Abstract: A clipper and herbicide or other chemical dispenser comprises a pair of pivotal handle members that are squeezed together to operate a shear mechanism and a chemical dispenser that dispenses chemical directly on the end of the cut stem after the stem has been cut. Preferably, a clamping mechanism clamps a plant stem in place below the shears while the shears cut the stem. The chemical dispenser includes a liquid pump actuated by the handles that pumps a discreet amount of chemical through an opening in a cutting blade at a time when the opening is aligned with the cut end of the plant stem. The dispenser has an outlet mounted on a dispenser arm that is moved away from the opening in the cutting blade by the upper plant stem as the stem is being cut. When the upper stem falls away, the dispenser arm pivots back to align the outlet with the opening in the cutting blade for chemical dispensation on the lower cut stem.

Abstract: A spindle assembly for a rotary mower comprises a spindle that is drivingly connected between an output shaft of a hydraulic motor or other rotary power source and a horizontal blade assembly, and a spindle housing that rotatably supports the spindle for rotation and thrust loads. The spindle is formed from conventional steel rod stock and is machined to produce an upper end of reduced diameter. An impeller and thrust washer fits on the narrower upper end of the spindle and is held in place by a tapered snap ring that fits in a tapered groove in the spindle. In at least one embodiment, radial grooves on the washer facilitate oil flow and assist to impel or pump oil or hydraulic fluid outwardly as the washer rotates. In various embodiments, case drain oil pressure or oil pressure produced by the washer causes oil flow over the spindle assembly bearing surfaces. The spindle assembly can include an oil leak detection passageway.

Abstract: A clipper and herbicide or other chemical dispenser comprises a pair of pivotal handle members that are squeezed together to operate a shear mechanism and a chemical dispenser that dispenses chemical directly on the end of the cut stem after the stem has been cut. Preferably, a clamping mechanism clamps a plant stem in place below the shears while the shears cut the stem. The chemical dispenser includes a liquid pump actuated by the handles that pumps a discreet amount of chemical through an opening in a cutting blade at a time when the opening is aligned with the cut end of the plant stem. The dispenser has an outlet mounted on a dispenser arm that is moved away from the opening in the cutting blade by the upper plant stem as the stem is being cut. When the upper stem falls away, the dispenser arm pivots back to align the outlet with the opening in the cutting blade for chemical dispensation on the lower cut stem.

Abstract: A spindle assembly for a rotary mower comprises a spindle that is drivingly connected between an output shaft of a hydraulic motor or other rotary power source and a horizontal blade assembly, and a spindle housing that rotatably supports the spindle for rotation and thrust loads. The spindle is formed from conventional steel rod stock and is machined to produce an upper end of reduced diameter. An impeller and thrust washer fits on the narrower upper end of the spindle and is held in place by a tapered snap ring that fits in a tapered groove in the spindle. In at least one embodiment, radial grooves on the washer facilitate oil flow and assist to impel or pump oil or hydraulic fluid outwardly as the washer rotates. In various aspects of the invention, case drain oil pressure or oil pressure produced by the washer causes oil flow over the spindle assembly bearing surfaces. The spindle assembly can include an oil leak detection passageway.