Abstract: The present invention is related to lawn maintenance and describes a system for mounting an accessory, such as a grass trimmer, to a riding lawnmower. The mounting system is simple, durable, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture and maintain, but provides a lawnmower operator the ability to operate an accessory while seated in the lawnmower. The mounting system is also advantageous in that the lawnmower operator need not specifically align the mower with any objects that present an obstacle for mowing, but may instead move the accessory to the object. The accessory mounting system comprises at least one link between a vertical pivot bar forming an axis for horizontal movement of the accessory and horizontal pivot point allowing vertical movement of the accessory.

Abstract: A mower deck is selectively coupled to the front of a propelling vehicle. The deck includes an electric mowing height adjustment assembly to permit the user to vary the cutting height of the mower deck. The deck is movable about a lift shaft from a generally horizontal use position to an upright storage/servicing position while the deck is coupled with the vehicle. An electric actuator and a switch mount of the mowing height adjustment assembly not only provide the user with a way to adjust the cutting height but also cooperate with the remainder of the mowing height adjustment assembly to allow movement of the deck from the use position to the storage/servicing position. Movement of the switch mount from a generally horizontal, engaged use position to a unengaged position permits the deck to be moved from the use position to the upright storage/servicing position.

Abstract: A mower deck is selectively coupled to the front of a propelling vehicle. The deck includes an electric mowing height adjustment assembly to permit the user to vary the cutting height of the mower deck. The deck is movable about a lift shaft from a generally horizontal use position to an upright storage/servicing position while the deck is coupled with the vehicle. An electric actuator and a switch mount of the mowing height adjustment assembly not only provide the user with a way to adjust the cutting height but also cooperate with the remainder of the mowing height adjustment assembly to allow movement of the deck from the use position to the storage/servicing position. Movement of the switch mount from a generally horizontal, engaged use position to a unengaged position permits the deck to be moved from the use position to the upright storage/servicing position.

Abstract: An automated system for selecting the cutting height and orientation of a mower deck attached to a power vehicle. An actuator and a system of links and slotted members are configured to operatively couple to a mower deck carriage and a front portion of the mower deck. Operation of the actuator by extending or retracting an actuator length, working in concert with the system of links and members, causes the mower deck to lower or raise in relation to a surface underlying the mower deck. Operation of the actuator further permits the mower deck to be rotated about an axis to and from an operation orientation and a service and or storage orientation. The actuator maintains the position of the mower deck without assistance of additional locking mechanisms or load bearing members. The system is controllable through a single interface convenient to the operator.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a combine harvester, the combine harvester having a front and a rear and being capable of separating grain from trash when moving in a forward direction over ground in which a crop is grown, the combine harvester being supported from a forward and rearward set of ground engaging wheels through a chassis, the combine harvester having a trash outlet proximate the rear; a towable baling apparatus for converting trash into compacted bales, the baling apparatus having a front end and a rear end and an inlet adjacent the front end for receiving trash; a conveyor having a forward end and a rearward end, a trash inlet adjacent the forward end and a trash outlet adjacent the rearward end; the forward end of the conveyor being pivotally attached to the combine harvester proximate the rear such that the trash outlet of the combine is disposed above the trash inlet of the conveyor; the rear end of the conveyor being pivotally attached to the baling apparatus such that the trash outlet of the conve

Abstract: A debris cutting system for attachment to a vehicle. The system includes a nose shaped projection that extends horizontally in the forward direction from the forward moving end of the vehicle. The projection includes at least one front blade mount subsystem, at least one rear blade mount subsystem, and at least one blade. The blade has a blade front mounted to the front blade mount subsystem, a blade rear mounted to the rear blade mount subsystem, and teeth. The blade is positioned substantially diagonal to forward movement of the vehicle. The front blade mount subsystem provides longitudinal movement at the blade front, and the rear blade mount subsystem provides arcuate movement at the blade rear such that cutting of debris is enhanced and damage to the blade is reduced as the vehicle moves forward.

