Abstract: An electric lawn mower includes an electric motor and battery supported on a wheeled motor deck, a handle mounted on the deck and pivotable between first and second handle positions, and a pivoting failsafe switch system for respectively enabling and disabling powered operation of the electric motor when the handle is in the first and second handle positions. The pivoting switch assembly includes a magnet and a magnet sensor sensing the magnet. The magnet is carried by a turning member that moves when the handle is moved. The magnet sensor respectively generates high and low signals when the handle is located in the first and second handle positions. The sensor signals are transmitted to a motor control unit for respectively enabling and disabling the operation of the electric motor.

Abstract: A walk behind lawn mower including a frame including a handle, an engine mounted to the frame, a transmission coupling the engine to a plurality of wheels, and a user interface coupled to the transmission and including a static link rigidly coupled to the handle, a forward link coupled to a forward lever and to the static link, a reverse link coupled to a reverse lever and to the static link, and a joining link coupled between the forward link and the reverse link. The user interface is actuatable between a forward configuration and a reverse configuration using a single hand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission housing (1) comprising a housing (1) body (1A) which defines an enclosure (1B) and, arranged at least partly inside said enclosure (1B), an input shaft (2), an output shaft (3) and a mechanism (4) for transmitting the movement of the input shaft (2) to the output shaft (3), this movement transmitting mechanism (4) comprising at least one clutch (5), the clutch (5) comprising a driving element (6) and a driven element (7), the driven element (7) being mounted for conjoined rotation with the output shaft (3) and comprising an active part (8) of the clutch (5) and a sleeve (9) that carries said active part (8) of the clutch (5), wherein the active part (8) of the clutch (5) is in bearing contact with the driving element (6) of the clutch (5) when the clutch (5) is in the engaged position, the sleeve (9) being coaxial to the output shaft (3) and mounted for conjoined rotation with the output shaft (3), the sleeve (9) of the driven element (7) being made in a single piece wi

Abstract: Described herein are self-propel accessories for walk behind/push-driven machines/devices comprising: drive assembly motor(s) operatively connected to at least one power supply; at least one drive assembly for imparting drive from the drive assembly motor(s) to at least one accessory wheel assembly that is operatively connected to an output shaft of the drive assembly motor(s) and one of an axle or a drive engagement surface of the at least one accessory wheel assembly having accessory ground engagement wheel(s) coupled to at least one end of the axle for rotation therewith; a controller for the drive assembly motor(s) having an actuator for engaging the drive assembly motor(s); and an attachment assembly for coupling the drive assembly motor(s), the at least one drive assembly and the at least one accessory wheel assembly to a housing of the push-driven machine or device in place of a wheel assembly/sub-assembly of the push-driven machine or device.

Abstract: A low-energy blade system having a quick-change attachment for a lawn maintenance tool is provided. The low-energy blade system requires a reduced amount of energy to rotate the blade system. The blade system includes a shell, a mounting plate attached to the shell, a plurality of quick-attach mechanisms, and a separate cutting blade attachable to each of the quick-attach mechanisms. Each quick-attach mechanism allows a cutting blade to be attached to the mounting plate without the need for external tools, such as screwdriver, wrench, ratchet, or the like.

Abstract: In a utility vehicle, equipped with a lawnmower work unit having a circular single blade disk rotatable around a rotating shaft connected to an output shaft of a work motor (prime mover) mounted on a chassis, and multiple (three) blades attached to a circumference of the blade disk at equally spaced apart positions, a single second disk is fixed to a middle of the surface of the blade disk of the lawnmower work unit at fixing positions that are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a cutting element for cutting grass, a motor for driving the cutting element to rotate, a housing for containing the motor and a handle device for a user to control the lawn mower. The handle device includes a handle including a gripping portion for the user to grip and a connection portion substantially extending along a direction of a first line, and a first operating element for the user to operate. The first operating element is capable of rotating about a first axis relative to the handle. The first axis is substantially parallel to the first line.

