Abstract: A mechanism usable with a vehicle having a compartment for carrying a battery. The mechanism includes a cover shiftable in a first direction for generally enclosing the compartment. The cover includes latching member for securing the cover in a compartment enclosing position, and also includes an abutment structure for abutting the battery as the cover shifts in the first direction to enclose the compartment. The cover can be deflected further in the first direction to become latched in the compartment enclosing position with the battery in abutment with the abutment member. The latched and deflected cover acts to resiliently bias and press the battery into secure fixed position within the compartment.

Abstract: A pivotal throttle control lever having a plurality of primary flaps with teeth formed therein in an arc about the pivot axis of the lever. A plurality of ribs, each corresponding to a respective primary flap are provided for engaging the teeth as the lever is pivoted by the operator. The ribs deflect the primary flaps only as the teeth engage the ribs during pivotal shifting of the lever. The ribs are offset within respective spaces between the teeth such that the primary flaps alternate deflecting as the ribs encounter the teeth. A choke flap is formed integrally with the lever and deflects as a choke tooth abuts a first portion of the control quadrant. The choke tooth is positionable within an opening for securing the lever in the choke mode. The resistance to shifting created by the choke tooth in abutment with the first portion is great than the resistance created by the teeth encountering the ribs, such that the operator senses the position of the lever during shifting.

Abstract: A mechanism for selectively adjusting the cutting height of a mower deck carried by a vehicle having a frame. A laterally extending lift handle formed of a plastic material is engagable by the hand of the operator, and is pivotally coupled with the vehicle for pivoting motion about a generally horizontal axis as the operator lifts the first end portion. A pair of laterally spaced and generally spherical sockets are formed integral with the lift handle between the lift handle's first and second end portions. Each socket pivotally supports a ball member. Link members are provided having first portions coupled with respective ball members, and second portions pivotally coupled with the mower deck for vertically shifting the deck relative to the vehicle as the lift handle pivots. A four bar linkage is coupled between the vehicle and the deck for maintaining the deck in a generally level position throughout the deck's vertical range of motion.