Abstract: A throttle and brake control mechanism for a rotary lawnmower which is actuated by a single operating cable system. A centrifugal clutch interconnects the engine with the rotary blade of the lawnmower and the clutch includes an outer drum that is connected directly to the blade. On disengagement of the clutch at low throttle speeds, a brake acts to engage the clutch drum to stop free rotation of the drum and blade. The brake is released by an operating cable mechanism which interconnects a throttle operating lever mounted on the handle of the mower with the throttle on the engine. Movement of the operating lever from the idle position toward the full throttle position will initially release the brake from engagement with the clutch drum, and thereafter will operate the throttle to increase the engine speed, enabling the clutch to move to the engaged position to cause rotation of the blade.

Abstract: A self-propelled rotary lawn mower. The drive shaft of the engine is operably connected through a clutch mechanism to the cutting blade and to a belt drive connected the front wheels to drive the mower across the terrain. By disengaging the clutch through manual action of a cable, the driving connection to both the blade and the wheels is stopped, so that the blade will not rotate when the mower is stationary. The housing of the mower includes inner and outer housing sections with the space between the housing sections defining a chamber. The exhaust gases from the engine are directed into the chamber and are discharged from the chamber adjacent the grass discharge outlet in the housing. Directing the exhaust gases through the internal housing chamber substantially decreases the noise level of the mower. The four wheels of the mower are adapted to be raised and lowered in unison by single lever control to thereby vary the height of the blade above the ground.