Abstract: A snow thrower having discharge chute locking and rotating mechanisms, both of which are actuated by a chute handle in the operator zone of the snow thrower. The chute locking mechanism disengages from the chute in response to initial movement of the chute handle in first or second directions, and the rotating mechanism rotates the discharge chute in response to continued movement of the chute handle in the same direction beyond the initial movement.

Abstract: A snow thrower having discharge chute locking and rotating mechanisms, both of which are actuated by a chute handle in the operator zone of the snow thrower. The chute locking mechanism disengages from the chute in response to initial movement of the chute handle in first or second directions, and the rotating mechanism rotates the discharge chute in response to continued movement of the chute handle in the same direction beyond the initial movement.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an implement such as a snow thrower, the control apparatus comprising a handle having at least two substantially upright portions and a cross portion extending between the upright portions. A first bail is pivotally connected to both upright portions of the handle to pivot about a first axis. A second bail is also pivotally connected to both upright portions of the handle to pivot about a second axis that is not co-linear with the first axis. The first and second bails are both separately movable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition. Both the first and second bails are independently operable from one another, and move in the same direction with respect to the handle when moving from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition. The first bail may control a first mechanism, and the second bail may control a second mechanism.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an implement such as a snow thrower, the control apparatus comprising a handle having at least two substantially upright portions and a cross portion extending between the upright portions. A first bail is pivotally connected to both upright portions of the handle to pivot about a first axis. A second bail is also pivotally connected to both upright portions of the handle to pivot about a second axis that is not co-linear with the first axis. The first and second bails are both separately movable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition. Both the first and second bails are independently operable from one another, and move in the same direction with respect to the handle when moving from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition. The first bail may control a first mechanism, and the second bail may control a second mechanism.

Abstract: A self-propelled power implement having a friction drive system to transmit rotation from the engine to the wheels. The friction drive system includes an output disc and a friction disc. The output disc rotates in response to rotation from the engine's output shaft. The friction disc is coupled to the implement's wheels, and contacts the output disc and rotates in response to rotation of the output disc. The location on the output disc that the friction disc contacts determines the rotation speed of the friction disc. A flexible member is interconnected to the friction disc and a controller, and movement of the controller causes the flexible member to actuate the friction disc radially in relation to the output disc. The flexible member adjusts the location on the output disc that the friction disc contacts, and thereby adjusts the rotation speed of the friction disc and the wheels.

Abstract: A self-propelled power implement having a friction drive system to transmit rotation from the engine to the wheels. The friction drive system includes an output disc and a friction disc. The output disc rotates in response to rotation from the engine's output shaft. The friction disc is coupled to the implement's wheels, and contacts the output disc and rotates in response to rotation of the output disc. The location on the output disc that the friction disc contacts determines the rotation speed of the friction disc. A flexible member is interconnected to the friction disc and a controller, and movement of the controller causes the flexible member to actuate the friction disc radially in relation to the output disc. The flexible member adjusts the location on the output disc that the friction disc contacts, and thereby adjusts the rotation speed of the friction disc and the wheels.