Abstract: An articulate tow bar for use with a ride-on for pulling an independent mower unit. The tow bar has first and second members pivotally attached at adjacent ends by a lockable coupling that permits the members to be positioned alternately in a transport position or working position. The first member is pivotally attached to the tractor by a horizontal hinge and the second member is pivotally attached to the independent unit by a universal joint, the pivotal connections permit the tractor and independent unit to operate on hilly uneven terrain. Controls are located on the articulate tow bar adjacent the mower for operating the independent unit which allows the tow bar and the mower unit to be readily adaptable to conventional mowers.

Abstract: A clutching mechanism for a suspended belt driven mower assembly that automatically removes the mower drive belt from the pulley system when the mower assembly is raised. A brake contacts the endless drive belt when the mower is in the raised position to prevent movement of the belt. A belt retainer is positioned about one of the pulleys of the pulley system to retain the belt adjacent the pulleys when the belt tension is released. An electrical interlock system is provided to prevent the motor from being started in any position other than the mower assembly raised position.

Abstract: An improved, integrated three-point hitch arrangement is disclosed which includes a mounting arrangement for conveniently effecting a fixed connection to a tractor or the like. The hitch includes a pair of upper and lower arms pivotally connected to a mounting plate, with a pair of adjustable-length link members respectively interconnecting the upper and lower arms. Connector means are provided which permit limited relative pivotal movement of each link member with respect to the respective one of the upper arms about first and second perpendicular axes, with the connector means as permitting limited relative vertical movement of the link members to accommodate "floating" of the hitch-mounted implement. The integrated nature of the present hitch permits it to be very easily mounted on an associated tractor, with the mounting arrangement preferably configured to accommodate mounting on different tractor models.

Abstract: A hydraulic wood splitter is disclosed which is configured for highly efficient and convenient wood splitting operation. In order to retain wood being split in proper position on the frame of the splitter, the construction includes a wood-retaining configuration for the wood-abutting splitting rams of the construction. Each ram includes a peripherally extending retaining lip which cooperates with an elongated slot defined by the frame of the splitter for retention of wood in proper position thereon. Additionally, the splitting wedge of the device is provided with a dual-tapered or double-beveled configuration for further facilitating convenient and efficient wood splitting.

Abstract: A hydraulic wood splitter is disposed which includes a mounting arrangement for effecting a fixed connection to a tractor or the like, and vertically positionable wood supporting frame adapted to be moved vertically with respect to the mounting arrangement. A four-bar linkage arrangement is provided to accommodate selective vertical positioning of the splitter's frame, with a locking arrangement provided for selectively locking the frame at any desired elevation. The splitter further includes a self-elevating mechanism which is adapted for operative association with the splitter's hydraulic actuator for effecting raising and lowering of the wood supporting frame. Notably, the mounting arrangement of the present splitter is adapted to permit the splitter to be mounted on different tractors having attachment points at differing heights, with the splitter still being mounted at the same relative elevation with respect to the ground.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a tractor supported log splitter is disclosed to accommodate reorientation of the splitter with respect to the tractor hitch. The mounting arrangement includes a hitch adapter which supports a female socket, and a male plug connected to the log splitter which is adapted to be received within the female socket. Relative angular repositioning of the log splitter is provided by relative movement of the male plug within the female socket, with a locking mechanism provided so that the log splitter may be releasably locked in the selected position. In this way, the log splitter may be used in a conventional fashion by positioning logs atop its cutting table, or it may be rotated along a line generally parallel to the line of cutting action of the splitter so that logs may be split while they are on the ground without having to lift them onto the splitter cutting table.