Abstract: A quick coupler for mounting a variety of implements to a vehicle, such as a lawn and garden tractor, is provided. The coupler easily mounts on the vehicle and receives powered or non-powered implements. The coupler includes pivot structure and hydraulic actuators to allow it swinging movement about a horizontal axis or the implement angling movement about a vertical axis. Interference between the coupler structure and drive line of the vehicle is eliminated as the coupler or implement is swung about their respective axes by positioning the angling cylinder below the PTO drive line and locating it between two coupler frame plates.

Abstract: A hinge-latch structure is provided for the hood of a lawn and garden vehicle. The hinge structure includes dual pivots at the forward end of the hood to move the hood forwardly, upwardly and then swing it above a lateral axis to provide access to the engine compartment. An over-center spring mechanism serves to assist the operator in opening or closing the hood and further serves as a latch to urge the hood towards its closed position. A sliding seat latch is carried between the rear of the vehicle and the hood to guide the hood into place and prevent contact with control levers carried about the rear of the hood seating area.

Abstract: A tilt steering mechanism having a latch plate fixed to the vehicle and having recesses corresponding to particular tilted positions of the steering column. A member is carried by the steering column for tilting motion therewith, and has a first portion engagable with the recesses. A mechanism is provided for biasing the member toward engagement with the recesses, and includes a compression spring carried concentrically with the member and having a straightened portion abutable with a notch formed in the member. The member has a second portion that can be pushed by the operator to shift the member against the force of the biasing mechanism to disengage the member from the recesses. A mechanism is provided for enclosing the steering column and tilt mechanism throughout the range of tilting, and includes a cowl carried by a spring mounted on the steering column.

Abstract: The vehicle brake and transmission interlock system employs a right hand brake actuator and a left hand brake actuator tied to a cam plate having a formed opening, transmission control link has one end confined within the opening. Actuation of either the right or left hand brake actuator causes the cam plate to displace in a manner confining the travel distance of the transmission control rod which is tied into the transmission control system, thereby limited the output capabilities of the transmission. Full actuation of both the right hand and left hand brake actuator causes the transmission control rod to seat in the cam plate opening corresponding to a neutral transmission state.

Abstract: The safety start and shut-down system receives a current from a vehicle contained current source. The system receives the current and conducts the current through a plurality of contained switches so arranged such that an electrically activated clutch of a power take-off system cannot be activated or remain activated unless the vehicle's operator is properly stationed in the operator's station nor will the vehicle's engine remain operative.