Abstract: A hitch assembly includes a base member, an extension arm and an A-frame for supporting any of a plurality of implements. An elevating cylinder is connected to raise and lower the extension arm. Additionally, lateral cylinders are synchronized to move in unison to pivot the hitch assembly laterally side to side. The first respective ports of the lateral cylinders are directly connected together facilitate synchronous movement. A universal joint is connected between the arm and A-frame to coordinate up and down and left and right movement of the hitch assembly.

Abstract: A foot pedal is pivotally connected to a bracket member wherein it operatively communicates with a Hall Effect sensing device for use in sensing the position of the foot pedal. A Hall Effect sensing device communicates with a control module, whereby the combination of the assembly operates to logically determine the position of the foot pedal with respect to driving the vehicle in the forward or reverse positions as well as a neutral position. The control module in conjunction with the Hall Effect sensing device is operable to engage various vehicle components such as reverse indicating lights and the like. Additionally, the Hall Effect sensing device and control module may be used to disengage a secondary power source or power take off from the engine when driving the vehicle in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A control valve and feedback system has three operating states including a lifting state, a neutral state, and a lowering state. The feedback control system comprises a cylinder, a pump, a reservoir for holding working fluid, and a control valve. The control valve comprises a valve body having first and second ends with a bore defined therebetween. The valve body further comprises an inlet port, a return port, a first work port and a second work port. The inlet port, return port, and first and second work ports are defined in the valve body. The inlet port communicates with the bore and the pump. The return port is in fluid communication with the bore and the reservoir. The first work port is also in communication with the bore and the cylinder in the lifting state. The control valve is plumbed backwards so that the first work port and the second work port are in fluid communication in the lowering state. The valve also comprises a check valve disposed in the first work port.

Abstract: A control valve and feedback system has three operating states including a lifting state, a neutral state, and a lowering state. The feedback control system comprises a cylinder, a pump, a reservoir for holding working fluid, and a control valve. The control valve comprises a valve body having first and second ends with a bore defined therebetween. The valve body further comprises an inlet port, a return port, a first work port and a second work port. The inlet port, return port, and first and second work ports are defined in the valve body. The inlet port communicates with the bore and the pump. The return port is in fluid communication with the bore and the reservoir. The first work port is also in communication with the bore and the cylinder in the lifting state. The control valve is plumbed backwards so that the first work port and the second work port are in fluid communication in the lowering state. The valve also comprises a check valve disposed in the first work port.

Abstract: A foot pedal is pivotally connected to a bracket member wherein is operatively communicated a Hall effect sensing means for use in sensing the position of the foot pedal. A Hall effect sensing means is communicated to a control module, which in combination the assembly is operable to logically determined the position of the foot pedal with respect to driving the vehicle in forward or reverse positions as well as a neutral position. The control module in conjunction with the Hall effect sensing means is operable to engage various vehicle components such as reverse indicating lights and the like. Additionally the Hall effect sensing means and control module may be used to disengage a secondary power source or power take off from the engine when driving the vehicle in the reverse correction. Finally an electromagnet is electrically communicated with the control module so that when engaged by the control modules, the electromagnet fixedly holds the foot pedal in place to serve as a cruise control function.

Abstract: A riding mower has a deck attachment mechanism for use in attaching a mower deck to the mower frame and a deck lift mechanism for use in lifting the mower deck. The deck attachment mechanism forms a four-sided parallelogram and includes a first side formed of a first link and a second side formed of second and third links. The second and third links together form a split link and the third link may be pivoted about the second link into first and second positions. The first link has an effective length L1 and the split link has an effective length L2 when the third link is positioned into the first position and an effective length L1 when the third link is positioned into the second position. The effective length L2 is less than the effective length L1. The deck attachment mechanism also includes a lock bracket and a lock lever to lock the third link into the second position. The deck lift mechanism includes a lift cylinder mounted to the frame and connected to the third link.