Abstract: A computer controlled all-in-one reel mower sharpener and roller alignment system can be rolled under a mower to be conditioned. No removal of the cutting unit is needed. A linear voltage displacement transducer (LVDT 715 or a mechanical dial indicator 7155; alternatively a friction wheel 7150 with a rotary encoder 7151 may be used, or any combination of sensors 715, 7155, 7151) or equivalent instructs the machinist how to align the front and rear rollers in parallel. A laser scanner or probe determines the location for the cutter, and then the machining head sharpens each blade automatically. A separate cutter sharpens the bed knife. Most all mowers can be conditioned based on the laser or probe calibration of the blade size. The laser or probe measures the height of cut by sensing the blade location.

Abstract: A computer controlled all-in-one reel mower sharpener and roller alignment system can be rolled under a mower to be conditioned. No removal of the cutting unit is needed. A linear voltage displacement transducer (LVDT 715 or a mechanical dial indicator 7155; alternatively a friction wheel 7150 with a rotary encoder 7151 may be used, or any combination of sensors 715, 7155, 7151) or equivalent instructs the machinist how to align the front and rear rollers in parallel. A laser scanner or probe determines the location for the cutter, and then the machining head sharpens each blade automatically. A separate cutter sharpens the bed knife. Most all mowers can be conditioned based on the laser or probe calibration of the blade size. The laser or probe measures the height of cut by sensing the blade location.

Abstract: A portable lift table is described having a wheeled frame, a table with a workpiece support surface, and elevating means for selectively raising and lowering the table. The workpiece support surface may be positioned at two different heights relative to the elevating means. The table can be raised to a height greater than that of the mast of the apparatus. The lift table is useful for carrying a workpiece from the floor to a workbench or from low bench (or grinder) to workstation height. The table also preferably includes a roll gate to prevent objects from rolling off the end of the table.

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: An apparatus and method is disclcosed for cultivating soil and turf by utilization of pressurized liquid injected into the soil and turf. A roller assembly (33) is provided for applying mechanical pressure to the turf after cultivation. Further, a means for setting a first speed in a transport mode and a second speed in a cultivating mode is provided. The apparatus is designed to be bidirectional to allow the apparatus to be used in both a forward and reverse direction. The flow of the pressurized liquid is controlled to be at intervals of from about 0.010 to 0.065 seconds and at pressures from about 2,300 psi to about 5,500 psi through nozzles having diameters of from about 0.033 to about 0.090 inches. The apparatus (10) utilizes a water hammer effect to effect the flow of pressurized liquid out of the nozzles 55 and has found a relationship in the pressure and pounds per square inch of the cross-sectional area of the bore of the manifold to the accumulated area of the output ports of the nozzles.