Abstract: A configuration of a direct drive lawnmower spindle assembly to protect sensitive electric motor components is provided. A spindle shaft of the spindle assembly is supported by upper and lower bearings. An upper end of the spindle shaft is mounted to a rotor of the electric motor and a lower end of the spindle shaft extends through the clearance opening. The lower bearing is supported by a lower bearing carrier that is mounted to the bottom of the spindle housing. The lower bearing can be serviced by removing the lower bearing carrier. A clearance gap between the spindle shaft and the clearance opening is sufficiently small to limit spindle shaft tipping to a degree that will not damage the motor. The invention also provides a friction coupling system for coupling a blade with the rotating spindle shaft.

Abstract: An assembly for protecting components of an electric motor on a lawn mower deck includes a shaft connected at opposite ends to the motor rotor and a blade adapter. The blade adapter is interconnected to a cutting blade. A blade mounting gap is defined between a shoulder of the blade adapter and a head of a fastener that secures the blade to the shaft. A biasing member is captured within the blade mounting gap and frictionally couples the blade and the shaft for rotation together. The blade slips with respect to the shaft in response to the blade encountering a force that overcomes the blade coupling friction.

Abstract: A configuration of a direct drive lawnmower spindle assembly to protect sensitive electric motor components is provided. A spindle shaft of the spindle assembly is supported by upper and lower bearings. An upper end of the spindle shaft is mounted to a rotor of the electric motor and a lower end of the spindle shaft extends through the clearance opening. The lower bearing is supported by a lower bearing carrier that is mounted to the bottom of the spindle housing. The lower bearing can be serviced by removing the lower bearing carrier. A clearance gap between the spindle shaft and the clearance opening is sufficiently small to limit spindle shaft tipping to a degree that will not damage the motor. The invention also provides a friction coupling system for coupling a blade with the rotating spindle shaft.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a seat plate movably coupled to the frame. An operator seat is coupled to the seat plate. An armrest is laterally spaced from the operator seat and includes an elongated support, an arm support surface, and a control panel. The elongated support has a first end fixed to the seat plate and a second end. The arm support surface is coupled to the second end and can support a user's arm. The control panel is positioned between the arm support surface and the second end of the elongated support. The control panel is fixed to the elongated support for movement with the seat plate such that the control panel remains stationary relative to the seat plate. The control panel includes an actuator to control a function of the lawn mower. The actuator is configured to be actuated while the user's arm is on the support surface.

Abstract: A lawn mower including a frame, a prime mover supported by the frame, a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame to support the frame for movement along the ground, and a cutting deck supported by the frame. The cutting deck has a discharge opening. The lawn mower also includes a cutting blade rotatably mounted below the cutting deck and driven by the prime mover. The cutting blade is rotatable within a cutting plane. The lawn mower further includes a blower supported by the cutting deck adjacent the discharge opening to draw cut vegetation from under the cutting deck and discharge the cut vegetation away from the cutting deck. The blower is obliquely angled relative to the cutting plane.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a seat plate movably coupled to the frame. An operator seat is coupled to the seat plate. An armrest is laterally spaced from the operator seat and includes an elongated support, an arm support surface, and a control panel. The elongated support has a first end fixed to the seat plate and a second end. The arm support surface is coupled to the second end and can support a user's arm. The control panel is positioned between the arm support surface and the second end of the elongated support. The control panel is fixed to the elongated support for movement with the seat plate such that the control panel remains stationary relative to the seat plate. The control panel includes an actuator to control a function of the lawn mower. The actuator is configured to be actuated while the user's arm is on the support surface.

Abstract: A lawn mower including a frame, a prime mover supported by the frame, a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame to support the frame for movement along the ground, and a cutting deck supported by the frame. The cutting deck has a discharge opening. The lawn mower also includes a cutting blade rotatably mounted below the cutting deck and driven by the prime mover. The cutting blade is rotatable within a cutting plane. The lawn mower further includes a blower supported by the cutting deck adjacent the discharge opening to draw cut vegetation from under the cutting deck and discharge the cut vegetation away from the cutting deck. The blower is obliquely angled relative to the cutting plane.