Abstract: Transport brackets are welded onto the top surface of the mower deck, each transport bracket having vertical plates with holes extending transversely through the plates. Pins extend through at least one hole in the plates and are secured to a rear mounted hitch of a tractor. The mower deck may be lifted and transported in a raised position behind the tractor, and also may be pivoted to a position for servicing.

Abstract: A riding-type mower includes a plurality of wheels, a body supported by the plurality of wheels, at least one draft link couplable at one end to the body, a pair of support links coupled at one end to the body and arranged rearwardly from the at least one draft link, and a mower unit whose front is supported from the body via the at least one draft link and whose rear is supported from the body by the pair of support links.

Abstract: A pull-type crop harvesting machine has a header carried on a frame mounted on ground wheels with a hitch arm extending from the frame over the header to a hitch connector of a tractor. The hitch arm is mounted for pivotal movement about a generally upright axis such that in a first position the tractor tows the frame in echelon to one side and in a second position the tractor tows the frame in echelon. There is provided connecting assembly for connecting the forward end of the hitch arm to a hitch connector of the tractor and a mechanical connection from the PTO of the tractor to a pump for hydraulically driving the cutting assembly. The connecting assembly provides three axes of pivotal movement for up and down, tilting and side to side movement of the header relative to the tractor.

Abstract: An agricultural machine for crop processing, the agricultural machine being provided with a drawbar that is connectable to a pulling vehicle, at least one crop processing member that is pivotably fastened to the drawbar, and a hydraulic lift cylinder for pivoting the crop processing member upwards relative to the drawbar, one side of the lift cylinder being fastened to the crop processing member and its other side to the drawbar, the lift cylinder comprising a first cylinder housing connected to the crop processing member, a second cylinder housing connected to the drawbar and a common piston rod connecting the two cylinder housings and being slidably included therein, the active internal surface of the first cylinder housing being larger than the active internal surface of the second cylinder housing.

Abstract: An implement, such as a header for a combine, having an integral transport system with a pair of ground engaging wheels that are moved between transport positions used in transporting the implement and stowed positions on the implement during use of the implement. The wheels may be used as gauge wheels during use to support the ends of the implement. A trailer tongue is retractable and stowed onboard the implement during use, as is a tongue jack. Lights are provided at the end of the implement for visibility during transport. The lights are stowed beneath a cover on the end of the implement to protect the lights from damage during use. All components of the transport system are carried on the implement during use to ensure that they are with the implement when needed to transport the implement. All components are mounted with pins, enabling the implement to be converted between transport and use configurations without the use of hand tools.

Abstract: An electric linear deck lift assembly for raising and lowering in a controlled and accurate manner the cutting deck of a lawnmower to a variety of different heights, including preset heights. An electric motor drives a linear drive rod connected to the cutting deck, thus raising and lowering the cutting deck to particular heights as determined by a positional sensor which monitors the position of the linear drive rod or an encoder which monitors the direction and number of rotations of the electric motor. Also disclosed is a combination of two or more deck lift assemblies for raising and lowering different sides of a cutting deck.

Abstract: The corn harvesting unit and the attachment modifications for connection to the threshing unit provide an improved flow of material from the row to the threshed grain in the combine. These modifications of structure and the resultant spatial changes to the variety of the conveying systems used from the row to the grain tank of the combine result in a novel and more efficient harvesting machine. The spatial relationship between the powered and the un-powered conveying systems moving in different directions permits improved flow and flow rates reducing plugging and power consumption. Material is lifted through a lesser angle of the inclined plane from the ground to thresher unit. In operation a smooth uninterrupted flow of material from the row unit to the cross auger through the dead space (energy wise) to the retrieving area of the feeder house is provided for.

Abstract: A pull-behind mower for cutting ground vegetation. The mower generally includes a rolling frame and a mowing deck. The deck is independently articulatable relative to the frame on two distinct pivot axes.

