GANG-TYPE LAWN MOWER
A mower includes a frame, at least one cutting unit, and a lifting unit. The lifting unit is connected to the at least one cutting unit and includes a yoke assembly, a first arm assembly, a second arm assembly, and a third arm assembly. The yoke assembly is connected to the cutting unit. The first arm assembly is pivotably mounted to the vehicle frame about a first pivot axis. The second arm assembly is pivotably mounted to the first arm assembly about a second pivot axis and to the yoke assembly about a third pivot axis with the second pivot axis and third pivot axis being non-parallel to the first pivot axis. The third arm assembly includes a first end pivotally connected to the frame and a second end pivotally connected to the second arm assembly.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/105,777 filed on Nov. 27, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/270,117, filed on Feb. 7, 2019. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe invention relates generally to gang-type lawn mower and in particular to a lift geometry for one or more of the cutting units utilized in a gang-type lawn mower.
BACKGROUNDGang-type lawn mowers are characterized by a plurality of rotary cutting decks. For example, some gang-type rotary mowers include a front row of two or more cutting decks forward of the front wheels and a rear row of two or more cutting decks located between the front wheels and the rear wheels, wherein at least a portion of the one or more cutting decks extends laterally beyond the wheels of the mower to maximize the cutting width. During transport the outer cutting decks are lifted vertically to minimize the width of the mower. It would be desirable to provide a lifting geometry that optimizes the location of the cutting deck in both the lowered position and raised position.
SUMMARYAccording to one aspect, a gang-type mower includes a frame, at least one cutting unit, and a lifting unit. The lifting unit is connected to the at least one cutting unit and includes a yoke assembly, a first arm assembly, a second arm assembly, and a third arm assembly. The yoke assembly is connected to the cutting unit. The first arm assembly is pivotably mounted to the vehicle frame about a first pivot axis. The second arm assembly is pivotably mounted to the first arm assembly about a second pivot axis and to the yoke assembly about a third pivot axis with the second pivot axis and third pivot axis being nonparallel to the first pivot axis. The third arm assembly includes a first end pivotally connected to the frame and a second end pivotally connected to the second arm assembly.
According to another aspect, a lifting unit comprises a yoke assembly, a first arm assembly, a second arm assembly, and a third arm assembly. The first arm assembly includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first arm assembly includes apertures configured to pivotally affix the first arm assembly to a stationary frame about a first pivot axis. The second arm assembly includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotably connected to the second end of the first arm assembly about a second pivot axis and wherein the second end is pivotally connected to the yoke assembly about a third pivot axis, wherein the second pivot axis and third pivot axis are non-parallel to the first pivot axis. The third arm assembly includes a first end configured to pivotally connect the third arm assembly to the stationary frame and a second end pivotally connected to the second arm assembly.
The present disclosure provides a gang-type lawn or turf mower having a plurality of cutting decks. At least one of the cutting decks is connected to a frame or chassis of the mower via a lift unit that lifts the cutting deck from a first position to a second position. In particular, the lift unit moves the cutting deck both vertically (z-direction) and longitudinally (y-direction) when moving from the first position to the second position. To provide both vertical and longitudinal movement the lift unit includes a first arm assembly connected to the frame at one end and to a second arm assembly on a second end, wherein the first arm assembly pivots about a first axis located between the first end and the second end. The second arm assembly includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally connected to the first arm assembly and the second end is pivotally connected to a yolk assembly that in turn supports the cutting deck. A third arm assembly is connected between a fixed location (e.g., frame) and the second arm assembly. To raise the cutting deck the first arm assembly is pivoted about the first axis. As the cutting deck is raised vertically (in the z-direction), the second arm assembly is allowed to pivot at both the first and second ends to move the cutting deck longitudinally (e.g., in the y-direction or rearward) as dictated by the connection of the third arm assembly to the second arm assembly.
