Abstract: A large capacity, self-propelled walk-behind power tool, such as a lawn mower, employs gear-operated transmissions for independently driving each drive wheel. The transmission output shafts connect directly with the drive wheels, and clutch elements for use with the respective transmissions operably engage an input pulley to the transmission rather than an output pulley. The drive wheels are directly connected to the transmissions and the location of the clutching elements is within the periphery of the respective belts. The drive assembly is enclosed by the drive deck.

Abstract: A large capacity, self-propelled walk-behind power tool, such as a lawn mower, employs gear-operated transmissions for independently driving each drive wheel. Control handles are connected to idler pulley levers and brake levers to control the movement of the driving wheels. A constant input rate to the control handles results in a variable output rate to the idler pulley levers and the brake levers.

Abstract: A blade brake assembly is provided for use with a lawn mower having a self-propelled power deck with a pair of drive wheels and a mower deck supporting at least a mower blade driven by the power deck. In order to change the cutting height, the mower deck is pivotable with respect to the power deck. The blade brake assembly includes an actuator mounted to the power deck and shiftable in response to a brake command by an operator, a band brake operatively coupled to the mower blade, a center pivot mounted on the mower deck and fixed with respect thereto, and a pivot lever pivotally mounted on the center pivot and having a first end pivotally connected to an end of the actuator. Furthermore, a link member is pivotally connected at one end thereof to a second end of the pivot lever, opposite the first end, wherein the center pivot is intermediate the two ends of the pivot lever, and wherein the link member is connected at the second end thereof to the band brake.

Abstract: The invention is a self-propelled drivewheel steering power mower which can be operated in a standing or sitting position, including a pair of variable flow hydrostatic pumps with tiltable swash plates, each of which drives one of a pair of drivewheels. A vertically mounted steering shaft is rotatably supported on the mower for rotation about an axis concentric with said shaft; and a T-shaped steering handle bar is rotatably journaled to the end of said steering shaft for twisting about an axis concentric with said handle bar.

Abstract: A transmission for self-propelled walking lawn mowers, comprising: a casing 17; an input shaft 5 vertically inserted into the casing 17; an output shaft 10 extending horizontally through the casing 17; a small gear 20 fixed on the input shaft 5; a large gear 21 meshing with the small gear; a supporting shaft fixedly spporting the large gear; and first and second intermediate gears 24 and 25 mounted on the supporting shaft and the output shaft 10, respectively, wherein the input shaft 5 is arranged on the side of the. large gear facing opposite to the supporting shaft and is supported by the top and bottom walls of the casing. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the size of the casing for self-propelled walking lawn mowers, thereby making a lawn mower compact.

Abstract: A power transmitting structure for a mid-mount mower having a mower unit disposed in a middle region of a vehicle body. The power transmitting structure includes an engine disposed adjacent front wheels, axle shafts for rotating drive wheels, a stepless transmission operatively connected to the axle shafts, and a power branching device. The power branching device includes a branch input shaft connected to the engine through an engine power transmitting device extending longitudinally of the vehicle body, a first branch output operatively connected to the stepless transmission, and a second branch output operatively connected to the mower unit. The first branch output is a pulley connected to an input pulley of the stepless transmission through a belt to transmit power to the input pulley. The power branching device is disposed independently of and spaced from the stepless transmission. The mower unit is suspended below the engine power transmitting device between the engine and the power branching device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a plastic row divider assembly with a frame for a corn head on a combine. The invention consists of several center divider assemblies surrounded by a pair of end divider assemblies. A center divider assembly consists of a narrow island shield supported by a narrow island shield sub-assembly. Pivotially attached to the narrow island shield sub-assembly is a narrow point shield sub-assembly. The narrow island shield sub-assembly is pivotially attached to the row unit frame. Affixed to the narrow point shield sub-assembly is a narrow point shield. An end divider assembly consists of an end island shield supported by an end island shield support sub-assembly. The end island shield support sub-assembly is pivotially affixed to the end frame. An end point shield is supported by an end island shield sub assembly. The sub-assembly is pivotially affixed to the row unit. The end point shield and narrow point shield heights may be altered.

