Abstract: A multi-blade mower deck with mulch/side discharge conversion includes a mulch gate mounted under the mower deck and connected to a vertical hinge under the mower deck. The mulch gate extends to the right and rearwardly around a portion of a perimeter of the right cutting chamber. A mulch gate lever on top of the mower deck is connected to the vertical hinge and pivots the mulch gate between the mulching position and a side discharge position. A baffle is removably attached under the mower deck and blocks a portion of a flow passage through the side skirt at the right of the right cutting chamber.

Abstract: A multi-blade mower deck with mulch/side discharge conversion includes a mulch gate mounted under the mower deck and connected to a vertical hinge under the mower deck. The mulch gate extends to the right and rearwardly around a portion of a perimeter of the right cutting chamber. A mulch gate lever on top of the mower deck is connected to the vertical hinge and pivots the mulch gate between the mulching position and a side discharge position. A baffle is removably attached under the mower deck and blocks a portion of a flow passage through the side skirt at the right of the right cutting chamber.

Abstract: A roller mechanism for a reel mower cutting unit, wherein the roller includes a spiral member fixed with a central tube member. The spiral member includes a radially outer edge portion which rolls in contact with the ground during operation.

Abstract: A control structure is provided for the swash plate of a hydraulic transmission pump. The structure is adapted to return the swash plate to its neutral orientation and thereby prevent creep or slight movement in the vehicle when the transmission is returned to neutral. The structure takes the form of a tapered hub adapted to be accurately mounted on a tapered swash plate control shaft and configured to be precisely received in a compatably shaped control lever. The lever, in turn, is actuated by the operator foot pedals and returned to its neutral setting by a V-type neutral cam locator. The hub is produced through a powder metal process and with its unique configuration for being mounted in a lever recess can be utilized with a variety of lever shapes and configurations to permit its use in a variety of vehicles and hydrostatic transmission models.

Abstract: A mechanism coupling a yoke and cutting unit to a push arm, and having an upright steering pivot mechanism which establishes a relatively large effective steering lever arm for decreasing scuffing of the turf by the rollers of the cutting units, and an inclined pivot mechanism having an axis which is directed generally toward the cutting unit to decrease the effective lever arm between the rollers and the pivot axis and thereby reduce turf scuffing during execution of turns during mowing operations.

Abstract: A mechanism for mounting a wheel to a mower deck having a mounting arm carrying a bolt. First bushings fitted within the wheel rotate about a sleeve fixed to the bolt. Second bushings adjacent the first bushings transfer axial forces from the wheel to the mounting arm. The second bushing is recessed within the first bushings in one embodiment, and within the wheel in another embodiment. Seals are formed between the second bushing and the first bushing in one embodiment, and between the second bushing and the wheel in the other embodiment in order to keep dirt and debris from coming between the contacting surfaces during operation.

Abstract: A mechanism for suspending an implement from a vehicle, such as a lawn and garden tractor. The mechanism includes front and rear supports between the vehicle and implement, the supports being adapted for quick and easy connection. The rear supports include spring-loaded J-pins connectable with the tractor lift linkage. The front support includes a U-shaped member, the base of which is receivable in upwardly opening jaws carried on the implement. The sides of the U-shaped member serve as draft links and are adjustably coupled with a cross member that is receivable in similar jaws carried by the tractor. A latch handle is connected to a bell crank which is provided on the cross member for tensioning the draft links and securing them in their tensioned configuration.

Abstract: A mower having a belt tensioner that includes a belt engaging primary pulley swingably supported by a primary arm. A rod coupled to the arm carries a spring that acts to push the pulley into engagement with the belt. The rod acts to pull the pulley away from the belt to release the tension in the belt for removal of the belt. A handle attached to the rod is turned by the operator to positively swing the pulley away from the belt. The handle may also be gripped by the operator's hand to lift that portion of the deck during operation to avoid gouging irregular ground conditions or striking obstructions.

Abstract: A belt driven rotary mower spindle and sheave assembly having a plurality of bushings, spacers and bearings compressed with the sheave on the spindle between a nut and a support or shoulder portion of the spindle. Rotational movement of the belt driven sheave is thereby frictionally transferred to the spindle. The assembly is carried within a housing on a mower deck, and a rotary cutting device is fixed to the lower end of the spindle.