Referring now to
As illustrated in
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the lifting unit 200 includes a lifting frame assembly 202, a first arm assembly 204, a second arm assembly 206, a third arm assembly 208, and a yoke assembly 210. Lifting frame assembly 202 includes bracket 212, vertical support 214a, 214b, lifting frame arms 216a, 216b, frame cross member 218, and third arm assembly frame support 220. Lifting frame assembly 202 is stationary and is connected between the frame of the vehicle (not shown) and the components utilized to lift the cutting deck 116. The components of lifting frame assembly 202 can be connected to one another via fasteners, weldments, or other well-known means of affixing components together. Referring to
In some embodiments, first arm assembly 204 includes first and second arms 222a and 222b, which each include first ends 224a, 224b and second end 226. Second arm assembly 206 includes first and second arms 228a, 228b. Third arm assembly 208 includes gas spring 232, arm 234, a first end 236a containing a first ball joint connection, and a second end 236b containing a second ball joint connection. Yoke assembly 210 includes mounting bracket 230, first and second arms 240a, 240b, connection ends 242a, 242b, strike plate 244.
In some embodiments, the first arm assembly 204 is pivotally affixed to the frame assembly 202. For example, pivot first axis ‘a’ shown in
In some embodiments, the second arm assembly 206 includes one or more arms 228a, 228b pivotally connected to the first arm assembly 204 on one end and pivotally connected to the yoke assembly 210 on an opposite end. In the embodiment shown in
The rearward movement of the yoke assembly 210 is made possible by the pivotal connection of the second arm assembly 206 to the first arm assembly 204 and by the pivotal connection of the second arm assembly 206 to the yoke assembly 210, which is controlled by the third assembly 208. As shown in
The position of the third arm assembly 208 dictates the direction in which the yoke assembly (and cutting deck 116) is moved (e.g., forward, rearward) during lifting operations. In some embodiments, such as those shown in
In some embodiments, first and second ends 236a and 236b of the third arm assembly 208 includes a ball joint connection to allow limited movement of the joint in a number of different directions. In other embodiments, other types of pivotal connections can be utilized to connect the third arm assembly 208 to the second arm assembly 206 and/or to the frame to allow the desired range of motion. In some embodiments, third arm assembly 208 further includes a gas spring 232 and an arm 234. The inclusion of gas spring 232 allows the cutting assembly 116 (e.g., cutting assembly 116a and/or 116d) to move in a lateral direction (approximately along the x-axis) in response to foreign objects (e.g., rocks) coming into contact with the cutting assembly 116 while in the lowered position.
In some embodiments the yoke assembly 210 includes first and second arms 240a and 240b extending away from mounting tube 231. First and second arms 240a and 240b include connection ends 242a and 242b for rigidly connecting the yoke assembly 210 to the cutting unit 116. In some embodiments, yoke assembly 210 further includes a strike plate 244 affixed to one of the arms 240a or 240b. For example, in the embodiment shown in
Referring now to
In some embodiments, lifting frame assembly 202 includes bracket 212, vertical supports 214a, 214b, first and second brackets 215a, 215b, lifting frame arms 216a, 216b, frame cross member 218, third arm frame support 220. The first arm assembly 204 is pivotally connected to the first and second brackets 215a, 215b of the lifting frame assembly 202. As shown in
In some embodiments, first arm assembly 204 is pivotally affixed to hydraulic cylinder 246 via locking pin 415. As shown in
In some embodiments, first arm assembly 204 is coupled to second arm assembly 206 via first and second inner lift pins 426a, 426b. Second end 226 of first arm assembly 204 includes two pair of apertures (top and bottom) for receiving first and second inner lift pins 426. The first inner lift pin 426a extends through a top aperture associated with the first arm assembly 204, through an aperture associated with second arm 228a of second arm assembly 206, and through a bottom aperture associated with the first arm assembly 204, allowing arm 228a of second arm assembly 206 to pivot around first inner lift pin 426a. Likewise, the second inner lift pin 426b extends through a top aperture associated with the first arm assembly 204, through an aperture associated with second arm 228b of second arm assembly 206, and through a bottom aperture associated with the first arm assembly 204, allowing arm 228b of second arm assembly 206 to pivot around second inner lift pin 426b. In some embodiments, the inner lift pins 426a and 426b are secured to the second end 226 of first arm assembly 204 via a bolt that extends through an aperture in first inner lift pin 426a, apertures in the second end 226 of first arm assembly 204, and through an aperture in second inner lift pin 426b, secured by a nut 422.