Abstract: A single belt drive system for a grounds care device using two transmission power units to provide directional drive to the wheels. The single belt arrangement allows the vehicle to have two identical transmission power units due to the asymmetric design.

Abstract: A blade drive clutch and brake for a lawn mower including an engine having a drive shaft extending downwardly therefrom and which has a drive sheave thereon. A clutch arm is movably mounted below and rearwardly of the engine drive shaft sheave and supports a vertically disposed, rotatable jackshaft thereon. An upper sheave is mounted on the upper end of the jackshaft and is connected to the engine drive shaft sheave by an upper belt. A lower sheave is mounted on the lower end of the jackshaft and has a drive belt extending therearound which is connected to the sheaves on the cutting blades located in the mower deck. A lever is connected to the clutch arm for moving the clutch arm between engaged and disengaged positions. When the clutch arm is in its disengaged position, the blade drive belt pulls the clutch arm and jackshaft forwardly so that the upper belt is in a non-driving position.

Abstract: A control system for selectively actuating a component on an outdoor power equipment unit, such as a blade on a lawn mower, uses two separate and distinct operator actions to prevent inadvertent actuation. The control system includes a pivotal bail that must be pivoted from a first component disengaged position to a second component engaged position in which the bail lies flat against the handle assembly of the outdoor power equipment unit. A slide is slidably mounted on a housing, carried on one of the legs of the bail, for movement towards and away from the pivot axis of the bail. The slide must be pushed down to engage the lower end of the slide with a notch in a pivotal cam to temporarily link the cam to the bail in order to actuate the component. When the bail is released to return to its initial position, camming surfaces on the lower end of the slide and the notch are effective to mechanically cam the slide back up to its disengaged position where the lower end of the slide has disengaged the notch.

Abstract: In a transmission (10) comprising a casing (12), a vertical input shaft (13) having an upper end which extends upwardly of the casing and carries an input pulley (14), and a horizontal wheel axle (18) for driving a pair of mower-drive wheels (3), the input shaft intersects the wheel axle at a location in close proximity to the axle and is supported by top and bottom walls (12a, 12b) of the casing. The vertical shaft and horizontal axle are connected by a hypoid gearing (26) having a hypoid pinion (27) mounted on the shaft and a larger hypoid gear (29) mounted on the axle. The transmission has a compact configuration while the input shaft is supported in a stable manner and while the transmission efficiency between the shaft and axle is kept high. Preferably, the larger hypoid gear is rotatably mounted on the axle and a frictional clutch (32) is disposed between the gear and axle.

Abstract: An end shaft mounted clutch which is inexpensive to produce, maintain, and install, even on an existing belt driven lawn mower.

Abstract: The mowing implement of a mowing apparatus, rotating about a vertical axis, is driven over a transmission comprising a freewheel mechanism and driving pins. A drive shaft is connected with the freewheel mechanism so that there cannot be any mutual rotation therebetween. In a basic orientation parallel to the axis of rotation of the mowing implement, these driving pins produce a driving connection between the freewheel mechanism and the mowing implement for driving the latter. In the event of a stoppage of the drive shaft, the driving pins, together with the freewheel mechanism, carry out a lifting motion, which interrupts the driving connection between the mowing implement and the freewheel mechanism. During their lifting motion, the driving pins activate a braking device in the region of the interior of the transmission housing above the freewheel mechanism. This braking device rapidly brings the mowing implement, which continues to run, to a stop.

Abstract: A transmission for a self-propelled walking lawn mower is disclosed, the transmission comprising:i) a casing;ii) input and output shafts supported by the casing, the output shaft driving ground engaging wheels of the mower and the input shaft receiving drive force from an engine of the mower wherein the input shaft extends substantially perpendicular to the output shaft and is located almost directly above the output shaft;iii) a drive gear secured on the input shaft;iv) a driven gear rotatably mounted on the output shaft and meshing with the drive gear; andv) a clutch for transmitting the rotation of the driven gear to the output shaft.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic drive system is provided for a vehicle having a plurality of ground engaging wheels which are each individually driven by a hydraulic motor to provide all wheel drive. The ground engaging wheels include a first pair of such wheels at or adjacent a first end of the vehicle and at least one other such wheel at or adjacent a second end of the vehicle. The hydraulic drive system includes a hydraulic flow circuit that connects the hydraulic motors for the wheel(s) at the second end of the vehicle in series to each other, to the fluid source, and to the drive motors for the wheels at the first end of the frame, which latter drive motors are connected in parallel to each other. Such a vehicle will provide superior traction ability as at least one wheel on each end of the vehicle must slip to bring the vehicle to a halt.

