Abstract: A work vehicle includes a mower connected to an abdomen of a running machine body via lifting links, a lifting interlocking link mechanism provided below the machine body for moving the mower up/down, and a link stopper connected to an adjustment dial and acting on the lifting interlocking link mechanism to change a cutting height of the mower. The adjustment dial is arranged on a seat support panel that supports an operator seat, and the link stopper, connected to the adjustment dial by a wire, is arranged below the machine body. A lifting lever for raising/lowering the mower is provided on one side of the left and right sides of the machine body, and a parking lever is arranged on the seat support panel on the other side. The adjustment dial is arranged between the parking lever and fenders covering rear wheels.

Abstract: Suspension systems and grounds maintenance vehicles incorporating the same are disclosed. The suspension system may include biasing elements or springs that may be adjusted to vary the preload and thus change the spring and dampening characteristics of the suspension system. In some embodiments, the system may include an adjustment mechanism that permits simultaneous adjustment of two springs via a single action. In other embodiments, features adapted to assist an operator with mounting/dismounting the vehicle are disclosed.

Abstract: A mower comprises a frame carrying a front mounted rotary cutting deck. A deck lift moves the cutting deck between mowing and transport positions. The cutting deck can be selectively pivoted on the deck lift into a substantially tipped up service position to expose the underside of the cutting deck for service. The cutting deck has a self-engaging latch to hold it in its service position. A self-engaging catch provides a temporary hold position for the cutting deck that is short of the transport position as the cutting deck is being returned from the service position to prevent inadvertent contact between the cutting deck and the user. For ease of use, both the latch and the catch are releasable by a user from one side of the cutting deck which side also includes a rear foot pad and a front hand grip on the cutting deck.

Abstract: A front mower for mounting on a front three point linkage of a tractor to be operated for cutting vegetation, such as grass, in front of the tractor, the mower comprising: (i) a headstock for mounting on the front three point linkage of the tractor; (ii) a mowing head comprising an array of cutting heads for cutting vegetation such as grass, mounted on and moveable relative to the headstock to follow the contours of the ground over which the mower is passing; (iii) a mounting mechanism mounting the mowing head to the headstock, wherein the mounting mechanism comprises a cutting angle adjustment mechanism comprising an arc shaped guide and a follower for the arc shaped guide, the follower being moveable back and forth along the arc shaped guide, so that the cutting angle adjustment mechanism allows the mowing head to move back and forth along an arc defined by the guide and relative to the headstock so as to vary the cutting angle of the cutting heads.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle header having a frame, at least one support arm extending, a cutter assembly attached to the distal ends of the support arms, a draper belt with an upper belt portion located above the support arms, and a parallel linkage connected to each support arm to operatively connect the cutter assembly to the frame. The linkage includes upper and lower links. The upper belt portion extends along a cross-belt direction that is perpendicular to a travel direction of the upper belt portion, and the proximal pivots of the upper and lower links are positioned on a line that is oriented at an angle of 60 to 120 degrees relative to the cross-belt direction when the header is in a freestanding static state.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a mower frame that is able to articulate between a rear frame portion and a forward frame portion. In one embodiment, the rear frame portion is supported by two main drive wheels and carries an engine and controls for operating the mower. The forward frame portion carries a mowing deck which is suitable for cutting grass. The frame may be latched in a lowered mowing position by a releasable frame latch, but, when frame latch is released, the rear frame portion and the forward frame portion may be folded with respect to each other to provide access to the underside of the raised portion.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame having a longitudinal axis and laterally opposed sides and motive supports mounted to and supporting the frame. The agricultural implement further includes a first wing carried by the frame and at least one second wing, in which each second wing is pivotably connected to the first wing. The agricultural implement also includes an elevator mechanism configured to raise and lower the first wing and the second wing. Each second wing is connected to the first wing by a wing pivot assembly that includes a skewed hinge pivotably connecting one of the second wings to the first wing. The wing pivot assembly allows each second wing to pivot with respect to the first wing between an operating position and a transport position, in which the skewed hinge defines a first pivot axis oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A harvesting header and feederhouse for use with a crop harvesting machine has a feederhouse interface at a distal end of the feederhouse and a header frame. The header frame has a top beam, a bottom beam, and first and second vertical main structures connecting the top and bottom beams. The feederhouse interface and the vertical main structures of the header frame are pivotably connected to enable the header frame to pivot with respect to the feederhouse interface. At least one hydraulic ram connects between the feederhouse interface and the header frame to pivot the harvesting header on the feederhouse to a desired fore/aft pitch angle. A hydraulic supply provides hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic ram. Front and rear ground sensors provide an output that is used to control the fore/aft pitch angle of the harvesting header relative the ground by pivoting the header frame relative the feederhouse interface.

