Abstract: Lift forks for use in lifting equipment such as utility vehicles (e.g., three-wheeled commercial mowers, four-wheeled vehicles, outdoor power equipment, etc.) for inspection, servicing and repair purposes. The lift forks are attachable to tool bars. The lift forks are movable along the tool bars and are also movable transversely of the tool bars so that the lift forks can engage the wheels of a vehicle to be lifted even when the vehicle is not aligned parallel to the tool bars. When the tool bars are raised, the lift forks cause the vehicle to be lifted.

Abstract: Methods for lifting equipment such as utility vehicles (e.g., three-wheeled commercial mowers, four-wheeled vehicles, outdoor power equipment, etc.) for inspection, servicing and repair purposes are disclosed. The lifting methods use apparatus which includes spaced-apart tool bars and wheel lift means carried by the tool bars. The wheel lift means are movable along the tool bars and preferably are also movable transversely of the tool bars and are able to engage the wheels of the vehicle even when the vehicle is not aligned parallel to the tool bars. When the tool bars are raised, the wheel lift means cause the vehicle to be lifted. The underside of the vehicle is unobstructed to enable access to all portions of the vehicle or its components (e.g., cutting blade, etc.). The apparatus preferably includes releasable locking members for preventing the tool bars from moving downwardly.

Abstract: Lift attachment devices are described for detachably connecting an item to be lifted (e.g., a lawn mower) to lift apparatus (e.g., the type which includes an elevatable tool bar). The attachment devices each include a hanger for attaching the device to the tool bar and a clamp to detachably connect to the item to be lifted. The clamp support can be rotated relative to the hanger and then selectively locked in a desired position. The attachment devices enable a variety of items to be elevated by a conventional lift so that servicing and repair of the items can be performed efficiently. Lift apparatus is also described for connecting an item to be lifted to an elevatable tool bar.

Abstract: A hydraulic power system for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid from a reservoir to a supply line. The system includes a pressure release valve in the supply line to release hydraulic pressure simply and effectively. The power system is especially useful in lift apparatus for lifting vehicles.

Abstract: A pressure release valve for use in a supply line of pressurized fluid. The valve includes a housing, a valve for closing a passageway, and a control for tilting the valve to release pressure in the supply line. The release valve is more easily opened than conventional release valves.

Abstract: Lifting apparatus for lifting equipment such as utility vehicles (e.g., three-wheeled commercial mowers, four-wheeled vehicles, outdooor power equipment, etc.) for inspection, servicing and repair purposes. The lifting apparatus includes spaced-apart tool bars and wheel lift device carried by the tool bars. The wheel lift device is movable along the tool bars and preferably are also movable transversely of the tool bars and are able to engage the wheels of the vehicle even when the vehicle is not aligned parallel to the tool bars. When the tool bars are raised, the wheel lift device causes the vehicle to be lifted. The underside of the vehicle is unobstructed to enable access to all portions of the vehicle or its components (e.g., cutting blades, etc.). The lifting apparatus preferably includes releasable locking members for preventing the tool bars from moving downwardly.

Abstract: A safety lock system for use in lift apparatus to prevent tool bar members from lowering from an elevated position. The system includes vertical racks secured to tool bars, locking members, and lock release devices for simultaneously releasing the locking members from the locked position to a released position. The lock members can be released from one location.

Abstract: A warning system for use in lifting apparatus to signal when an object has been lifted to a predetermined elevation. A source of electromagnetic energy and a photodetector cooperate to create a beam which extends over the object being lifted. When the object obstructs the beam, an alarm is activated.

Abstract: A grooming reel is carried on a greenmower between the front roller and the cutting reel. An improved adjustment unit is provided for changing the height of the grooming reel relative to the ground. The adjustment unit comprises an elongated rod connected to a support member on which the grooming reel is carried. A rotatable knob longitudinally draws the rod slightly along its axis to fine-tune the operating position of the grooming reel. In addition, the rod can be moved along its axis to raise and lower the grooming reel between an upper position and the operating position without disturbing the adjustment of the grooming reel in its operating position.