Abstract: An electric riding mower which integrates an electric generator and inverter driven by an internal combustion engine, an operator/drive with an electric motor driving each of the two wheels and a mowing deck that has electric motors driving the cutting blades and a motor for raising/tilting the deck is disclosed. The generator is mechanically driven by the output shaft of an internal combustion engine to generate the electrical power for energizing the electric motors and the inverter. A computer in the master controller communicates with each of the controllers for the motors and the generator/inverter and processes the data necessary to co-ordinate the drives.

Abstract: A lawn mower having selectively drivable wheels, includes dirigible front drive wheels, a pair of right and left rear drive wheels, a body frame, an engine supported by the body frame, a mower unit vertically movably supported by the body frame forwardly of the rear drive wheels, a change speed device for changing a speed of drive from the engine, a front wheel driving device for transmitting drive from the change speed device to the front wheels, a left rear wheel driving device for transmitting drive from the change speed device to a right axle of the left rear wheel, a right rear wheel driving device for transmitting drive from the change speed device to a left axle of the left rear wheel, and rear wheel clutches associated with the left rear wheel driving device and the right rear wheel driving device, respectively, for selectively connecting and disconnecting drive.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes front wheels (2), a pair of right and left rear drive wheels (3), a body frame (1), a mower unit (4) supported by the body frame (1) forwardly of the rear drive wheels (3), a grass catcher (60) attached to a rear end of the body frame (1), an engine (7) mounted on the body frame (1), a left change speed device for changing speed of drive from the engine (7), and transmitting the drive to a left axle (3a) of the left rear wheel, a right change speed device for changing speed of drive from the engine (7), and transmitting the drive to a right axle (3a) of the right rear wheel, and a grass collecting duct (63) connected at one end thereof to the mower unit and at the other end to the grass catcher (60). The left change speed device (15, 17) is disposed in a left region of the body frame to extend upward from the left axle (3a). The right change speed device (15, 17) is disposed in a right region of the body frame to extend upward from the left axle (3a).

Abstract: A user interface for a harvesting machine, such as a combine harvester, having a position adjustable header implement. Specifically, the user interface is operationally connected to a microcomputer that controls a position adjusting apparatus for positioning the position adjustable header implement. The user interface includes two rocker key switches for selecting between, and subsequently adjusting, two operational modes for the position adjusting apparatus, being a stubble height mode and a pressure compensation mode of operation.

Abstract: An interlock system for use with a cutting assembly of a lawn tractor. The interlock system automatically disengages the cutting assembly when the lawn tractor is shifted into a reverse mode and prevents re-engagement of the cutter assembly when the law tractor is subsequently shifted into a non-reverse mode.

Abstract: An operator control system for a self-propelled vehicle such as a lawn mower, wherein the control system includes two opposing and preferably upwardly extending and converging hand grips each having a corresponding drive control lever associated therewith. Each drive control lever may have at least a portion that is parallel to a grip axis of its respective hand grip. Further, each drive control lever may have a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to the corresponding grip axis such that the drive control lever remains substantially parallel to its respective hand grip throughout its travel. A neutral lock is provided to permit locking of each drive control lever in at least one position, e.g., a neutral position. Secondary levers such as operator presence control (OPC) levers may also be included. An OPC lever is associated with each hand grip.

Abstract: A belly mower is provided for attachment to a vehicle of the ATV type. The mower includes a mower deck having a horizontal mounting plate and a depending skirt with a plurality of blades each mounted on a vertical shaft at spaced positions across the deck. The deck is shaped arranged such that it can be located behind the two front wheels of the vehicle and in front of the two rear wheel of the vehicle. The deck includes a rearwardly extending mounting arm for attachment of the deck to a rear hitch of the vehicle such that forward movement of the vehicle moves the deck forwards and maintains the deck between the front and rear wheels. The deck is also connected to the vehicle to prevent side to side movement of the deck.

Abstract: A lawn mower including a frame, an engine having an electrical system and attached to the frame, a mower deck assembly connected to the frame and having a rotating blade selectively engaged with the engine, a reversible transmission driven by the engine and having a shift mechanism having forward and reverse positions, a switch in electrical communication with the electrical system and mower deck assembly, and a solenoid attached to the transmission, in electrical communication with the switch, and having a plunger. The plunger has an extended position when the switch is in its first position and the blade engages the engine, wherein the plunger blocks movement of the shift mechanism into its reverse position, and a retracted position when the switch is in its second position and the blade disengages the engine, wherein the plunger does not block movement of the shift mechanism into its reverse position.

Abstract: A mower having a sub-frame with components including traction motors, wheels and hydraulic pumps for mounting on a main frame as a separate unit to facilitate assembly and repair.

