Abstract: The invention provides a collection system for containing grass clippings cut by a lawn mower. The collection system comprises a hopper and at least one door. The hopper comprises at least one wall defining a perimeter of the hopper. The wall has an upper portion and a lower portion. The hopper is disposed to receive the grass clippings and contain the grass clippings. The door is disposed near the lower portion of the wall to support at least some of the grass clippings. Additionally, the door is movable from a closed position to an open position by raising the entire door such that at least some of the grass clippings are emptied from the hopper. Because the door is raised when emptying the hopper, the operator of the mower may drive the mower away from the disposal site with the door open and avoid disturbing the pile of grass clippings.

Abstract: The invention provides a mounting hitch for attaching an accessory, such as a grass collection unit, to a vehicle, such as a riding lawn mower. The lower portion of the hitch is disposed relatively close to the ground to aid with the mounting of the hitch to the riding mower. Being mountable relatively close to the ground also allows the riding mower to maintain a relatively low center of gravity such that the riding mower is relatively resistant to tipping when cutting on a hill or other uneven surface. The mounting hitch comprises a removably attachable portion and hitch attachment portions. The hitch attachment portions are directly connected to the riding mower and comprise structures for receiving the removably attachable portion. The removably attachable portion is mountable to the hitch attachment portions such that a single user is able to mount the hitch to the riding lawn mower.