Abstract: A speed control mechanism for controlling selective engagement of the self-propelled transmission assembly for a walk-behind lawn mower is provided. The speed control mechanism is also configured to control the relative output speed of the transmission assembly. The speed control mechanism includes a speed engagement assembly and a speed adjustment assembly, wherein the speed engagement assembly includes a pair of rotatable levers for causing the transmission assembly to actuate between a disengaged position and an engaged position and the speed adjustment assembly includes a rotatable knob for causing the relative output speed of the transmission assembly to the wheels of the lawn mower to increase or decrease.

Abstract: A drive system includes a first transmission, a second transmission and at least one flexible driving member. The first transmission is operably coupled to a first set of wheels to provide drive power to the first set of wheels responsive to engagement of the first transmission. The second transmission is operably coupled to a second set of wheels to provide drive power to the second set of wheels responsive to engagement of the second transmission. The at least one flexible driving member is operably coupled to a remote actuator and a drive shaft of the walk-behind outdoor power equipment device. The at least one flexible member selectively engages one of the first transmission or the second transmission to switch a walk-behind outdoor power equipment device between all wheel drive operation and another drive mode via the remote actuator.

Abstract: A drive system includes a first transmission, a second transmission and at least one flexible driving member. The first transmission is operably coupled to a first set of wheels to provide drive power to the first set of wheels responsive to engagement of the first transmission. The second transmission is operably coupled to a second set of wheels to provide drive power to the second set of wheels responsive to engagement of the second transmission. The at least one flexible driving member is operably coupled to a remote actuator and a drive shaft of the walk-behind outdoor power equipment device. The at least one flexible member selectively engages one of the first transmission or the second transmission to switch a walk-behind outdoor power equipment device between all wheel drive operation and another drive mode via the remote actuator.

Abstract: Lawn mower and method for controlling self-driving operations of the lawn mower wherein the lawn mower and method include a mower body, multiple wheels for supporting the mower body, and a drive motor for driving at least one wheel. Also disclosed is a controlling method for the mower including the following steps: an operator inputs predetermined parameters via am input device, a processor controls an execution circuit to control the drive motor to work according to the predetermined parameters, a sensor checks the actual operating parameters of the drive motor and feeds them back to the processor, the processor compares the actual operating parameters with the predetermined parameters to produce control signals, the execution circuit receives and processes the control signals, and regulates the actual operating parameters of the drive motor according to the predetermined parameters. The method enables the operation convenient and comfortable.

Abstract: An emergency braking system for use in connection with a drive apparatus including a drive belt and pulley system for transferring power from a prime mover to a transmission or transaxle. The braking system includes a pulley engaged to the drive belt and a spring engaged to the pulley to provide a bias force thereto. When tension from the belt is removed from the pulley, the spring forces the pulley into engagement with an actuator to engage a brake mechanism.