Abstract: A tracked agricultural combine vehicle for harvesting, hulling and sorting grain includes a grain working section driven via a tension roller clutch controlled power transmission belt and further including integrated control means for left and right side propulsion track assemblies wherein individual track steering commands in the form of differential track speed control are derived from a common steering wheel input; vehicle speed is controlled by a single input means which controls the speed of both tracks.

Abstract: In a walk-behind, powered lawnmower, a cable control apparatus is provided for supporting at least two different cable assemblies. The apparatus includes a housing for supporting the outer conduits of the cables at a fixed position on the handlebar of the mower and a fastener for fastening the housing to the handlebar. A throttle lever is supported on the housing for pivotal movement, the free end of the first cable being connected to the throttle lever so that movement of the lever is transmitted to the motor by the first cable, adjusting the speed of the motor. The free end of the second cable extends beyond the cable control apparatus and is connected to a separate ground drive lever so that movement of the ground drive lever is transmitted to the ground drive assembly by the second cable, actuating the ground drive assembly. The control apparatus includes an adjustment apparatus for removing slack from the second cable assembly.

Abstract: A safety clutch for a power operated lawn mower requiring a minimum of parts and readily adaptable to exisitng mowers having a clutch with detents that are biased against a driven member bolted to a mower blade for normal operation, wherein the clutch becomes disengaged from the driven member and blade in case of overload, while the engine shaft continues to rotate. There are no levers necessary to control either engagement or disengagement of the clutch.

Abstract: A steering clutch assembly attached between an axle and a wheel of a rear-tined rotary tiller allows the implement to be steered. The clutch assembly comprises three coaxial tubular elements, the inboard-most of which is affixed to one of the driven shafts and the outboard-most of which is affixed to a stub axle projecting from a wheel. The inboard and outboard tubular members are connected at a joint that allows the outboard member to freely rotate about the axis of the shaft. An intermediate tubular member rotates with the inboard tubular member and is translated between and engaged and a disengaged position. In the engaged limiting position a portion of the intermediate tubular member bears on a portion of the outboard tubular member and rotationally locks those two tubular members together so that the outboard tubular member is prohibited from rotating with respect to the inboard tubular member.

Abstract: Walk behind lawn, garden and driveway apparatus having a motor driven set of wheels and a driven blade and including a selectively releasable wheel brake, the wheel brake being continuously biased into the engaged position and an operator moveable control for disengaging the drive to the blade with the connection between the brake control and blade drive control being effected through an interlock which mechanically precludes blade rotation unless the operator controlled brake is disengaged. A suitable control for applying drive power to the wheels can be provided so that not only is manual movement of the apparatus permitted with the brake disengaged and the blade drive engaged or disengaged but also upon actuation of a suitable control, the power to the wheels is applied.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic drive system is provided for a vehicle having a plurality of ground engaging wheels which are each individually driven by a hydraulic motor to provide all wheel drive. The ground engaging wheels include a first pair of such wheels at or adjacent a first end of the vehicle and at least one other such wheel at or adjacent a second end of the vehicle. The hydraulic drive system includes a hydraulic flow circuit that connects the hydraulic motors for the wheel(s) at the second end of the vehicle in series to each other, to the fluid source, and to the drive motors for the wheels at the first end of the frame, which latter drive motors are connected in parallel to each other. Such a vehicle will provide superior traction ability as at least one wheel on each end of the vehicle must slip to bring the vehicle to a halt.

Abstract: A lawn mower is provided having improved steering controls, namely a "trim" feature which may be adjusted while the mower is in a forward speed setting. Further provided is a park lock feature which locks the speed controls of the mower. Finally, a neutral latch feature is provided which becomes engaged when the left and fight steering controls of the mower are simultaneously position in either a neutral or a reverse position.

