Abstract: A power and cooling assembly is disclosed for use with a vehicle having a deck for a rotatable tool such as a mowing blade. An electric motor is mounted on the deck and used to drive the blades by an output shaft. A circulating pump is connected to a housing of the electric motor and is also driven by the electric motor. The circulating pump is hydraulically connected to at least one sump on the vehicle and at least one electrical component of the vehicle to provide cooling thereto. Additional cooling pumps may be provided on the vehicle and may provide cooling to additional electrical components.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a first transmission linked to separate first and second pivotable knuckle assemblies. The first and second pivotable knuckle assemblies can be independently steered and include axles driven by the transmission. Each axle drives a wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle includes separate third and fourth pivotable knuckle assemblies. The third and fourth pivotable knuckle assemblies can be independently steered and include axles.

Abstract: A transaxle for a vehicle is provided, the transaxle including a pump assembly having an input shaft extending from a housing and a pump disposed on a first hydraulic mounting member attached to the pump housing. The pump may be driven by an electric motor mounted on the vehicle. A motor assembly in a separate housing is also provided, and the transaxle may use a pair of dual planetary gear reduction mechanisms driven by a motor output shaft, each reduction mechanism driving an axle driving one of a pair of driven wheels of the vehicle. The axes of rotation of the pump shaft, motor shaft, electric motor output and the axles may all be located on a common plane to provide a compact unit.

Abstract: A utility vehicle having operator selectable onboard and remote controls is disclosed herein. The vehicle includes a prime mover and a power generating device driven thereby, first and second wheel motors, a drive controller in communication with the first and second wheel motors to control the output thereof and in communication with onboard steering and speed controls. A radio control receiver is in communication with the drive controller and with a radio control transmitter having steering and speed controls. The vehicle includes a control mode switch having a first position where the drive controller receives steering and speed control inputs from the onboard steering and speed controls, and a second position where the drive controller receives steering and speed control inputs from the radio control transmitter.

Abstract: A generator and clutch assembly is disclosed for use in a vehicle and includes a rotatable input, an electric generator in a generator housing, a clutch rotor by driven by the rotatable input, and an electric clutch and brake assembly which may be integrated with the generator housing. A field coil may be mounted to an external surface of the generator housing. The generator and clutch may be offset and connected by means of a transfer system having a transfer housing, wherein a field coil is mounted to an external surface of the transfer housing.

Abstract: Highly maneuverable utility vehicles having Mecanum wheels capable of traveling in a variety of different directions and turning in a zero turn manner may include one or more controllers in communication with drive units for powering the Mecanum wheels. A multi-axis interface, such as a joystick, may be connected to the controller for proportionally controlling the direction and speed of the vehicle, and for providing different manners in which the vehicle may enter zero-turn mode. The joystick may include at least one pushbutton for switching between programmed travel modes or selecting an auxiliary function. The controller may be programmed to permit the vehicle to operate in different operating modes.

Abstract: A coolant pump assembly having a combined hydraulic drive pump and a coolant circulating pump is disclosed herein, for use in connection with a utility vehicle, such as a ride-on or stand-on mower. Such a vehicle includes at least one combination pump assembly that utilizes a first fluid circuit to hydraulically drive a wheel of the vehicle and a second fluid circuit to cool one or more vehicle components.

Abstract: The invention comprises a transaxle having an electric motor that is controlled by a vehicle user and that drives at least one output axle. The transaxle includes a power generating device that powers the electric motor and a reduction gear train engaged to and driven by the electric motor. The transaxle includes a common housing in which the power generator, the electric motor, and the reduction gear system are each disposed. In dual-axle systems, the transaxle also includes a differential engaged to and driven by the reduction gear system to power a pair of oppositely extending output axles. The differential is also disposed within the common housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cooling controller assemblies for electric utility vehicles are disclosed. Auxiliary implements powered by electric motors onboard a utility vehicle create airflow that is captured and directed to provide increased ambient airflow across heat sinks used to dissipate heat from heat generating components. Airflow across heated surfaces is further created by vehicle movement and vacuum pressure. Fins and other heat dissipating architecture are employed. Features of the cooling systems enable increased controller assembly functionality and/or decreased controller assembly package size.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for use in a zero turn vehicle, including an electric controller in communication with a pair of independent drive units. A joystick provides user inputs to the controller to control the rotational speed and direction of the drive units. The joystick includes a vertical stalk pivotable between a plurality of pivot positions, where each of the plurality of pivot positions corresponds to a particular rotational speed and direction of each of the driven wheels. A selector switch may be used to select one of a plurality of driving modes stored in the electric controller, wherein each of the plurality of driving modes maps a different set of speeds and directions for each of the driven wheels onto the plurality of pivot positions. The joystick may also rotate about a vertical axis to provide zero turn capability.

