Abstract: A soil penetrating apparatus having an automatic tool (e.g., aerator tine) depth control system and method. The system includes an actuator that sets and controls tine depth, a sensor that monitors tine depth, and a controller that controls the actuator in response to the sensor. In some embodiments, the actuator is a hydraulic actuator, wherein once tine depth is set, flow to the actuator is bypassed. A relief may be provided to allow the tines to lift to a shallower depth temporarily when soil hardness exceeds a threshold. The system may then automatically return the tines to the pre-selected depth once soil conditions permit.

Abstract: A soil penetrating apparatus having an automatic tool (e.g., aerator tine) depth control system and method. The system includes an actuator that sets and controls tine depth, a sensor that monitors tine depth, and a controller that controls the actuator in response to the sensor. In some embodiments, the actuator is a hydraulic actuator, wherein once tine depth is set, flow to the actuator is bypassed. A relief may be provided to allow the tines to lift to a shallower depth temporarily when soil hardness exceeds a threshold. The system may then automatically return the tines to the pre-selected depth once soil conditions permit.

Abstract: A soil penetrating apparatus having an automatic tool (e.g., aerator tine) depth control system and method. The system includes an actuator that sets and controls tine depth, a sensor that monitors tine depth, and a controller that controls the actuator in response to the sensor. In some embodiments, the actuator is a hydraulic actuator, wherein once tine depth is set, flow to the actuator is bypassed. A relief may be provided to allow the tines to lift to a shallower depth temporarily when soil hardness exceeds a threshold. The system may then automatically return the tines to the pre-selected depth once soil conditions permit.

Abstract: A soil penetrating apparatus having an automatic tool (e.g., aerator tine) depth control system and method. The system includes an actuator that sets and controls tine depth, a sensor that monitors tine depth, and a controller that controls the actuator in response to the sensor. In some embodiments, the actuator is a hydraulic actuator, wherein once tine depth is set, flow to the actuator is bypassed. A relief may be provided to allow the tines to lift to a shallower depth temporarily when soil hardness exceeds a threshold. The system may then automatically return the tines to the pre-selected depth once soil conditions permit.

Abstract: A vehicle including a linkage-based motion control system for varying a parameter (e.g., velocity) of the vehicle as a geometric relationship between a vehicle input (e.g., velocity control lever) and a vehicle output (e.g., drive train) is modified. In one embodiment, the control system provides a linkage that allows a fixed level of input applied to the control lever to produce a repeatable output to a variable drive unit even as the drive unit is moved relative to the control lever.

Abstract: A vehicle including a linkage-based motion control system for varying a parameter (e.g., velocity) of the vehicle as a geometric relationship between a vehicle input (e.g., velocity control lever) and a vehicle output (e.g., drive train) is modified. In one embodiment, the control system provides a linkage that allows a fixed level of input applied to the control lever to produce a repeatable output to a variable drive unit even as the drive unit is moved relative to the control lever.

Abstract: A mower includes a zero turn radius (ZTR) traction unit carrying a front mounted cutting deck. The cutting deck is suspended beneath a carrier frame by a height of cut adjustment system comprising a plurality of pivot links and suspension chains extending between the carrier frame and the cutting deck. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to one of the pivot links can simultaneously lift the chains or permit the chains to lower to change the height of the cutting deck relative to the carrier frame. This same cylinder can also fold the carrier frame and the cutting deck relative to the traction unit about a fold pivot axis when a fold latch is selectively released by the operator. The carrier frame includes a center step for helping the operator mount or dismount the traction unit. The center step has a front viewport for allowing an operator who is seated on the traction unit to view the front edge of the cutting deck.

Abstract: A mower includes a zero turn radius (ZTR) traction unit carrying a front mounted cutting deck. The cutting deck is suspended beneath a carrier frame by a height of cut adjustment system comprising a plurality of pivot links and suspension chains extending between the carrier frame and the cutting deck. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to one of the pivot links can simultaneously lift the chains or permit the chains to lower to change the height of the cutting deck relative to the carrier frame. This same cylinder can also fold the carrier frame and the cutting deck relative to the traction unit about a fold pivot axis when a fold latch is selectively released by the operator. The carrier frame includes a center step for helping the operator mount or dismount the traction unit. The center step has a front view-port for allowing an operator who is seated on the traction unit to view the front edge of the cutting deck.