Abstract: A mower deck grass collector chute includes an inlet connected to a side discharge opening in a mower deck, and a tubular portion that extends upwardly and rearwardly to an outlet. The inlet is positioned under the horizontal deck surface and has a curved surface extending forwardly under the mower deck around the perimeter of a first cutting chamber. A forward end of the curved surface may be in front of the first cutting chamber.

Abstract: A mower deck grass collector chute includes an inlet connected to a side discharge opening in a mower deck, and a tubular portion that extends upwardly and rearwardly to an outlet. The inlet is positioned under the horizontal deck surface and has a curved surface extending forwardly under the mower deck around the perimeter of a first cutting chamber. A forward end of the curved surface may be in front of the first cutting chamber.

Abstract: A cargo box for a utility vehicle has a metal floor and composite polymer side panels. The side panels may be fastened to the floor such that relative movement may occur. Stiffening members resist rearward movement of the side panels that could result in a gap between the cargo box and tail gate.

Abstract: A belt drive mechanism for transmitting power from a vehicle's power source to a mower deck vertically shiftably coupled with the vehicle, and having a primary belt driven by an output sheave coupled with the vehicle power source, a double pulley jacksheave driven by the primary belt, and a secondary belt driven by the jacksheave and operatively engaged with mower deck sheaves which drive mower blades within the mower deck. A support member extends between the mower deck and the vehicle for supporting the jacksheave, the support member being pivotal with respect to both the mower deck and the vehicle for shifting the position of the jacksheave to a position vertically between the output sheive and the mower deck sheaves as the mower deck shifts vertically. The jacksheave pivots with the support member to assume a tilted position when the mower deck is shifted vertically.

Abstract: An adjustable belt retainer is provided for use with a belt driven mechanism, such as an auxiliary blower for a mower deck. The retainer allows quick and easy adjustment between a belt retaining and a belt removal position. Its L-shaped with one leg being slidably mounted to the housing, the other leg extending adjacent the belt near its contact with the pulley. A releasable stop is provided between the housing and retainer being biased towards engagement to maintain a retainer in its belt retaining position. A finger handle is provided to allow the operator to disengage the stop easily without the need for tools and guide surfaces are provided to allow quick and easy sliding adjustment of the retainer between its two positions.

Abstract: An anti-wrap structure is provided for the bearing support of a blower fan blade carried at the edge of a multi-spindle mower deck. The blower fan shaft is supported at one end with the fan carried at its other end to facilitate improved material flow to and through the blower. On bearing support for the shaft is carried within the blower fan chamber to narrow its width and minimize the difficulty in cutting close to obstacles. Surrounding the bearing within the housing is the anti-wrap structure to protect the bearing against trash accumulation and blower clogs.

Abstract: A mounting structure for drivingly connecting a belt driven attachment such as an auxiliary blower to a mower deck or similar implement. The connecting structure includes a pivot and sleeve arrangement between one end of the blower and the mower deck for quickly and easily positioning the blower on the mower deck. The pivot then allows for the blower to be swung around adjacent to the mower deck to permit a latching mechanism to be engaged between the mower deck and the blower. The combination latching and belt tensioning mechanism permits generally simultaneous belt tensioning for belt driven blowers as the rear of the blower is latched to the mower deck. Should the latch not be aligned and, therefore, not secure the mower to the blower deck, provision is made for the belt tensioning arrangement to not engage the blower attachment adequately with the mower's belt drive.

Abstract: A swingable cover is provided for the discharge opening of the auxiliary blower which assists movement of material from a mower deck to the collector system. The cover is biased towards a closed position to cover the outlet leading from the blower impeller when the outlet duct is uncoupled from the discharge duct leading to the collector system. The cover is preferably made of a plastic material and includes first and second latching means to hold it respectively in its coupled or uncoupled positions.