Abstract: A drive system for use with an endless drive member, e.g., a belt. The drive system may utilize an idler pulley that, in a first position, tensions the belt sufficiently to ensure power transmission between a driving pulley and a driven pulley. The idler pulley may be also be moved to a second position. In the second position, the idler pulley may both: relax tension in the belt to terminate power transmission to the driven pulley; and contact a brake member to quickly stop idler pulley rotation. Belt tension may then stop rotation of downstream driven pulleys. As a result, disengagement of the drive system and active braking of the idler pulley (and thus the driven pulleys) may both be accomplished via a single motion of the idler pulley.

Abstract: A drive system for use with an endless drive member, e.g., a belt. The drive system may utilize an idler pulley that, in a first position, tensions the belt sufficiently to ensure power transmission between a driving pulley and a driven pulley. The idler pulley may be also be moved to a second position. In the second position, the idler pulley may both: relax tension in the belt to terminate power transmission to the driven pulley; and contact a brake member to quickly stop idler pulley rotation. Belt tension may then stop rotation of downstream driven pulleys. As a result, disengagement of the drive system and active braking of the idler pulley (and thus the driven pulleys) may both be accomplished via a single motion of the idler pulley.

Abstract: A mower blade driver spindle assembly and cutting deck incorporating the same. The spindle assembly may include a spindle shaft having a first end and a first anti-rotate surface, e.g., a female spline, at or near the first end. A bushing may be included that provides a second anti-rotate surface, e.g., a male spline, for engaging the first anti-rotate surface such that little or no relative rotation occurs between the bushing and the spindle shaft. The bushing may also include a flange for holding the cutting blade against the first end of the spindle shaft.

Abstract: A pivot assembly to permit relative pivotal motion of a sleeve of the pivot assembly about a pivot axis. The pivot assembly may contain a spherical bearing assembly therein. The spherical bearing assembly may include a spherical portion and a tubular portion, wherein the tubular portion is operable to form a sealing surface, e.g., a sealing member may seal directly with the tubular portion.