Abstract: A zero turn radius vehicle with a single steered wheel is described. The vehicle may include a pair of power transfer mechanisms driving a pair of wheels, an operator control mechanism for controlling the steering, speed and direction of the vehicle and a controller in communication with the operator control mechanism. A steerable wheel is located adjacent the front of the vehicle frame, on a first side of the vehicle frame and an electric actuator is connected to the controller for steering the front steerable wheel. A second, non-steerable front caster wheel is located on a second side of the vehicle frame. The controller controls the pair of power transfer mechanisms and the electric actuator based on operator input to the operator control mechanism.

Abstract: A module for use in connection with a dual pump apparatus, where each pump is hydraulically connected to a separate hydraulic motor. The module may include motors and/or an engine for ease of installation in a vehicle, providing flexibility for different applications. Various brackets, stabilizers and other elements are provided to assist in securing the module to the vehicle.

Abstract: A transaxle assembly is provided which is configured to be mounted to a frame of a vehicle. The transaxle assembly includes a transmission that has two separately attached pivotable knuckle assemblies. Each pivotable knuckle assembly can be independently steered and includes an axle driven by the transmission. Each axle drives a wheel of the vehicle. In another configuration, the two pivotable knuckle assemblies are joined by an integrally formed crossmember.

Abstract: A vehicle including a pump apparatus having a housing in which an end cap is disposed, and a mower deck is disclosed. Multiple hydraulic pumps driven by a prime mover are mounted on the end cap and connected to hydraulic ports formed in the end cap. An auxiliary pump may be drivingly coupled to the prime mover and a power take off unit may also be connected thereto to drive the mower deck. The end cap may further include a charge pump mounting surface and a charge port for connecting a charge pump.

Abstract: A power distribution assembly integrated into the lower engine housing of an internal combustion engine, the assembly having a drive train with a T-box output configuration and power take off driven by the crankshaft of the engine. The drive train may power the input shafts of a pair of independent, variable drive transmissions. In one embodiment, a single actuator engages a manual clutch/brake mechanism that controls the output shaft of the power take off. In other embodiments, an electric clutch affords control of the power take off mechanism. In further embodiments, a hydraulic clutch/brake assembly allows control of the power take off, and an additional hydraulic clutch assembly may be used to control the outputs of the T-box.

Abstract: A control system for use in a vehicle having left and right clutch assemblies, each clutch assembly including a brake mechanism and a drive mechanism. The control system includes a steering switch having a left steering position to actuate the left brake mechanism and the right drive mechanism, a neutral steering position to actuate the left and right drive mechanisms, and a right steering position to actuate the left drive mechanism and the right brake mechanism. The system may also include an operator switch having a first position to actuate brake mechanisms and disable the steering switch, and a second position that passes control of both brake clutch assemblies to the steering switch. The system may further include a brake switch having a brake position that actuates both brake mechanisms and disables the operator switch and the steering switch, and a drive position that passes control of both clutch assemblies to the operator switch.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cooling controller assemblies for electric utility vehicles are disclosed. Auxiliary implements powered by electric motors onboard a utility vehicle create airflow that is captured and directed to provide increased ambient airflow across heat sinks used to dissipate heat from heat generating components. Airflow across heated surfaces is further created by vehicle movement and vacuum pressure. Fins and other heat dissipating architecture are employed. Features of the cooling systems enable increased controller assembly functionality and/or decreased controller assembly package size.

Abstract: A transaxle assembly is provided which is configured to be mounted to a frame of a vehicle. The transaxle assembly includes a transmission that has two separately attached pivotable knuckle assemblies. Each pivotable knuckle assembly can be independently steered and includes an axle driven by the transmission. Each axle drives a wheel of the vehicle. In another configuration, the two pivotable knuckle assemblies are joined by an integrally formed crossmember.

Abstract: A drive apparatus having a motor running surface formed on a first side of a center section and a thrust spacer mounted on the center section opposite the motor running surface. A motor cylinder block is rotatably disposed on the running surface and drives a motor shaft. A gear train including an output gear fixed on the motor shaft translates motion to the output axles. The drive mechanism may also include a brake having a stationary pin adjacent to a first face of a gear, a brake stator positioned on a second face of the gear opposite the first face and capable of bearing against the gear, a brake rotor having an inner gear form that engages the teeth of a second gear; and a brake puck capable of bearing against the brake rotor.

Abstract: A control system for use in a vehicle having left and right clutch assemblies, each including a brake mechanism and a drive mechanism. The control system includes a steering switch having multiple steering positions to actuate the corresponding brake mechanism and opposite drive mechanism and a neutral position to actuate both drive mechanisms. The system may also include an operator switch having a first position to actuate the brake mechanisms and disable the steering switch, and a second position that enables control of the brake clutch assemblies by the steering switch. The system may include a brake switch having a brake position that actuates both brake mechanisms and disables the operator and steering switches, and a drive position that passes control of both clutch assemblies to the operator switch.