Abstract: Magneto-rheological clutch and wheel transmission apparatuses and methods are provided. According to one aspect, a magneto-rheological clutch system can include first and second drive members and first and second driven members. A first gap can be present between the first drive and first driven members. A second gap can be present between the second drive and second driven members. A drive wheel and a snow blower impeller can be connected to the first and second driven member, respectively. First and second MR fluids can be disposed in the first and second gaps, respectively. A first magnetic field can be applied to the first MR fluid for engaging the drive wheel. A second magnetic field can be applied to the second MR fluid for engaging the snow blower impeller. The provided apparatuses and methods can also be applied to mower blades and wheels.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for an agricultural machine, especially a field chopper, has a motor driven gearbox (3) that is connectable at a drive-end to at least one drive motor (1). At least one first hydraulic pump (8, 8?) is provided to feed at least one hydraulic motor (14), (17) to drive a working mechanism of a machine. A belt pulley (4) of a belt drive (5), especially for driving a chopper drum (10), is coupled with the gearbox (3). A release clutch (7), with an input-side first clutch element (36) and an output-side second clutch element (37), is also coupled with the gearbox (3). The first clutch element (36) is drivingly connected to the motor driven gearbox (3). The second clutch element (37) is drivingly connected to the belt pulley (4). The second clutch element (37) is non-rotationally connected to a drive shaft (38) to drive the at least one first hydraulic pump (8, 8?).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for actuating a control component of a power machine. A two-step bail can be attached to a handle for controlling the power machine. The two-step bail can include a base member and a control member, wherein the control member can be slidably attached to the base member which can be pivotably mounted to the handle of the power machine. The control member can be depressed, by an operator first action, into the base member, which can be followed by an operator second action wherein the base member and control member can be pulled reward toward the operator to actuate a control component of the power machine.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower includes an internal combustion engine having a power take-off. The mower further includes a connector adaptor attached to the power take-off, and a lawn mower blade. A connector base of the mower is attached to the blade. The connector base and the connector adaptor have extensions designed to interlock the connector base with the connector adaptor. At least one of the extensions forms a J-shaped structure arranged longitudinally along an axis of rotation of the connector base and connector adaptor.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for controlling a variable speed transmission including an actuator, a cam follower, and a speed adjustment cam. The actuator is rotatable through a first phase and a subsequent second phase, and includes an actuator cam surface and a variator. The cam follower is movable in response to contact with the actuator cam surface during rotation through the first phase, for actuating a coupler of the transmission between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The variator is movable along the speed adjustment cam during rotation through the second phase for enabling adjustment of a torque transfer mechanism associated with the transmission. By this configuration, control over the coupling of the transmission to a torque input such as a motor and control over the speed of the transmission are both enabled through rotation of a single actuator, and thus can be implemented in a self-propelled machine such as a lawnmower using a single operator-manipulated control.

Abstract: A method of unplugging hay and forage equipment, including the steps of identifying a plug, activating unplugging devices, unplugging the equipment, and returning the unplugging devices to position of normal operation. The identifying step includes identifying a plug in the equipment caused by the material entering the equipment. The activating step includes activating substantially simultaneously a plurality of unplugging devices. The returning step includes returning the plurality of unplugging devices to their normal operating positions.

Abstract: A control system for a BBC on a mower comprises a pivotal bail and a pivotal housing that is linked to the BBC. If a push member on the housing is pushed inwardly from the side of the housing before the bail is pivoted, then a pin moves to a blocking position behind the bail. Subsequent pivoting of the bail will pivot the housing to actuate the BBC. A channel in the housing frictionally grips the bail to prevent rebound of the bail when a spring force resets the housing and the bail to their initial positions after the operator releases the bail. Movement of the push member also closes an interlock switch which will kill operation of the engine if a grass discharge outlet on the mower is uncovered.

Abstract: A riding type mower includes: a vehicle body, a driver's seat mounted on the vehicle body; an operation part arranged around the driver's seat; a mower unit provided on the vehicle body; a shutter for closing a discharge port; a shutter moving mechanism for moving the shutter between a close position closing the discharge port and an open position opening the discharge port; and a lock mechanism for locking the shutter at the close position. The mower unit includes: a mower deck; a cutting blade installed inside the mower deck; the discharge port formed in the mower deck, through which mown grass cut by the blade is discharge from the mower unit to outside. A shutter operating tool for remotely operating the shutter moving mechanism to open and close the shutter is provided in the operation part. The lock mechanism is remotely operable from the operation part.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for an agricultural machine, especially a field chopper, has a motor driven gearbox (3) that is connectable at a drive-end to at least one drive motor (1). At least one first hydraulic pump (8, 8?) is provided to feed at least one hydraulic motor (14), (17) to drive a working mechanism of a machine. A belt pulley (4) of a belt drive (5), especially for driving a chopper drum (10), is coupled with the gearbox (3). A release clutch (7), with an input-side first clutch element (36) and an output-side second clutch element (37), is also coupled with the gearbox (3). The first clutch element (36) is drivingly connected to the motor driven gearbox (3). The second clutch element (37) is drivingly connected to the belt pulley (4). The second clutch element (37) is non-rotationally connected to a drive shaft (38) to drive the at least one first hydraulic pump (8, 8?).