Abstract: A lawn mower is provided having improved steering controls, namely a "trim" feature which may be adjusted while the mower is in a forward speed setting. Further provided is a park lock feature which locks the speed controls of the mower. Finally, a neutral latch feature is provided which becomes engaged when the left and right steering controls of the mower are simultaneously position in either a neutral or a reverse position.

Abstract: A mower unit having a bevel gear mechanism includes an input shaft extending substantially horizontally; a first bevel gear mounted on the input shaft; an output shaft extending substantially vertically; a second bevel gear meshed with the first bevel gear and mounted on one end of the output shaft; a blade mounted on the other end of the output shaft; a blade housing coveting the blade and defining an opening for receiving the output shaft; a beating holder rotatably supporting the output shaft; a bevel gear case containing the first and second bevel gears; and a pair of fight and left support stays connected to the bevel gear case for mounting the bevel gear case to the blade housing. The bearing holder and support stays are interconnected by reamer bolts, with the blade housing interposed between flange surfaces formed on the beating holder and flange surfaces formed on the support stays.

Abstract: A control for a lawn and garden vehicle, such control utilizing a "U" shaped main direction control pivotally mounted to the handlebars. The control being physically interconnected to a transmission such that movement of the direction control forward causes the vehicle to move forward, and movement of the direction control backward causes the vehicle to move in reverse with the control being spring biased into a central neutral position.

Abstract: A small riding lawn mower having a grass cutting unit suspended from a body frame between a front axle and a rear axle, an engine supported by a body frame in a position forwardly of the rear axle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the body frame, a hydrostatic transmission disposed rearwardly of the rear axle, and a driver's seat disposed forwardly of the engine. The body frame includes profile members disposed at opposite sides and extending longitudinally of the mower, and a cross plate interconnecting the profile members. A belt transmission mechanism connecting the hydrostatic transmission to an engine output shaft is surrounded by a plate frame structure formed below the body frame. The plate frame structure defines a further independent chamber for accommodating a muffler of the engine. This chamber has peripheral walls shaped to guide cooling air from the engine to the muffler and laterally outwardly of the mower.

Abstract: A belt drive mechanism for transmitting power from a vehicle's power source to a mower deck vertically shiftably coupled with the vehicle, and having a primary belt driven by an output sheave coupled with the vehicle power source, a double pulley jacksheave driven by the primary belt, and a secondary belt driven by the jacksheave and operatively engaged with mower deck sheaves which drive mower blades within the mower deck. A support member extends between the mower deck and the vehicle for supporting the jacksheave, the support member being pivotal with respect to both the mower deck and the vehicle for shifting the position of the jacksheave to a position vertically between the output sheive and the mower deck sheaves as the mower deck shifts vertically. The jacksheave pivots with the support member to assume a tilted position when the mower deck is shifted vertically.

Abstract: A lawn mower self-propel and zone brake control system includes a deck, a ground engaging wheel rotatably coupled to and supporting the deck, a handlebar assembly coupled to the deck, and a transmission coupled to the ground engaging wheel. A pivoting control bail is pivotally mounted on the handlebar assembly and pivots between first and second positions. A power transmitting device connects an engine and the transmission. A zone brake is operatively coupled to the engine and the pivoting control bail and operates in either a first or a second mode wherein the zone brake inhibits rotational movement of and power generation by the engine in the first mode and allows rotational movement of and power generation by the engine in the second mode. The zone brake operates in the first mode when the pivoting control bail is in the first position and operates in the second mode when the pivoting control bail is in the second position.

Abstract: A rotating rate control apparatus for adjusting rotation of an engine of a working vehicle between a minimum rate and a maximum rate. The control apparatus has a first, a second and a third rotating rate adjusting devices. The first rotating rate adjusting device adjusts a basic rotating rate of the engine between the minimum rate and maximum rate. The second rotating rate adjusting device is shiftable between an ON position and an OFF position. The second rotating rate adjusting device is operable, when in the ON position, to set the engine to a predetermined rotating rate between the minimum rate and the maximum rate inclusive. The third rotating rate adjusting device is operable, when the second rotating rate adjusting device is in the OFF position, to adjust the rotating rate of the engine between the basic rotating rate adjusted by the first rotating rate adjusting device and the maximum rate.

