Abstract: An actuator has an actuator housing engaged to a portion of a transaxle housing to define a space. A clutch assembly has a support shaft extending through the actuator housing and rotatably supporting gears in the space. At least one pin extends through one gear and a spring urges the pin into engagement with a second gear. An adjustment nut extends through the actuator housing and engages the support shaft to adjustably compress the spring. The actuator may further have an actuator housing forming a motor chamber and a gear chamber. A mounting plate detachably couples the actuator and pump housings, and the plate defines an opening through which a pump control shaft extends. A worm drive is disposed in the gear chamber and driven by an electric motor shaft, and drives a spur gear reduction, the pump control shaft being controlled by the spur gear reduction.

Abstract: A vehicle having a pair of electric actuators for use with a pair of drive apparatuses is disclosed herein. For each actuator, an electric motor drives a reduction gear train to position a control shaft, the reduction gear train having a worm drive that motivates a spur gear reduction. The housing of the electric actuator features a motor chamber to accommodate the electric motor and is sealed by a cap having an electric connector.

Abstract: A utility vehicle having operator selectable onboard and remote controls also includes a prime mover and a power generating device driven thereby, first and second electric wheel motors, and a drive controller in communication with the wheel motors to control the output thereof and in communication with the onboard controls. A radio control receiver is in communication with the drive controller and with a radio control transmitter having steering and speed controls. The vehicle includes a control mode switch having a first position where the drive controller receives steering and speed control inputs from the onboard controls, and a second position where the drive controller receives steering and speed control inputs from the radio control transmitter.

Abstract: A utility vehicle having operator selectable onboard and remote controls also includes a prime mover and a power generating device driven thereby, first and second electric wheel motors, and a drive controller in communication with the wheel motors to control the output thereof and in communication with the onboard controls. A radio control receiver is in communication with the drive controller and with a radio control transmitter having steering and speed controls. The vehicle includes a control mode switch having a first position where the drive controller receives steering and speed control inputs from the onboard controls, and a second position where the drive controller receives steering and speed control inputs from the radio control transmitter.

Abstract: An electric actuator for use with a drive apparatus is disclosed herein. An electric motor drives a reduction gear train to position a control shaft, the reduction gear train having a worm drive that motivates a spur gear reduction. A slip clutch is disposed between the worm drive and spur gear reduction to protect the components of the reduction gear train, and to also place a limit on the torque applied to the control shaft. The housing of the electric actuator features a motor chamber to accommodate the electric motor and is sealed by a cap having an electric connector.

Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric drive motors for propelling a vehicle and electric auxiliary motors for performing work, such as electric deck motors for mower blades. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle. Controller assemblies and packaging for electronic control systems of electric motors utilized in utility vehicles or other power equipment are also disclosed. The controller assemblies are packaged for robust design and heat dissipation, while collectively housing the controllers, switches and sensors needed to operate multiple motors performing different functions, or the same function in serial.

Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric drive motors for propelling a vehicle and electric auxiliary motors for performing work, such as electric deck motors for mower blades. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle. Controller assemblies and packaging for electronic control systems of electric motors utilized in utility vehicles or other power equipment are also disclosed. The controller assemblies are packaged for robust design and heat dissipation, while collectively housing the controllers, switches and sensors needed to operate multiple motors performing different functions, or the same function in serial.

Abstract: A utility vehicle having operator selectable onboard and remote controls is disclosed herein. The vehicle includes a prime mover and a power generating device driven thereby, first and second wheel motors, a drive controller in communication with the first and second wheel motors to control the output thereof and in communication with onboard steering and speed controls. A radio control receiver is in communication with the drive controller and with a radio control transmitter having steering and speed controls. The vehicle includes a control mode switch having a first position where the drive controller receives steering and speed control inputs from the onboard steering and speed controls, and a second position where the drive controller receives steering and speed control inputs from the radio control transmitter.

Abstract: An electronic steering and control apparatus and related control methods for a pair of variable drive units. The variable drive units may be hydrostatic, continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), or other similar devices. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that may include a mowing deck.

Abstract: An electric actuator for use with a drive apparatus is disclosed herein. An electric motor drives a reduction gear train to position a control shaft, the reduction gear train having a worm drive that motivates a spur gear reduction. A slip clutch is disposed between the worm drive and spur gear reduction to protect the components of the reduction gear train, and to also place a limit on the torque applied to the control shaft. The housing of the electric actuator features a motor chamber to accommodate the electric motor and is sealed by a cap having an electric connector.

Abstract: An electric actuator for use with a drive apparatus is disclosed herein. The electric actuator has a rotary design incorporating a position sensor disposed to engage the end of a control shaft. An electric motor drives a reduction gear train to position the control shaft, the reduction gear train having a worm drive that motivates a spur gear reduction. A slip clutch is disposed between the worm drive and spur gear reduction to protect the components of the reduction gear train, and to also place a limit on the torque applied to the control shaft. The housing of the electric actuator features a motor chamber to accommodate the electric motor and is sealed by a cap having an electric connector. The actuator gears may be integrated in a common sump with the drive apparatus.

Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric drive motors for propelling a vehicle and electric auxiliary motors for performing work. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle. These features include a power take-off timeout, automatic fail-safe brake (parking), and customized drive characteristics.

Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric auxiliary motors for performing work, such as electric deck motors for mower blades. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electric motor includes an upper housing, a lower housing including a flange for mounting the upper housing thereon and a cone-shaped portion extending away from the flange and the upper housing. The electric motor further includes a stator assembly formed of a first core having a first height and fitted into the upper housing, a rotor assembly rigidly joined to a shaft to rotate therewith within the stator assembly and formed of a second core having a second height, and a hub connected to a lower end of the shaft to rotate therewith in relation to the cone-shaped portion. The hub is configured to secure an operable implement to the electric motor. The second height is greater than the first height.

Abstract: An electric actuator for use with a drive apparatus is disclosed herein. The electric actuator has a rotary design incorporating a position sensor disposed to engage the end of a control shaft. An electric motor drives a reduction gear train to position the control shaft, the reduction gear train having a worm drive that motivates a spur gear reduction. A slip clutch is disposed between the worm drive and spur gear reduction to protect the components of the reduction gear train, and to also place a limit on the torque applied to the control shaft. The housing of the electric actuator features a motor chamber to accommodate the electric motor and is sealed by a cap having an electric connector. The actuator gears may be integrated in a common sump with the drive apparatus.

Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric auxiliary motors for performing work, such as electric deck motors for mower blades. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle.

Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric drive motors for propelling a vehicle and electric auxiliary motors for performing work. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle. These features include a power take-off timeout, automatic fail-safe brake (parking), and customized drive characteristics.

Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric auxiliary motors for performing work, such as electric deck motors for mower blades. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic steering and control apparatus and related control methods for a pair of variable drive units. The variable drive units may be hydrostatic, continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), or other similar devices. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that may include a mowing deck.

Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric drive motors for propelling a vehicle and electric auxiliary motors for performing work. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle. These features include a power take-off timeout, automatic fail-safe brake (parking), and customized drive characteristics.