Abstract: A stall detection system for mower blade clutch engagement determines if there is a stall condition by sensing one or more operating conditions such as engine deceleration or blade spindle rotation. If a stall condition is detected, a microcontroller shuts off actuating current to the electric clutch coil and automatically disengages or discontinues engagement of the clutch. The microcontroller may also provide a signal to inform the operator of the stall condition, and prevent repeated activation of the clutch until the stall condition is corrected.

Abstract: A field chopper and a method for its operation. The field chopper includes an internal combustion engine in drive connection with a crop intake device, a chopping device, and a feeding device that transfers crop from the intake device to the chopping device. A controller, connected to an operator input, sets the drive speed of the feeding device. Upon input for starting the chopping operation, the controller triggers the following steps: bringing the drive speed of the feeding device to a reduced speed, closing a coupling to the crop intake device, and bringing the drive speed of the feeding device to a desired value.

Abstract: A mowing machine having a lock mechanism for locking the engagement of a clutch mechanism is disclosed. By a two-motion control operation of operating a clutch lever and then operating a lock lever of a lock mechanism, a locking state of the lock mechanism is released. This releasing of the locking mechanism immediately causes the clutch mechanism to engage, so that there is almost no half-clutch state.

Abstract: An apparatus, systems and methods for automatically disengaging and re-engaging a cutting implement on a mowing machine by disconnecting and connecting, respectively, electrical power to an implement drive means. Power to the implement drive means is disconnected or connected according to gear positions of transmission control levers provided on the mowing machine. At designated gear positions, cut-out switches associated with the implement drive means are effective to interrupt power to the implement drive means. Repositioning the control levers to non-designated gear positions restores power to the implement drive means. The automatic disengagement/re-engagement of the cutting implement based on the gear position of transmission control levers may be used for two lever zero-turn-ride-on mowing machines or more traditional single lever ride-on mowing machines.

Abstract: A circuit for use with an apparatus such as a tractor having an output device such as a mower deck or snow thrower, comprising a user operated switch and a position sensing switch to detect the rotational direction of a shaft such as an output axle, so that the operational status of the output device may be changed depending on the rotational direction of the shaft.

Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester includes front and rear sets of driven ground wheels. The front set of wheels is driven through a transmission including an input shaft driven by a variable displacement motor and coupled to the front set of wheels by a gear train including one planetary gear set, (in one embodiment), and two planetary gear sets, (in a second embodiment). In both cases, the transmission is shiftable so as to establish at least first and second gear ratios. The shifting of the transmission is accomplished automatically by a control arrangement which takes into account the operating mode of the harvester so that a ratio for producing the correct velocity range for harvesting is established when the harvester is in a working operating mode, and a higher velocity range is established when the harvester is in a transport operating mode. Other operating parameters are sensed and used to automatically control hydraulic pump and/or motor displacement, and for controlling engine speed.

Abstract: A system for use with a vehicle such as a tractor having an output device such as a mower deck or snow thrower comprising a sensor positioned to detect the rotational direction of a shaft such as an output axle. The operational status of the output device can be changed depending on the rotational direction of the shaft.

Abstract: A circuit for use with an apparatus such as a tractor having an output device such as a mower deck or snow thrower, comprising a user operated switch and a position sensing switch to detect the rotational direction of a shaft such as an output axle, so that the operational status of the output device may be changed depending on the rotational direction of the shaft.