In some embodiments, second arm assembly 206 is coupled to yoke assembly 210 via first and second outer lift pins 428a and 428b. Mounting bracket 230 of yoke assembly 210 includes two pair of apertures (top and bottom) for receiving first and second outer lift pins 428a and 428b. The first outer lift pin 428a extends through a top aperture associated with the mounting bracket 230, through an aperture 454a associated with second arm 228a of second arm assembly 206, and through a bottom aperture associated with the mounting bracket 230, allowing arm 228a of second arm assembly 206 to pivot around first outer lift pin 428a. Likewise, the second outer lift pin 428b extends through a top aperture associated with the mounting bracket 230, through an aperture 454b associated with second arm 228b of second arm assembly 206, and through a bottom aperture associated with the mounting bracket 230, allowing arm 228b of second arm assembly 206 to pivot around second outer lift pin 428b. In some embodiments, the outer lift pins 428a and 428b are secured to the mounting bracket 230 of yoke assembly 210 via a bolt 406 that extends through an aperture in first outer lift pin 428a, apertures in the mounting bracket 230 of yoke assembly 210, and through an aperture in second outer lift pin 428b, secured by a nut 422.
In some embodiments, mounting bracket 230 is attached to mounting tube 231. In some embodiments, mounting bracket 230 is welded or otherwise affixed to mounting tube 231. In some embodiments, mounting tube 231 includes a first portion having a first radius and a second portion having a second radius smaller than the first radius. In some embodiments, the second portion 450 of mounting tube 231 has a radius configured to fit within the mounting tube 452 associated with first and second arms 240a and 240b of yoke assembly 210. In some embodiments, the second portion 450 extends through the mounting tube 452 and is captured by washer 410, ring 411 and plug 420. In some embodiments, ring 411 is a snap ring that is configured to snap into a groove associated with the second portion 450 of mounting tube 231, wherein a portion of snap ring 411 extends beyond the radius of the second portion 450 to capture the second portion 450 within the mounting tube 452.
In some embodiments, wire hose support 250 is secured via a fastener to first arm 240a of yoke assembly 210. In the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, third arm assembly 208 is coupled to first arm 228a of second arm assembly 206 on one end and to the lifting frame assembly 202 on the opposite end. In some embodiments, third arm assembly 208 includes gas spring 232, arm 234, tie rod 235, first end 236a containing the first ball joint connection and a second end 236b containing the second ball joint connection, wherein third arm assembly 208 is pivotally fastened to second arm assembly 206 via the second ball joint. In the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, a stop bracket 404 is affixed to the lifting frame assembly 202. In some embodiments, stop bracket 404 can be welded and/or fastened to the lifting frame assembly 202. For example, in the embodiment shown in
While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A lifting unit operatively connecting a cutting unit to the chassis of a turf mower, the lifting unit comprising: wherein the lifting unit is structured and operable to move the cutting unit between a lowered position and raised position, and wherein the second pivot axis and third pivot axis being non-parallel to the first pivot axis.
- a lifting frame assembly connected to mower chassis;
- a first arm assembly pivotably mounted to the lifting frame assembly about a first pivot axis;
- a second arm assembly pivotably mounted to the first arm assembly about a second pivot axis;
- a third arm assembly having a first end pivotally connected to the lifting frame assembly and a second end pivotally connected to the second arm assembly; and
- a yoke assembly pivotally connected to the second arm assembly about a third pivot axis and pivotally connected to the cutting unit,
2. The lifting unit of claim 1, wherein the second arm assembly includes a first arm and a second arm, wherein each of the first arm and the second arm include a first end pivotally connected to the first arm assembly and a second end pivotally connected to the yoke assembly.
3. The lifting unit of claim 2, wherein the first arm and the second arm remain parallel to one another in both the lowered position and the raised position.
4. The lifting unit of claim 2, wherein the first end of the third arm assembly is pivotally coupled to the lifting frame assembly forward of where the second arm assembly pivotably mounts to the first arm assembly.
5. The lifting unit of claim 4, wherein the second end of the third arm assembly is pivotally connected to the second arm of the second arm assembly, and wherein the second arm of the second arm assembly is located rearward of the first arm of the second arm assembly.
6. The lifting unit of claim 1 further comprising a hydraulic cylinder connected between the lifting frame assembly and a first end of the first arm assembly, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is actuated to raise the cutting unit from the lowered position to the raised position.
7. The lifting unit of claim 1, wherein the second pivot axis and the third pivot are approximately perpendicular to the first pivot axis when the cutting unit is in both the lowered and raised position.