Abstract: A lawn mower for use in a walking mode and a riding mode, having a chassis frame, an engine mounted on a rearward position of the chassis frame, front wheels, driven rear wheels, transmissions for transmitting drive from the engine to the rear wheels after varying speed of the drive, a grass cutting unit suspended from the chassis frame, a driver's seat mounted on the chassis frame, and a handle post supporting control levers for controlling the transmissions. The handle post is pivotable between a first position for the walking mode in which the control levers are disposed rearwardly of the chassis frame, and a second position for the riding mode in which the control levers are disposed adjacent the driver's seat. The handle post includes a vertical post portion extending laterally of the lawn mower, and a horizontal post portion curved from the vertical post portion to extend transversely of the lawn mower. The control levers are provided on the horizontal post portion.

Abstract: A walk-behind power driven lawn mower having a front wheel steering system including a control mounted on the mower handle and a linkage system interconnecting the control and the front wheels of the mower so that in operation the mower may be steered to the right or left by the operator as the grass cutting operation proceeds. The control includes a lever for controlling the drive transmission to the rear wheels. Also disclosed is a locking tab attached to a pivoting wheel drive actuation handle which lockingly engages an operator presence bar in engagement when said wheel drive actuation handle is in engagement.

Abstract: A lever assembly including a clutch actuator mechanism is located within a housing on a handle assembly of a self-propelled machine for selectively activating and deactivating respective clutches for applying power from a prime mover, such as a gasoline engine, to at least one of a set of drive wheels for propelling the machine over a work surface and for applying power to one or more cutting elements, which may be, for example, a blade of a self-propelled lawn mower. Depending upon the sequence of actuation of two clutch activating control levers, the self-propelling drive wheels, cutter element, or both can be selectively actuated so that an operator may, for example, cause the lawn mower to travel across a surface without power being applied to the cutting blade.

Abstract: An industrial sweeper has brushes, a drivewheel a power source, a lever and cables connecting the lever to clutches which engage the brushes and drive wheel to the power source. When the level is partially depressed, only the brushes are engaged. Full depression of the lever continues engagement of the brushes and also engages the drivewheel to propel the sweeper forward.

Abstract: In a walk-behind power lawn mower with a propelling mechanism and a blade brake clutch, an improved control system. A preferred embodiment includes a substantially U-shaped control arm (34), pivot shaft (36, 38) operatively connecting control arm (34) to handlebar (28) wherein the pivot shafts (36, 38) establish a pivot axis.

Abstract: A power lawn mower is provided with a trimmer attachment pivotally attached to the mower deck and positioned adjacent a side edge of the deck to trim those areas not accessible to the mower blade. When a fixed obstacle such as a fencepost or tree is encountered, the attachment is rotated on a pivotal support arm against the force of a spring to a position adjacent the rear edge of the mower deck. When the obstacle has been passed, the force of the spring returns the trimmer to the side edge of the mower deck. The trimmer attachment is operated by a drive belt driven from the lawn mower engine and the trimmer attachment support arm includes a pair of overlapping telescoping members and a spring contained in one of the telescoping members to apply an outward force on the other telescoping member resulting in a positive tension being applied to the drive belt. The trimmer attachment may be retracted to the rear edge of the mower deck by operation of a lever mechanism and a link attached to the support arm.

Abstract: A safety system for a lawn mower having an engine, a propelling transmission line for transmitting drive from the engine to drive wheels, and a PTO transmission line for transmitting drive from the engine to a grass cutting unit. An engine start is allowed when the propelling transmission line is inoperative. The engine is stopped when the propelling transmission line is operative and a driver is in a non-driving state. A steering section includes an arch-like steering handle, and an auxiliary handle having a shape substantially corresponding to the steering handle and pivotable from an upper position projecting above the steering handle and a lower position depressed below the steering handle. The driver is determined to be in the driving state when the auxiliary handle is in an intermediate position adjacent the steering handle.

Abstract: A grass pick-up broom for riding, walk-behind and tow-behind mowers includes a cylindrical sleeve rotatably mounted on a rear axle of a mower and having spaced elongate brushes fixedly attached to the sleeve and extending radially therefrom. The sleeve is connected by a belt to a rotary cutting blade powered by an engine mounted on the mower. When the cutting blade is engaged, the sleeve automatically rotates about the axle causing the brushes to rotate thereabout, propelling grass clippings and other debris into a grass catcher located behind the broom. The brushes of the broom also comb the surface of the newly cut grass, picking up grass clippings and other heavier debris and transfering the debris to the grass catcher.

