Abstract: A roller mechanism for a reel mower cutting unit, wherein the roller includes a spiral member fixed with a central tube member. The spiral member includes a radially outer edge portion which rolls in contact with the ground during operation.

Abstract: An operator presence mechanism for a walk-behind reel mower having a drive lever control engagable for initiating forward travel of the mower, the drive lever being shiftable to intermediate positions for inching the mower forward, the drive lever being biased to return to a non-driven position when an operator releases the lever from the intermediate positions. A locking linkage is provided for generally locking the drive lever in its fully engaged position and which allows the drive lever to shift back to its non-driven position when an operator releases the drive lever in the intermediate positions. An operator presence lever is operatively coupled with the drive lever for returning the drive lever to the non-driven position when the operator presence lever is disengaged. A lockout linkage is coupled between the drive lever and the operator presence lever for preventing the drive lever from being engaged without the operator presence lever being engaged.

Abstract: A mechanism for collecting grass clippings cut by a cutting unit, including a laterally extending member or rail coupled with the cutting unit, a clippings container or basket positioned for receiving clippings cut by the cutting unit, first and second laterally spaced hook members operatively coupled with the container for engaging the laterally extending member to operatively couple the container with the cutting unit, said mechanism allowing an operator standing at one side of the vehicle to disengage the nearest hook member from the rail to slide the container toward himself while the other hook member slides along in engagement with the rail, thereby facilitating removal.