Abstract: A safety stand is provided for minimizing the effect of hydraulic failure in an agricultural harvester. The safety stand has a series of notches along a longitudinal edge of the safety stand which are designed to accept and received a protrusion affixed to a cylinder of a hydraulic cylinder which raises and lowers a feeder arm. When the feeder arm is raised, the hydraulic cylinder is in the full upright position, the safety stand can be lowered such that the protrusion enters and is held within a notch to prevent accidental downward movement of the feeder arm. If the notch fails, or the safety stand is not properly engaged, the longitudinal edge of the safety arm is allowed to follow the protrusion, until a subsequent notch is reached, which then engages the protrusion, safely stopping the downward path of the feeder arm.

Abstract: A cut sight gauge for corn field production equipment used for detasseling operations where the cut sight gauge allows the operator to visually monitor the height of cutters and tassel pullers on corn crop cutting machines. The cut sight gauge ensures a uniform operating height of cut consistent with the optimum growing demands of the plants. The added safety advantage to the operator and the area supervisors who manage field operations are also a benefit for the field-specific set up applications as described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lawn mower (1), which has cutting width adjustment mechanism, cutter housings articulating mechanism and which provides convenient servicing and storage positions. The lawn mower (1) comprises a seat (3) defining an operator position, a front mounted cutting deck (8), and at least a first cutter bar enclosed in a first cutter housing (12) rotatable about a first vertical axle (Y1) and a second cutter bar enclosed in a second cutter housing (13) rotatable about a second vertical axle (Y2), a hinge mechanism for connecting footplates (6a-6b) to the lawn mower (1), a pivot support arm (5) for connecting a steering wheel (4) to the lawn mower (1), a movable arm (10) for lifting the lawn mower (1) to an upright position, the first and second axles (Y1, Y2) being spaced from each other by a transversal distance (d), wherein the transversal distance (d) between the axles (Y1, Y2) can be adjusted to increase or decrease.

Abstract: An underbelly mower has a cutting deck suspended beneath a frame by a height adjustment mechanism. The deck is adjusted between different cutting heights by extendable mechanical advantage device such as an electric screw and hydraulic ram operating in cooperation with the height adjustment mechanism. The mechanical advantage device also operably moves the deck between a cutting configuration and a maintenance configuration. A deck quick release and attachment mechanism, including hook members, operably allows a user to quickly and easily disconnect and reconnect a rear of deck to the frame when moving between cutting and maintenance configurations.

Abstract: A raking attachment for a riding mower supports raking elements in a forward path of a cutting deck. The raking attachment includes a forward extending frame formed by longitudinal frame members positioned with first ends rigidly attached to a riding mower frame and with a second end forming attaching points at a fixed height off the ground. A transverse frame is pivotally attached to the forward extending frame by pivot posts. A rake assembly with at least one row of flexible rake tines disposed across the entire transverse width of the cutting deck is attached to the transverse frame and pivots therewith to contact the ground surface for raking. The rake tines can be raised to a non-raking position or the downward force of the rake tines against the ground surface can be varied by varying the pivot angle of the transverse frame over a range of pivot angles.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine includes a feeder housing and a cutting platform attached to the feeder housing. The cutting platform includes at least one platform section, each of which includes a frame, a plurality of float arms pivotally coupled with the frame, an endless belt carried by the plurality of float arms, and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders. Each hydraulic cylinder is associated with a respective float arm and includes a rod, a piston and a fluid chamber on a side of the piston providing a passive stop.

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: 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: A proportional counterbalance system comprises an electronic controller operatively connected to a proportional hydraulic control valve to substantially continuously and infinitely adjust the backpressure in a fluid return circuit from the lift and lower cylinders of a plurality of cutting units on a mower. The backpressure is infinitely adjusted within a band between a minimum and a maximum backpressure in concert with a varying input parameter to the controller to transfer desired amounts of weight of the cutting units from the ground to the traction vehicle of the mower to enhance traction as needed. A wide variety of input parameters can be used, including a selected operating condition of the mower, a selected environmental condition of the turf surface being mowed, the actual, real time location of the mower on the turf surface, altitude above sea level, and manual input from the operator.