Abstract: A powered vegetation cutting deck adapted to be pulled by a tow vehicle which has a cylindrical deck housing with a solid top supported at its rear by a wheeled carriage. The deck has a skirt that completely surrounds flattened cutting blades under the deck so that the discharge of cut vegetation is vertical and downward with even distribution so that there are no wind rows produced. An internal combustion engine is mounted on the deck to power the cutting blades. Power is transmitted to the blades through a special pulley and a "v" belt system that features a clutch construction that allows the disconnection of the power path by a special idler and lever system. In the event of wheel or carriage damage, rear ground contact runners or skids secured to the deck enable the mower to be readily towed to a service area with the rear carriage moved to a stowed position. The skids also establish a minimum cutting height.

Abstract: An improved riding lawn mower comprises a frame having steerable front wheels and rear traction wheels. Each rear wheel is independently driven by a separate transmission. A steering wheel is used to turn the front wheels to control the direction of movement of the rider. Linkage assemblies connected to the steering assembly declutch the rear wheel on the inside of a sharp turn to give the mower near ZTR turning ability. However, the declutched rear wheel freewheels to avoid tearing the turf and the mower does not speed up during the turn.

Abstract: An operation device of a walker operated mower is disclosed. When a mowing lever is set to the "connection" side to start a mowing member and a little bit later, when a running operation lever is set to the "connection" side substantially simultaneously while keeping the lever position, a support member which is integral with the running operation lever pushes the back of an engagement member and a rocking tip of the engagement member strikes a projection provided to the mowing operation lever and prevents the return of the mowing operation lever while keeping contact with the projection. Accordingly, even if the mowing operation member is kept in the "connection" position, the moving operation lever retain the "connection" state. Therefore, the running operation lever can be kept in the "connection" position by one of the hands and the other portions can be operated freely by the other hand.

Abstract: A control device in a mower in which an engine output is transmitted to a cutter blade through a coupling of a clutch for performing mowing. A blade engagement switch is provided for sending a drive signal for engaging the cutter blade. A first control device receives the signal and electrically increases a degree of opening of a throttle valve of the engine. A second control device is provided for electrially performing coupling and decoupling of the clutch. A first timer circuit actuates the first control device a predetermined period upon closure of the blade engagement switch. A second timer circuit actuates the second control device to provide coupling of the clutch at a predetermined timing within the predetermined period after closure of the blade engagement switch.

Abstract: A self-propelled lawn mower employs a hydrostatic transmission and differential to power rear drive wheels which are situated behind a forward mowing deck. The hydrostatic drive has infinitely variable adjustment of speed from reverse, through neutral, to a maximum forward speed. There are independent disc brakes for the drive wheels, with right and left brake levers situated adjacent the operator hand grips. An engine has its center of gravity behind the drive wheel shaft to balance the weight of the mowing deck. Left and right thumb-operated control levers are rockably mounted on the handle bar assembly, adjacent the inboard side of the right and left hand grips. This arrangement permits one-hand control of the transmission speed with either hand, while actuating the respective brake lever with the same hand, making one-hand brake-turning of the mower possible. The engine output shaft has a pulley connected by belt drives to the blades and to the hydrostatic drive.

Abstract: A drive wheel control for a walk-behind self-propelled implement, such as a lawn mower. The control activates sequentially a transmission ball clutch and then a V-belt drive to provide positive and gradual drive wheel start up. Disengagement of the ball clutch allows the drive wheels to freewheel and permits the operator to easily move the mower backwardly as when trimming around hedges and bushes. The control includes a pair of links pivotally connected, with one link rigidly mounted to the transmission. Movement of a single control cable connected to one link initially activates the ball clutch and then causes rocking movement of the other link and the transmission to engage the V-belt drive.

