Abstract: A reel mower has a double A arm suspension that lowers a reel cutting unit into a cutting position in a tail down orientation and that levels the reel cutting unit out as it lifts the reel cutting unit into a transport position. The reel cutting unit yaws during turns about a substantially vertical axis having a negative caster angle. The suspension has clamps that can be flipped open or closed to quickly attach or detach the reel cutting unit. A drive motor can be quickly attached or detached to the reel cutting unit using a pivotal wire form. An active counterbalance system automatically offsets the increasing weight of a grass basket on the reel cutting unit to maintain quality of cut. The grass basket maintains a constant spacing relative to the reel cutting unit when the reel cutting unit pitches to improve clipping collection.

Abstract: An articulating vehicle (10) includes a front axle (21) operatively connected to a front frame (40) and a rear axle (21) is operatively connected to the rear frame (30). A torsional joint (50) has an inner shaft member (51) operatively connected one of the frames and an outer hollow member (52) operatively connected to the other of the frames. An elastomeric material (53) is positioned between the inner member (51) and outer member (52). The elastic material (53) connects the inner and outer members, whereby the frames may rotate relative to each other along the longitudinal axis as the elastomeric member (53) is compressed and resiliently resists rotation between the frames (30 and 40). A torsional energy absorption suspension is provided for one of the wheels. The suspension includes a torsional joint (50), a single A-frame member (94). A lever arm (95) may also be utilized to vary the preload on the torsional joint (50).