Abstract: An articulating deck mower comprises a frame unit, relatively movable cutter decks, and a deck height adjuster. The deck height adjuster is configured for adjustment of the height of the cutter decks relative to the frame unit.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower having a frame supported by a plurality of wheels for movement over the ground and a rotary cutting deck assembly. A support bracket assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame for movement about a generally vertical axis. A telescoping arm is pivotally coupled between the support bracket assembly and the rotary cutting deck assembly and is adjustable into at least two lengths. An actuator is pivotally coupled between the support bracket assembly and the telescoping arm and is operable to move the rotary cutting deck assembly between a non-cutting position and a cutting position and further capable of retracting the telescoping arm between the at least two lengths to permit the rotary cutting deck assembly to be swung to a side of the frame for easy inspection, maintenance, and adjustment.

Abstract: As an embodiment of the present invention, a brake pedal 69 for braking right and left rear wheels 3 and a parking operation member 78 for maintaining a step-on condition of the brake pedal 69 are provided on a step 67. As a result, the step-on condition of the brake pedal 69 can be maintained by, for example, stepping on the parking operation member 78 with the left foot after applying the step-on brake of the brake pedal 69 with the right foot. Thus the body can be stopped without using hands and the stopped condition can be maintained over an extended period of time. Braking and parking operations of the body are simple, and moreover, an improved right-and-left weight balance of the body improves the traveling body in operation, and operations at the mower deck side. In particular, operation related to mowing height adjustment can be improved.

Abstract: An adjustable (height, angle, and width) adapter which is attached to a gas powered mower deck and is supported by the front or back rack of a self-propelled, motorized, all-terrain vehicle. The adjustments enable application with various-sized mower decks. The ATV Mower Deck Adapter eliminates the need for the mower unit to have wheels. ATV Mower Deck Adapter further provides for height and angle adjustment to accommodate the terrain and avoid objects on the ground or protruding from the ground.

Abstract: A mower has a pair of cutter heads which are pivotally supported by respective cantilever beams. The cantilever beams are pivotally coupled with a hitch assembly, which in turn is coupled with a traction unit via two lower lift arms and a floatable top link. The floatable top link allows the hitch assembly to float relative to the traction unit during transport. A hydraulic cylinder interconnected between the cantilever beams pivots the beams between a transport position and a working position. Stops on the hitch assembly limit pivotal movement of the beams relative to the hitch assembly.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower having a frame supported by a plurality of wheels for movement over the ground and a rotary cutting deck assembly. A support bracket assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame for movement about a generally vertical axis. A telescoping arm is pivotally coupled between the support bracket assembly and the rotary cutting deck assembly and is adjustable into at least two lengths. An actuator is pivotally coupled between the support bracket assembly and the telescoping arm and is operable to move the rotary cutting deck assembly between a non-cutting position and a cutting position and further capable of retracting the telescoping arm between the at least two lengths to permit the rotary cutting deck assembly to be swung to a side of the frame for easy inspection, maintenance, and adjustment.

Abstract: A hydraulic system has a frame member having an end. The structural member is pivotally coupled with the frame member end. A first hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder housing, a ram with a head reciprocally disposed within the housing, a first chamber on one side of the head, and a second chamber on another side of the head. A first end of the first hydraulic cylinder is attached to the frame member. A preload spring has a first end which is attached to the frame member, and a second end which is attached to the second end of the first hydraulic cylinder. A second hydraulic cylinder is coupled between the frame member and the structural member. The second hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder housing, a ram with a head reciprocally disposed within the housing, a first chamber on one side of the head and a second chamber on another side of the head. A first fluid line interconnects the first chamber of the first and second hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A rotary mower apparatus comprises a mower deck with a plurality of rear wheels mounted behind the mower deck and at least one front wheel mounted ahead of the mower deck such that the mower deck rides along the ground on the wheels. A floating hitch member is pivotally attached at one end to a top portion of the mower deck so as to pivot about a substantially vertical mower axis, and is adapted for pivotal attachment at an opposite end to the tractor about a substantially vertical tow axis. The attachment further allows the mower deck to float with respect to the tractor to follow contours of the ground. A drive is operative to transfer power from the tractor to rotate the cutting blade, and a mower angle control is operative to selectively pivot the floating hitch member about the vertical mower axis with respect to the mower deck.

