Abstract: In a mowing machine of the kind comprising a frame adapted to be mounted on a tractor three-point linkage, and a plurality of cutting units connected to the frame, including at least two laterally spaced side cutting units and a center cutting unit positioned so as, in use, to cut the swath between the two swaths cut by the side cutting units, the side cutting units are mounted directly on the frame, so that in use part of the weight of the frame is supported by the side cutting units, and the center cutting unit is mounted at the rear end of a mounting arm connected to the frame by a universal joint, biasing springs being connected between the frame and the mounting arm to increase the pressure exerted on the ground by the center cutting unit so that it takes some of the weight of the frame from the side units and ensures uniformity of cut. The universal joint between mounting arm and frame also allows the center unit to take the optimum line when the machine follows a curved path.

Abstract: A speed control mechanism for controlling the supply of driving power to traction means of a vehicle, comprising a single control member operable by the driver of the vehicle and movable continuously over a range of positions thereby to vary the speed of the traction means or the supply of power to the traction means. A selector device which can be set by the driver to a number of positions in each of which the device acts to limit the range of movement of the control member thereby to limit the range over which the speed of the traction means can be varied, or the range of power which can be supplied to the traction means, in response to movement of the control member.