Abstract: A transmission between a drive member and a drive shaft (1) of an automotive engine comprising, in a housing (2), a friction clutch constituted by at least one rotatable driving element (3) and at least one driven element coming into bearing contact with variable gripping to obtain a variation of the couple transmitted to the output shaft (1) under the action of a control device that at least partially projects from the housing (2). The control device is automatically actuated by two separate inertial forces, one, generated by the driver of the engine, tending to bring together the drive element (3) and the driven element when the resistance to forward movement of the engine increases, the other, generated by the mass of the engine tending to uncouple the drive element (3) and driven element when the resistance to advance of the engine decreases.

Abstract: A transmission device between a primary motor shaft and an output shaft (1) includes a casing (2) within which are disposed a reducing mechanism constituted by a driving member (3) in engagement with a driven member (4), the driven member (4) mounted freely rotatably on the output shaft (2) being adapted to be coupled with or uncoupled from the shaft (2) by a clutch mechanism mounted on the output shaft (2). The driven member (4) is a tangent toothed wheel, of synthetic material, at least the constituent material of the teeth (5) of the toothed wheel (4) incorporating a mineral or organic load increasing the resistance to the wear of the teeth (5).

Abstract: A drive gear shaft structure of a self-moving type mower is provided adjacent to a wheel unit disposed at the bottom portion of a mower, and includes upper and lower housings which co-define a receiving space after assembly thereof; a shaft, a gear, two transmission taper blocks, two securing plates, two securing oil seals, a worm and a trigger rod disposed in the receiving space; and a transmission structure connected to the worm and a transmission spindle of a drive motor of the mower. The structure utilizes motor output power of the cutter of the mower to enable the wheels of the mower to automatically rotate.

Abstract: A lawn mower has a mainframe, a sub-frame bolted onto the mainframe for ease of installation and removal and traction motors mounted on the sub-frame. The traction motors have shafts for driving engagement with drive wheels used in moving the lawn mower. Hydraulic pumps are mounted onto the sub-frame and have pump drive pulleys. Pump belts operatively connect the pump drive pulleys to the mower driven pulley. Preferably the sub-frame has end plates connected by tie rods. Each of the end plates supports one of the traction motors on one side and one of the frame pumps on the other side.

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: A transmission for a self-propelled engine includes an endless transmission (1) with a belt (2) between a driving pulley (3) and a driven pulley (4) carried by the input shaft (5) of a clutch engaging mechanism (7) whose output shaft (6) is coupled to the wheels (20) of the machine. The clutch engaging mechanism (7) is a toothed clutch engagement disposed within a housing (19) mounted oscillably about the output shaft (6) of the clutch engaging mechanism (7) in the direction of tensioning or respectively relaxing the belt (2) of the endless transmission, at least under the action of a control mechanism (13), whose operation is subject to the control member (10) of the clutch engaging mechanism so as to give rise to the passage to the clutch engaged condition of the clutch engaging mechanism (7) and then the tensioning of the belt (2).

Abstract: A trim assembly for riding lawnmower for trimming areas adjacent to lawnmower. The trim assembly for riding lawnmower includes a mounting attached to a perimeter wall of a blade shield mounted to a lawnmower. The device is positioned away from a body of the lawnmower. A cylinder is rotatably coupled to the mounting and orientated in a generally vertical orientation. A second pulley is mounted on an upper end of the cylinder. A disc is attached to a lower end of the cylinder. A belt extends around and frictionally engages a first pulley, mechanically coupled to a motor on the lawnmower, and the second pulley for rotating the second pulley and the cylinder attached thereto.

Abstract: A bush cutting machine including an automatic braking mechanism having a brake drum formed integrally with a clutch case which houses a centrifugal clutch. When the number of rotations of a clutch drum decreases, at least two braking members press against the brake drum, whereby the clutch drum stops rotating, and a cutting blade also stops rotating automatically.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission for a self-propelled engine of the type comprising an endless transmission (1) with a belt (2) between a driving pulley (3) and a driven pulley (4) carried by the input shaft (5) of a clutch engaging mechanism (7) whose output shaft (6) is coupled to the wheels (20) of the machine.