8. The lifting unit of claim 1 wherein the first end of the third arm assembly is secured to the lifting frame assembly at a location offset from where the first end of the second arm is pivotally mounted to the first arm assembly in one of a longitudinally forward or rearward direction.
9. A turf mower, said mower comprising:
- a chassis supported by a plurality of ground engagement members;
- a cutting unit; and
- a lifting unit operatively connecting the cutting unit to the chassis, the lifting unit comprising: a lifting frame assembly connected to mower chassis; a first arm assembly pivotably mounted to the lifting frame assembly about a first pivot axis; a second arm assembly pivotably mounted to the first arm assembly about a second pivot axis; a third arm assembly having a first end pivotally connected to the lifting frame assembly and a second end pivotally connected to the second arm assembly; and a yoke assembly pivotally connected to the second arm assembly about a third pivot axis and pivotally connected to the cutting unit,
- wherein the lifting unit is structured and operable to move the cutting unit between a lowered position and raised position, and wherein the second pivot axis and third pivot axis being non-parallel to the first pivot axis.
10. The mower of claim 9, wherein the second arm assembly includes a first arm and a second arm, wherein each of the first arm and the second arm include a first end pivotally connected to the first arm assembly and a second end pivotally connected to the yoke assembly.
11. The mower of claim 10, wherein the first arm and the second arm remain parallel to one another in both the lowered position and the raised position.
12. The mower of claim 10, wherein the first end of the third arm assembly is pivotally coupled to the lifting frame assembly forward of where the second arm assembly pivotably mounts to the first arm assembly.
13. The mower of claim 12, wherein the second end of the third arm assembly is pivotally connected to the second arm of the second arm assembly, wherein the second arm of the second arm assembly is located rearward of the first arm of the second arm assembly.
14. The mower of claim 9 further comprising a hydraulic cylinder connected between the lifting frame assembly and a first end of the first arm assembly, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is actuated to raise the cutting unit from the lowered position to the raised position.
15. The mower of claim 9, wherein the second pivot axis and the third pivot are approximately perpendicular to the first pivot axis when the cutting unit is in both the lowered and raised position.
16. The mower of claim 9 further comprising a roll over protection bar located rearward of the operator seat, wherein a forward cutting edge of the cutting unit is located forward of the roll over protection bar when in the lowered position and wherein the forward edge of the cutting unit is located rearward of the roll over protection bar when in the raised position.
17. The mower of claim 9 wherein the first end of the third arm assembly is secured to the lifting frame assembly at a location offset from where the first end of the second arm is pivotally mounted to the first arm assembly in one of a longitudinally forward or rearward direction.
18. A lifting unit operatively connecting a cutting unit to the chassis of a turf mower, the lifting unit comprising: wherein the lifting unit is structured and operable to move the cutting unit between a lowered position and raised position, and wherein the second pivot axis and third pivot axis being non-parallel to the first pivot axis, and wherein the second pivot axis and the third pivot are approximately perpendicular to the first pivot axis when the cutting unit is in both the lowered and raised position.
- a lifting frame assembly connected to mower chassis;
- a first arm assembly pivotably mounted to the lifting frame assembly about a first pivot axis;
- a second arm assembly pivotably mounted to the first arm assembly about a second pivot axis;
- a third arm assembly having a first end pivotally connected to the lifting frame assembly and a second end pivotally connected to the second arm assembly; and
- a yoke assembly pivotally connected to the second arm assembly about a third pivot axis and pivotally connected to the cutting unit,
19. The lifting unit of claim 18 wherein when the cutting unit is in the lowered position a forward edge of the cutting unit is located forward of a roll over protection bar of the turf mower when in the raised position the forward edge of the cutting unit is located rearward of the roll over protection bar.
20. The lifting unit of claim 1 wherein the first end of the third arm assembly is secured to the lifting frame assembly at a location offset from where the first end of the second arm is pivotally mounted to the first arm assembly in one of a longitudinally forward or rearward direction.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 2, 2023
Publication Date: Nov 23, 2023
Inventors: Michael Jonathan Laine (Graniteville, SC), Ashwath Thukaram Kini (Ghent), Todd L. Scott (Fort Mill, SC), Jarrett A. Jones (Martinez, GA)
Application Number: 18/364,160