discharge chute exit opening to an open position wherein the discharge chute exit opening is uncovered by the cover flap. The mowing machine also includes a movable clearing flap attached to the grass mowing machine which can be moved in a clearing motion through at least a portion of the discharge chute by movement of the cover flap to at least partially clear cut grass from the discharge chute.