Abstract: A bidirectional freewheeling clutch assembly (50) and a self-propelled walk-behind lawn mower (10) including same are disclosed. Lawn mower (10) preferably includes a prime mover (18) which can be selectively coupled to a gear box (34). The output shaft (44) of gear box (34) extends to a pair of clutch assemblies (50) which selectively apply torque to a pair of gear driven wheels (16). Each clutch assembly (50) includes as its basic components a key (68) and a friction disk (66). Key (68) has a wedge portion (74) which rocks within an axial first keyway (62), and a tang portion (76) which is received within a tang relief (84) in friction disk (66). When shaft (44) is rotated friction disk (66) frictionally engages the housing (12) of mower (10) and applies a drag force to the tang portion (76) of key (74) to cause it to cock and positively engage a pinion (46) which engages a gear (48) attached to drive wheel (16).

Abstract: In a self-propelled walking mower having a deck as a machine frame for supporting an engine, mowing cutter and front wheels, a transaxle-type transmission for driving rear wheels is housed at a rear end portion of the deck in a transmission casing an upper half of which is provided by a portion of top wall of the deck and by a peripheral wall which is formed integrally with the deck and projected downwardly from the top wall of deck. The transmission may be assembled in a lower half of the transmission casing, or alternatively in the upper half, and then the two casing halves may be secured together for completing an essential part of the mower drive system. The upper casing half integral with the deck contributes not only to an easy assemblage of the drive system but also to a reduction of weight and size of the mower.

Abstract: A hydraulic transmission apparatus comprises an input unit to which power from a power source is applied in a first direction, a direction changing unit hydraulically coupled to the input unit for extracting power in a second direction which is different from the first direction, and a case supporting the input unit and the direction changing unit. The input unit and the direction changing unit comprise an oil pump and an oil motor mounted respectively on one surface and another surface of the case. The case is filled with working oil for operating the oil pump and the oil motor.

Abstract: Within a transmission casing (3) having therein a drive shaft (4), driven by an engine (1) through a main clutch (2), and a hollow speed-change shaft (5), a key-shift transmission mechanism (8) is disposed which comprises a plurality of meshing gears (9I-9V, 10I-10V) mounted respectively on the drive and change shafts. An axle (6) drivingly connected to left and right drive wheels (7) extends through the hollow change shaft. One end of the change shaft is spaced from an inner wall surface of the transmission casing for disposing therebetween an auxiliary clutch (13) which is operable between the change shaft and axle. Both of the main and auxiliary clutches are operated together.The transmission mechanism is provided for a plurality of variable speeds of a mower in a compact fashion owing to a co-axial arrangement of the hollow change shaft and the axle passing therethrough.

Abstract: A propelling drive transmission structure for a walking operator type lawn mower having vertically adjustable front and rear wheels and a main frame supporting a cutting blade housing between the front and rear wheels. The transmission structure comprises a change speed device disposed above a rear axle for changing speed of engine drive for transmission to the rear axle. The change speed device includes an output shaft operatively connected to the rear axle through a rotary shaft and bevel gears. The rotary shaft is slidable relative to the output shaft to vary spacing between the output shaft and the rear axle.

Abstract: A self-propelled lawnmower having a hydrostatic transmission and a differential mechanism to power the rear drive wheels which are situated behind a forward mowing deck. The hydrostatic drive has infinitely variable adjustment of speed from reverse, through neutral, to a maximum forward speed. There are independently actuated disc brakes for the rear drive wheels, with right and left brake levers situated adjacent the operator hand grips. The engine is situated with its center of gravity behind the drive wheel shaft to balance the weight of the mowing deck. The operator can control the speed and direction of the mower without removing his hands from the hand grips. By selecting actuation of the disc brakes, the machine can be effortlessly turned without a reduction in speed.

Abstract: Self-propelled walk-behind lawn mower having a rear discharge chute. The rear wheels of the lawn mower are driven by the engine through an axle which is fixed relative to the outer housing and which extends below the discharge chute so as to not interfere with the flow of grass clippings from the discharge chute. A transmission is provided for driving the rear wheels and is offset to one side of the discharge chute so as to be clear of the path of discharged grass. All four wheels of the mower are simultaneously adjustable and the driven rear wheels are adjustably by pivotal movement of a driving transmission that interconnects the wheels with the driven axle. In addition, a combing arrangement is provided on the outer housing for combing grass upwardly before it reaches the cutting blade.