Abstract: A mower has a pair of cutter heads which are pivotally supported by respective cantilever beams. The cantilever beams are pivotally coupled with a hitch assembly, which in turn is coupled with a traction unit via two lower lift arms and a floatable top link. The floatable top link allows the hitch assembly to float relative to the traction unit during transport. A hydraulic cylinder interconnected between the cantilever beams pivots the beams between a transport position and a working position. Stops on the hitch assembly limit pivotal movement of the beams relative to the hitch assembly.

Abstract: A lockable lift assembly for controlling the height of a mower cutting deck is provided. The assembly includes a pedal actuated system including a rockshaft extending the width of the mower frame and having plates on which the deck is carried as a change in height is either performed or maintained. Intermediate these extensions is a toothed plate which cooperates with a handle operated latching system to permit a user to fixedly control the height of the cutting deck. Joint use of the pedal and latching system enables placement of the deck in a position wherein the deck is raised above the highest heighth of cut for travel across the ground or, alternatively, in a removal position in which the deck may be securely and quickly detached from the mower.

Abstract: An agricultural apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is adapted to be mounted to an agricultural machine such as a tractor and is provided with a boom having two arms extending in a direction substantially transverse to the agricultural machine. The boom arm are provided with a plurality of heads, adapted for either cutting or spraying, and can be used to cut or spray discrete areas of vegetation over which the apparatus passes. The apparatus is adapted to maintain the arms in a direction substantially parallel to the vegetation over which it is passing irrespective of the terrain.

Abstract: A lawn mower comprises an articulating mowing deck and a caster wheel assembly for supporting and facilitating travel of the mowing deck. The articulating mowing deck includes an inboard deck portion and an outboard deck wing portion. The inboard deck portion and outboard deck wing portion each have at least one cutting blade. The outboard deck wing portion is pivotally attached to the inboard deck portion in a manner so that the outboard deck wing portion is pivotable about a horizontally disposed deck wing pivot axis. The axis extends generally from a forward portion of the articulating mowing deck toward a rear portion of the articulating mowing deck. The outboard deck wing portion is pivotable about the axis between a cutting position and a transport position. When the outboard deck wing portion is in its cutting position, an outboard cutting blade rotates in a plane that is generally parallel to terrain over which the outboard deck wing portion travels.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to an adapter assembly for a towing vehicle having a drawbar hitch for connecting a towed implement having a pull-through swivel hitch assembly to the towing vehicle. The adapter assembly includes a drawbar extension member having a horizontal cross pin, a clamp assembly to secure the drawbar extension member to the drawbar, an adapter frame having a hook to engage the cross pin, and a trunnion pin to couple the adapter frame to the swivel hitch assembly.

Abstract: A mowing arrangement includes a main, mobile frame to which a base or first carrier part or frame is mounted for being pivoted vertically by a remotely operable hydraulic motor. Mounted to the base carrier frame is a second carrier part to which arms supporting opposite side and front mowing units are attached. The front-mounted mowing unit is mounted to the second carrier part through the agency of a fourth carrier part, in the form of a parallelogram linkage that includes the support arm for the front-mounted mowing unit. The second carrier part is mounted for pivoting about a transverse, horizontal axis so that the cutting angles of each of the mowing heads can be remotely adjusted by pivoting the second carrier part. A third carrier part is fixed for movement with the second carrier part and supports a drive transmission having output shafts respectively coupled for supplying power to the three mowing heads.

