Abstract: An improved drive structure is provided for use between a lawn and garden type vehicle and a vertically adjustable belt driven, belly-mounted implement such as a rotary mower. The structure is usable with a standard length engine crankshaft which is mountable to project below the vehicle chassis and power the belt driven mower. It includes a stub shaft extension that is adapted to carry an electric clutch as well as a pulley for driving a belt entrained around the mower spindle pulleys. The extension permits positive power transmission to the drive pulley and also allows for it to be mounted substantially horizontal with the implement pulleys as they are shifted vertically in response to height of cut adjustments and/or variation in terrain. The extension further eliminates the need for jacksheave power relay arrangements commonly used to reduce the angles of drive belt entry and exit into and out of drive and driven pulleys.

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.

Abstract: A plastic monocoque body useful with small vehicles, such as lawn and garden tractors. A lower fiberglass reinforced plastic frame member is bonded to two upper body members to form a monocoque body. The assembly incorporates attaching, pivot and support structures for the engine, transaxle and drive wheels, steerable front wheels, steering mechanism, clutch and brake pedals and control linkages, shift and throttle controls and linkages, adjustable mower deck, adjustable seat and battery. Through utilizing the net shape manufacturing process, no metal skeleton is required, thereby reducing the expense and complexity of manufacture, assembly and paint operations.

Abstract: A material collection mechanism coupled with a mowing vehicle and having a container mechanism or a flexible bag for receiving air and air-borne material, and within which the material may accumulate. A support mechanism is coupled with an attachment mechanism and extends upwardly therefrom for supporting the container. The support mechanism includes a generally vertically extending chamber for rigidifying the support mechanism, and is also adapted to receive air from the container for channeling the air downwardly for discharge adjacent to the ground. An attachment mechanism is provided for coupling the material collection mechanism with the vehicle. A mechanism is provided for maintaining the bags in material receiving position.

Abstract: A mower deck within which a blade coupled with a vertical shaft rotates for cutting vegetation. The deck includes a generally horizontal central portion, and side walls downwardly extending from the central portion. The central portion and side walls form a compartment within which the blade rotates to cut vegetation. A vertically extending and generally cylindrical portion is formed integral with the central portion for operatively supporting the vertical shaft for rotation during mowing operation. Two bearings are positioned within the cylindrical portion for rotatably supporting the vertical shaft. A radially inwardly extending portion is formed within the cylindrical portion and is positioned between the bearings for vertically locating the bearings within the cylinder. The inwardly extending portion is formed integral with the cylindrical portion. The radially inwardly extending portion includes a plurality of vertically extending support ribs for vertically locating the bearings within the cylinder.

Abstract: An engine-transaxle-belt drive configuration is provided for a lawn and garden rear engine vehicle. The transaxle housing has been adapted to receive the engine drive pulley and electric clutch in order to lower the engine mounting and vehicle center of gravity. A releasable fastening structure is provided to facilitate clutch movement and removal of the transmission and implement drive belts.

Abstract: An adjustable depth gauge attachment is provided for use with implements, such as rotary mowers and other vegetation cutting apparatus. The depth gauge takes the form of a hemispherically-shaped skid element carried on an adjustable leg. The gauge is optionally carried by a bracket which can be mounted to a mower deck as an aftermarket addition. The hemispherical skid element serves to provide skidding depth gauging, as well as minimize scalping when uneven terrain is encountered.