Abstract: Switch operation mechanism includes a handling lever pivotally connected to a portion of a handle, a generally-fan-shaped actuating member pivotally connected at its pivot portion to the handle in such a manner that the actuating member is pivotable in response to operation, by a human operator, of the handling lever, and a noncontact reed switch for turning on or off a cutter-driving electric motor in accordance with an ON/OFF state of the noncontact reed switch. The ON/OFF state of the noncontact reed switch is determined in accordance with pivoting movement, toward or away from the switch, of the actuating member responsive to the operation of the handling lever. With such arrangements, the switching operations of the operation mechanism can be performed accurately in a stable manner.

Abstract: A disabling feature used with a lawn mower, for disabling the drive wheels of a lawn mower when an obstacle is encountered. Braking, engine kill, blade stopping, and declutching is contemplated upon the tripping of a pivotable contact device which in one embodiment is configured to be tripped when contacting an object while in reverse. A directional extension flap is also provided.

Abstract: An operator control system for a self-propelled vehicle such as a lawn mower is provided wherein the control system includes two opposing and preferably upwardly extending and converging hand grips each having a corresponding drive control lever associated therewith. Each drive control lever may have at least a portion that is parallel to a grip axis of its respective hand grip. Further, each drive control lever may have a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to the corresponding grip axis such that the drive control lever remains substantially parallel to its respective hand grip throughout its travel. A latching device may be provided to permit latching of each drive control lever in two or more positions, e.g., a neutral position and a park position. Secondary levers such as operator presence control (OPC) levers may also be included.

Abstract: Multiple belt mule drive apparatus and systems for use with ground maintenance vehicles are provided. The apparatus may include two endless belts each engageable with a drive sheave of a prime mover and a driven sheave of a cutting deck. Each drive belt may further contact a guide pulley and an idler pulley on a tension side and a slack side of the belt, respectively. In one embodiment, the drive sheave has an axis generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Preferably, the guide pulley and the idler pulley associated with the first endless belt are, when the vehicle is in an operating configuration, located on a first side of a vertical plane passing through the drive sheave axis, while the guide pulley and idler pulley associated with the second endless belt are located on a second side.

Abstract: An operator control system for a self-propelled vehicle such as a lawn mower is provided wherein the control system includes two opposing and preferably upwardly extending and converging hand grips each having a corresponding drive control lever associated therewith. Each drive control lever may have at least a portion that is parallel to a grip axis of its respective hand grip. Further, each drive control lever may have a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to the corresponding grip axis such that the drive control lever remains substantially parallel to its respective hand grip throughout its travel. In some embodiments, a neutral lock is provided to permit locking of each drive control lever in at least one position, e.g., a neutral position. Secondary levers such as operator presence control (OPC) levers may also be included. In one embodiment, an OPC lever is associated with each hand grip.

Abstract: A system for automatically steering a utility vehicle having an operating implement. The system comprises a controller that is in communication with a scanning sensor. The controller receives an output signal from the scanning sensor and generates a steering signal that is directed to a steering controller for automatically steering the vehicle along a boundary of operation detected by the scanning sensor. The controller is supplied with information on which side of the operating implement the boundary of operation is located. The controller controls the scanning region of the scanning sensor as a function of this information.

Abstract: A powered lawn mower having a frame, an engine mounted to the frame, a set of front wheels and a set of rear drive wheels connected to the frame. Attached to the rear of the frame is a standing platform positioned in front of the rear wheel axles so that the center of gravity is moved forward over the center of the mower with an operator standing on the platform. The positioning of the platform substantially improves the stability and safety of the mower. The platform, capable of supporting the weight of a standing operator, is mounted to the frame of the mower with a plurality of springs mounted between the platform and the frame to cushion the ride of the operator. The mower may also include as seat assembly removably attachable to the frame of the mower and positioned substantially above the platform. The seat assembly includes an attachment mechanism designed to be removably attached to the frame, so that an operator can choose between a standing position and a seated position.

Abstract: A self-propelled, walk-behind implement including a body, an engine attached to the body and having an output shaft, ground-engaging drive wheels, and a transaxle. The transaxle includes a housing, a input shaft extending into the housing and selectively operatively engaged with the output shaft, an axle having an axis of rotation and extending through the housing, the drive wheels coupled to the axle, a rotatable driving member disposed within the housing and engaged with the input shaft, and a driven member disposed within the housing and driven by the driving member. The driven member has a first axial position along the axle in which the driven member is not engaging the axle and the axle is freely rotatable, and a second axial position in which the driven member is in operative engagement with the driving member and the axle and the input and output shafts are operatively engaged.

Abstract: A crop harvesting implement has a wheeled frame, a draft tongue pivotable between extreme left and right operating positions, a mechanism for pivoting the tongue, a drive line for transmitting rotational power from a tractor when coupled thereto, a crop harvesting header suspended from the frame and having operable components for engaging and processing crop material, a gearbox for receiving rotational power from the drive line and transmitting the power to the operable components of the crop harvesting header, an input shaft operatively connected to the drive line, a device for mounting the gearbox on the header so that the header rotates, and a steering mechanism for effecting rotational movement of the gearbox in concert with the pivotal movement of the tongue.