Abstract: A mechanism for attaching a harvesting assembly to a combine having a multicoupler which connects hydraulic lines on the combine with hydraulic lines on the harvesting assembly as two halves of the multicoupler are brought together, and a latching mechanism which mechanically couples the harvesting assembly to the combine, the latching mechanism being operatively connected with the multicoupler to shift between latched and unlatched modes as the multicoupler is shifted between connected and unconnected modes.

Abstract: A frame type tractor having an engine mounted in a front region of a main frame extending longitudinally of a tractor body, and a transmission case mounted in a rear region of the main frame. A backhoe mounting frame is attached to a rear end of the main frame. Rollover protection system mounts are arranged in upper portions of the backhoe mounting frame for fixedly supporting a rollover protection system. The backhoe mounting frame has a frame structure defining an inside space therein and including a pair of right and left side walls, a top wall interconnecting upper ends of the side walls, and a bottom wall interconnecting lower ends of the side walls. The right and left side walls have the rollover protection system mounts and backhoe attaching portions for engaging and connecting a backhoe unit.

Abstract: A hitching arm for a graff harvester comprising a rigid elongated element having two opposite ends for connection, respectively, to the graff harvester and to a propulsion device, wherein the arm has upwardly extending sections extending from each opposite end towards a centre of the hitching arm, and an elevated centre section. The shape of the arm allows the arm to pull a harvesting unit having a cutter head at the front extend over the cutter head.

Abstract: A lawnmower with a tractor and a gang of mowers pivotally supported by the tractor for up and down motion when moving on the ground is provided. A mower support arm is pivoted on the tractor and has a pivot axis for each of the mowers, and a camming action is created by the up and down mower movement and that causes the pivot axis to move horizontally relative to the tractor to thereby avoid having the mowers move horizontally, and it maintains a constant spacing between the mowers and avoids having the mowers collide when moving up and down. Shorter length mowers can thus be used in the gang, thereby following the ground contour more closely.

Abstract: A silage cutting implement for mounting to a mobile working vehicle has lower and upper parts interconnected by a horizontal pivot axis with a lower part having a loading plane connected by an angled section to a rear frame structure and an upper part having a separation plane connected to a rear frame by an angled section. Hydraulic cylinders are mounted between the upper and lower parts at the side of the pivot axis facing to the loading plane and the separation plane with the linkage points for the hydraulic cylinders provided in the angled sections. A sensing device is provided which senses a difference between the extended lengths of the cylinders.

Abstract: A mower suitable for attachment to a utility vehicle and adapted to follow terrain and retract in response to an immovable obstacle, the mower generally including an attachment frame configured to be pivotally attached to the utility vehicle, a secondary frame pivotally connected to the attachment frame, and a housing positioned adjacent to the secondary frame and being laterally movable with respect to the secondary frame, wherein the housing retracts in a direction toward the secondary frame when contact occurs between the housing and the immovable obstacle and automatically returns to an approximate pre-contact position when contact between the housing and the immovable obstacle is eliminated.

Abstract: A mower has a pair of cutter heads which are pivotally supported by respective cantilever beams. The cantilever beams are pivotally coupled with a hitch assembly, which in turn is coupled with a traction unit via two lower lift arms and a floatable top link. The floatable top link allows the hitch assembly to float relative to the traction unit during transport. A hydraulic cylinder interconnected between the cantilever beams pivots the beams between a transport position and a working position. Stops on the hitch assembly limit pivotal movement of the beams relative to the hitch assembly.

Abstract: A lawn care vehicle with a tool attachment such as spiral-bladed mowing units arranged in front and underneath the lawn care vehicle in offset fashion. A tool frame to which the tool attachments are mounted is received within rails for allowing the tool frame to shift longitudinally with respect to the rails, thereby allowing the tool frame and tool attachments to shift outwardly with respect to the vehicle frame to maintenance positions.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive apparatus for powering mechanical components of a pull-type implement, such as a crop harvesting unit, having an elongated extending hitching arm for pivotal attachment to a powered vehicle provided with a power take-off shaft. The drive apparatus includes a hydraulic pump for attachment to the hitching arm, a mechanical drive shaft for operation of the hydraulic pump upon attachment of the drive shaft to the power take-off shaft of the powered vehicle, and connections for hydraulic fluid lines for delivery and return of hydraulic fluid to and from a hydraulic motor for operation of the mechanical components of the pull-type crop harvester. The apparatus may include an articulation assembly to isolate the drive for the pump from movements between the hitching arm and the vehicle.

