Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of left hand control hydrostatic transaxles and a plurality of right hand controlled hydrostatic transaxles.

Abstract: A modular hydrostatic transaxle includes an axle module removably connected to a hydrostatic transmission module. The axle module includes a differential connected to a reduction gear train and disposed in an axle casing. A pair of axles are connected to the differential and supported within the axle casing. The hydrostatic transmission module comprises a transmission casing separate from the axle casing. The hydraulic motor output connection includes a shaft piloted to an input drive of the reduction gear train, which constitutes the alignment mechanism of the transmission and axle modules. A portion of the pump and motor block forms an inclined surface which supports a face of a thrust bearing. At least one homogeneous low friction bearing strip is confined between the swash plate and the interior portion of the casing. A disconnect mechanism includes a spring that urges a sleeve to engage the output and input shafts.

Abstract: A modular hydrostatic transaxle includes an axle module removably connected to a hydrostatic transmission module. The axle module includes a differential connected to a reduction gear train and disposed in an axle casing. A pair of axles are connected to the differential and supported within the axle casing. The hydrostatic transmission module comprises a transmission casing separate from the axle casing and hydraulically connected pump and motor disposed in the transmission casing. The motor output connection includes a shaft piloted to an input drive of the reduction gear train, which constitutes the alignment mechanism of the transmission and axle modules. The pump and motor cylinder barrels are hydraulically connected through the pump and motor block at 90° orientation, and a portion of the pump and motor block forms an inclined surface which supports a face of a thrust bearing.

Abstract: A modular hydrostatic transaxle includes an axle module removably connected to a hydrostatic transmission module. The axle module includes a differential connected to a reduction gear train and disposed in an axle casing. A pair of axles are connected to the differential and supported within the axle casing. The hydrostatic transmission module comprises a transmission casing separate from the axle casing and hydraulically connected pump and motor disposed in the transmission casing. The motor output connection includes a shaft piloted to an input drive of the reduction gear train, which constitutes the alignment mechanism of the transmission and axle modules. The pump and motor cylinder barrels are hydraulically connected through the pump and motor block at 90° orientation, and a portion of the pump and motor block forms an inclined surface which supports a face of a thrust bearing.

Abstract: A braking system for a small utility vehicle, such as a riding lawn mower or lawn tractor, comprising dual braking mechanisms each mounted on the transaxle of the vehicle proximal to the location at which the axles extend from the transaxle, which stop the vehicle by engaging a pair of brake discs each keyed to a respective one of the axles, where each of the braking mechanisms are actuated by the rotation of an attached brake arm having a cam surface that presses at least one friction puck against each respective brake disc.

Abstract: A transaxle including a self-adjusting brake mechanism. The transaxle includes a housing and a speed reduction mechanism including a plurality of interconnected shafts rotatably disposed in the housing. A brake assembly is mounted on the housing for applying braking force to one of the shafts, the braking mechanism including a threaded mounting member and a brake lever having an opening rotatably disposed around the threaded member. An adjustment nut is threadedly disposed on the mounting member and has a portion thereof disposed within the brake lever opening, the adjustment nut operable when rotated in a given direction to adjust the brake to compensate for wear. The brake lever opening has a pawl that cooperates with a plurality of ratchet teeth on the adjustment nut to adjust the brake mechanism for wear.