Abstract: A lock out feature for preventing a lawn mower from going into reverse unless the lawn mower blade is first disengaged, while allowing the lawn mower cutting blade to be reengaged upon being placed in reverse, said latch nevertheless allowing the lawn mower to be moved out of reverse without disengaging said lawn mower blade. An override feature is also allowed by use of a separate override control to allow the user to override the reverse lock out latch in order to go from forward or neutral into reverse without disengaging the cutting blade.

Abstract: An axle driving unit having a housing (21,22) for supporting a first axle (17) for mounting thereon a first driving wheel (3L), and a longer second axle (18) for mounting thereon a second driving wheel (3R). The axle driving unit is eccentrically mounted on a body frame (1) in proximity to the first driving wheel (3L). A speed change transmission (T) is disposed in an enlarged region of the housing that extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to the axles (17,18). The axle driving unit can thus be easily disposed to the side of a chute (6) of a rear-discharge type lawn tractor.

Abstract: An axle driving unit having a housing (21, 22) for supporting a first axle (17) for mounting thereon a first driving wheel (3L), and a longer second axle (18) for mounting thereon a second driving wheel (3R). The axle driving unit is eccentrically mounted on a body frame (1) in proximity to the first driving wheel (3L). A speed change transmission (T) is disposed in an enlarged region of the housing that extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to the axles (17, 18). The axle driving unit can thus be easily disposed to the side of a chute (6) of a rear-discharge type lawn tractor.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for starting an engine. An apparatus comprises a frame and an internal combustion engine operatively mounted to the frame. A control member is operatively connected to the frame, wherein the control member has an activated position and a deactivated position. The control member adapted to complete an engine circuit when in the activated position. An energy storage medium is operatively associated with the engine such that release of energy stored in the energy storage medium turns the engine and facilitates its starting. A starting assembly is utilized to release the stored energy in the energy storage medium. As such, an operator must utilize two separate and distinct actions, activating the control member and activating the starting assembly, to restart the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A lockout feature for preventing a lawn mower from going into reverse unless the lawn mower blade is first disengaged, while allowing the lawn mower cutting blade to be reengaged upon being placed in reverse, the latch nevertheless allowing the lawn mower to be moved out of reverse without disengaging said lawn mower blade. An override feature is also allowed by use of a separate override control to allow the user to override the reverse lock out latch in order to go from forward or neutral into reverse without disengaging the cutting blade.

Abstract: An agricultural machine including a chassis, a working unit connected to the chassis by a suspension device so that the working unit can move relative to the chassis during work, at least one operating ram for raising the working unit into a transport position or lowering it into a work position relative to the chassis, and at least one lightening ram for transferring part of the weight of the working unit onto the chassis. The operating ram and the lightening ram each include a corresponding chamber formed in a same mobile cylinder, each chamber being connected to a source of fluid and the cylinder being associated with a corresponding locking mechanism for preventing the cylinder from rotating about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An implement having an engine and a transaxle which may be rigidly and directly attached to one another in a vertically stacked orientation to form an engine and transaxle module. The implement also includes ground engaging wheels attached to the transaxle axles, a handle allowing control of the implement, and one of a plurality of interchangeable working devices attached to the engine and transaxle module. For example, the implement may be a snow thrower having an auger assembly which is operatively coupled to one of the engine and the transaxle. The transaxle may include a pair of axially aligned axles which are selectively coupled together, such that when the axles are coupled together, the wheels are rotatably fixed together, and when the axles are not coupled together, the wheels are free to rotate relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drive arrangement of a crop conveying and/or processing mechanism of a harvesting machine with an internal combustion engine (25) that is arranged to drive the crop conveying and/or processing mechanism through power transmission elements in a first operating mode in a first direction at a first speed, and a reversible motor (86) that is arranged to drive the crop conveying and/or processing mechanism in a second operating mode at a second speed in a second direction that differs from the first direction. The drive arrangement is also able to be driven in one or both of third and fourth operating modes.

Abstract: An electric switch operating mechanism is disclosed utilizing a rotating bail and a secondary inward moving interlock, wherein a single multiple function spring rotatively biases the moving bail into an inactive position, biasing the interlock into a non-engaged outward position and in addition operates the switch.

Abstract: A dynamic drive and brake system is provided. To accelerate the mower in a forward direction, the operator depresses the acceleration pedal, overcoming the biasing force of the acceleration spring. This causes the double idler pulley system to pivot from an inoperative or de-lutched condition to an operative condition. The farther the accelerator pedal is depressed, the more the double idler pulley system pivots and, correspondingly, the more tension is applied to the first belt. The increased tension in the first belt causes the middle pulley member to move in a downward direction and therefore decreases the diameter of the first belt about the double pulley shaft. The movement of the middle pulley member simultaneously increases the diameter of the second belt about the double pulley shaft. This increases the tension in the second belt which tension is absorbed by the idler spring that permits the idler pulley to pivot in a clockwise direction.