Abstract: A rotary mower apparatus comprises a mower deck with a plurality of rear wheels mounted behind the mower deck and at least one front wheel mounted ahead of the mower deck such that the mower deck rides along the ground on the wheels. A floating hitch member is pivotally attached at one end to a top portion of the mower deck so as to pivot about a substantially vertical mower axis, and is adapted for pivotal attachment at an opposite end to the tractor about a substantially vertical tow axis. The attachment further allows the mower deck to float with respect to the tractor to follow contours of the ground. A drive is operative to transfer power from the tractor to rotate the cutting blade, and a mower angle control is operative to selectively pivot the floating hitch member about the vertical mower axis with respect to the mower deck.

Abstract: A foliage mower and height adjustment assembly for a foliage mower are provided. This is a foot-operated adjustment assembly which has a plurality of pivot lugs from which a cutter deck assembly is suspended. Each pivot lug pivots in unison in order to thereby raise or lower the cutter deck. Movement of a foot pedal raises the cutter deck to a transport height, at which the foot pedal is latched in place and the deck height is maintained. A stop mechanism has an adjustable component by which the extent of downward movement of the suspended cutter deck is selected upon release of the latched foot pedal.

Abstract: A vehicle, in the form of a self-propelled forage harvester, has a three-point hitch assembly mounted to its forward end in place of the cutter head. A mower together with a rotary tine crop conditioner is coupled to the three-point hitch. Located in a zone between the upper and lower three-point hitch links, as viewed from the side, is a belt conveyor mounted to a hitch support structure for vertical pivotal movement between a raised, non-operative position and a lowered operative position. When in its non-operative position, the conveyor parallels the upper link and is disposed for letting cut crop discharged by the conditioner fall to the ground along a path that passes between front and rear pairs of support wheels of the forage harvester.

Abstract: A riding tractor in which engine output is transmitted to a running device through a hydrostatic stepless transmission. The tractor has a braking device for acting on the running device, a first brake operating device and a second brake operating device operable independently of each other for operating the braking device, and a brake control device for linking control displacements from the first brake operating device and the second the brake operating device to the brake device.

Abstract: A lawn mower having a frame, a motor connected to the frame, a driver's seat located on the frame, a cutting blade connected to the motor, a deck located above the cutting blade and vertically movably mounted to the frame, and a draft rod connected between the deck and a portion of the frame. The draft rod is movably connected between the deck and the portion of the frame to limit upward vertical movement of the deck relative to the frame to a predetermined upper stop location.

Abstract: A system for coupling, uncoupling and controlling the operating parameters of the header assembly on an agricultural combine. A fixed coupler block on the feeder assembly of the combine is coupled with a movable coupler block on the header assembly to join hydraulic and electrical conduits by rotating a coupler handle to lock the blocks together. As the handle rotates, it also causes push-pull cables to actuate latch pins which mechanically couple the header assembly to the feeder assembly. The system senses whether a header assembly is present or not and, if present, what type of header assembly is present. In the latter case, the system then controls the operating parameters of the header assembly.

Abstract: In an agricultural machine having a machine housing, a main drive axle with pivotal drive wheels, and a feed rake, an apparatus for allowing pivotal adjustment of a frontal attachment relative to the feed rake includes at least one pivot element or frame pivotally connected between the feed rake and the frontal attachment, thereby creating at least two separate pivot planes between the frontal attachment and feed rake. The pivot element pivots about a pivot axis that is generally coaxial with a crop path through the feed rake.

