Abstract: A large capacity, self-propelled walk-behind power tool, such as a lawn mower, employs gear-operated transmissions for independently driving each drive wheel. The transmission output shafts connect directly with the drive wheels, and clutch elements for use with the respective transmissions operably engage an input pulley to the transmission rather than an output pulley. The drive wheels are directly connected to the transmissions and the location of the clutching elements is within the periphery of the respective belts. The drive assembly is enclosed by the drive deck.

Abstract: A blade brake assembly is provided for use with a lawn mower having a self-propelled power deck with a pair of drive wheels and a mower deck supporting at least a mower blade driven by the power deck. In order to change the cutting height, the mower deck is pivotable with respect to the power deck. The blade brake assembly includes an actuator mounted to the power deck and shiftable in response to a brake command by an operator, a band brake operatively coupled to the mower blade, a center pivot mounted on the mower deck and fixed with respect thereto, and a pivot lever pivotally mounted on the center pivot and having a first end pivotally connected to an end of the actuator. Furthermore, a link member is pivotally connected at one end thereof to a second end of the pivot lever, opposite the first end, wherein the center pivot is intermediate the two ends of the pivot lever, and wherein the link member is connected at the second end thereof to the band brake.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for operatively connecting a sulky to a motorized vehicle. The sulky includes a support platform including a seat for an operator secured thereto and at least one wheel operatively, rotatably connected to the support platform. A hitch point is provided to be connected to a motorized vehicle. An upper support member includes a first end pivotally connected to the hitch point and a distal end extending a predetermined distance therefrom and being pivotally connected to the support platform. A lower support member includes a first end pivotally connected to the support platform and a distal end extending towards and being pivotally connected to the hitch point. The hitch point, upper support member and lower support member are operatively connected together for adjusting the disposition of a sulky relative to a motorized vehicle during the traversing of a crest in terrain and a ravine in terrain.

Abstract: A parking lock includes a support structure with steerable and rotatable wheels operatively mounted on the support structure. A locking wheel is operatively mounted on at least one of the steerable and rotatable wheel. A locking lever is pivotally mounted on the support structure. Receiving members are positioned on the locking wheel for operatively receiving the locking lever. A linkage is provided for operatively connecting the locking lever to the receiving members positioned on the locking wheel independently of the rotational and steering angle of the wheel.