Abstract: A belt drive arrangement for a cutting implement having multiple pivotally connected decks. The arrangement consists of pulley carrying arms, whereby each of the arms carries a plurality of drive and driven pulleys having respective belts thereon for the transfer of power to the blades carried within each of the decks. Each arm has an end mounted with the deck whereby the arrangement is pivotal to permit the axes about which each of the pulleys rotate to remain substantially parallel to each other as a particular deck flexes relative to an adjacent deck. The belts then generally maintain alignment with the grooves of the pulleys. Consequently, the belts are less stressed as they rotate since they do not have to twist and/or bend when entering or exiting the pulleys.

Abstract: A tool head attachment is disclosed for use with a farm or other industrial equipment, such as a bobcat or a four-wheeler. Extending from a frame mounted on the vehicle or equipment is a beam attached to self-leveling mechanism. The beam meets at an angle on a rotatable assembly from which another beam extends. The rotatable assembly allows up to full rotation of one beam about the other beam for storage. At or near the rotatable assembly is a safety break away mechanism which causes the beams to separate when a major obstacle is encountered. The other beam extending from the rotatable assembly is attached to a self-articulating and self-leveling assembly to which a tool head is mounted. The self-articulating and self-leveling assembly maintains the tool head a relative distance from or into the surface of the ground and easily deflects upon encountering a minor obstacle without interruption of operation. Different tool heads may include tillers, harvesters, cutters, etc.

Abstract: An actuating cylinder assembly includes a cylinder adapted to contain a fluid, such as hydraulic fluid or air, a piston shaft movable with respect to the cylinder in response to the removal of fluid from the cylinder and the injection of fluid into the cylinder, and a cylinder stop including a handle portion and a clamping portion releasably engaging the piston shaft, the clamping portion resisting movement of the piston shaft with respect to the cylinder past a selected point. The actuating cylinder assembly may be used, for example, on a riding lawnmower to set a desired minimum cutting height. Once the cylinder stop is set on the piston shaft, the cutting deck may be raised to avoid obstacles and then quickly lowered to the desired cutting height.

Abstract: An improved and more efficient rotary mower comprised of a grass cutting assembly having two or more housings, each of said housing supporting and powering a single horizontally rotating blade, each of said housings being mounted as part of a group permitting verticaal motion by a housing and free orientation of its cutting blade independent of the other housings. An extra degree of freedom of motion of the individual housings results from support means which allows vertical motion and pivoting of a housing from a centralized support point. The assembly permits an improved grass cutting means over uneven terrain.

Abstract: A silage cutting implement is to be mounted to the rear or front of a mobile working vehicle. The cutting implement consists of lower and upper parts interconnected by a horizontal pivot axis. The lower part has a loading plane connected by an angled section to a rear frame structure. The upper part has a separation plane connected to a rear frame by an angled section. Hydraulic cylinders are arranged between the upper and lower parts at the side of the pivot axis facing to the loading plane and the separation plane. Both angled sections define in closed condition of the cutting implement the largest interior width of the cutting implement. The hydraulic cylinders are situated at the outer side of the lower and upper parts. The linkage points for the hydraulic cylinders are provided in the angled sections. The fully retracted hydraulic cylinders are of a length substantially corresponding to the largest interior width.

Abstract: A foot pedal lift system is provided for the mower deck of a lawn or garden tractor. The foot pedal is pivotally mounted to the frame of the tractor and is linked to the linkage arms which suspend the mower deck from the frame. The pedal is movable between a depressed forward position to raise the mower deck to a transport position and a retracted rearward position to move the mower deck to a lower removal position. The pedal can be locked in the depressed or retracted positions by a latch pivotally mounted on the exterior of the tractor console. Engagement and disengagement of the latch with the foot pedal is controlled by a handle mounted on the console connected to the latch by an elongated connecting rod. Pulling upwardly on the handle locks the latch into engagement with the foot pedal in both the depressed and retracted positions. Pushing downwardly on the handle disengages the latch from the foot pedal so that the mower deck is free to move upwardly or downwardly.