Abstract: A string trimmer mechanism intended for mounting on the front end of a mowing tractor. The mechanism includes a mounting bracket for attachment to the front end of the tractor; an extension power cylinder pivotally mounted on the bracket and extending laterally of the tractor; a string trimmer carried on the free end of the power cylinder and including a hydraulic motor driving a trimmer dish; and a lift power cylinder pivotally mounted on the bracket and driving a lever pivotally mounted on the bracket and carrying a roller positioned under the extension power cylinder. The string trimmer is moved selectively laterally inwardly and outwardly utilizing the extension power cylinder and is moved selectively upwardly and downwardly utilizing the lift power cylinder. The extension power cylinder, lift power cylinder, and hydraulic trimmer motor are selectively supplied with pressurized hydraulic fluid from a pressurized hydraulic fluid source onboard the tractor.

Abstract: An agricultural baler is provided having an adjusting arrangement between a tow bar and a frame, that maintains the spatial relationships existing in the baler constant so that there is no effect upon the flow of the crop. The use of a sensor and a positioning arrangement provides the assurance that the repositioning is not dependent upon the capability of an operator, and finally the arrangement of the sensor in the region of the take-up device sees to it that the signals are transmitted at the exact time, not too soon and not too late.

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 underbelly mower has a cutting deck suspended beneath a frame by a height adjustment mechanism. The deck is adjusted between different cutting heights by extendable mechanical advantage device such as an electric screw and hydraulic ram operating in cooperation with the height adjustment mechanism. The mechanical advantage device also operably moves the deck between a cutting configuration and a maintenance configuration. A deck quick release and attachment mechanism, including hook members, operably allows a user to quickly and easily disconnect and reconnect a rear of deck to the frame when moving between cutting and maintenance configurations.

Abstract: An underbelly mower has a cutting deck suspended beneath a frame by a height adjustment mechanism. The deck is adjusted between different cutting heights by extendable mechanical advantage device such as an electric screw and hydraulic ram operating in cooperation with the height adjustment mechanism. The mechanical advantage device also operably moves the deck between a cutting configuration and a maintenance configuration. A deck quick release and attachment mechanism, including hook members, operably allows a user to quickly and easily disconnect and reconnect a rear of deck to the frame when moving between cutting and maintenance configurations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lawn mower (1), comprising a chassis (7), a front mounted mower deck (5), and at least one support arm (9) connecting the mower deck (5) with the chassis (7). The support arm (9) is movable with respect to the chassis (7) for lifting the mower deck (5) from a lower position to an upper position. In the upper position, the mower deck (5) is tiltable about a horizontal pivot axis (11) with respect to the support arm (9) without interfering with the ground. The lawn mower is characterised in that the centre of gravity (21) of the mower deck (5) is located in front of the pivot axis (11), with respect to the forward direction of the lawn mower (1), when the mower deck (5) is lifted to the upper position.

Abstract: A mounting device to connect a rotary cutting deck to a lift arm includes a bracket having a first pivoting connection and a second pivoting connection parallel to the first pivoting connection. The first pivoting connection is connected to the lift arm and the second pivoting connection is connected to the rotary cutting deck. The pair of pivoting connections allow the deck to pitch. The bracket may be channel shaped and may have an opening or slot through which the lift arm extends. Additionally, a T-shaped pivot pin provides a third pivoting connection between the lift arm and bracket, the third pivoting connection being perpendicular to the first and second pivoting connections.

Abstract: A mower includes a zero turn radius (ZTR) traction unit carrying a front mounted cutting deck. The cutting deck is suspended beneath a carrier frame by a height of cut adjustment system comprising a plurality of pivot links and suspension chains extending between the carrier frame and the cutting deck. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to one of the pivot links can simultaneously lift the chains or permit the chains to lower to change the height of the cutting deck relative to the carrier frame. This same cylinder can also fold the carrier frame and the cutting deck relative to the traction unit about a fold pivot axis when a fold latch is selectively released by the operator. The carrier frame includes a center step for helping the operator mount or dismount the traction unit. The center step has a front view-port for allowing an operator who is seated on the traction unit to view the front edge of the cutting deck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lawn mower (1), comprising a front mounted mower deck (5) comprising at least one cutting knife, wherein the cutting knife is rotatably arranged in a substantially horizontal plane (10), a wheel suspension arrangement (19) connected to the mower deck (5) and comprising at least one wheel (17) to be in contact with the ground so as to support the mower deck (5) during mowing, wherein the wheel (17) is connected to the wheel suspension arrangement (19) by means of an axle (21) to be in perpendicular alignment with the ground during mowing, and a cutting height adjustment (27) device adapted to move the wheel suspension arrangement (19) with respect to the mower deck (5) for adjusting the mutual height relationship between the wheel (17) and the mower deck (5), so as to adjust the distance between the plane of the cutting knife and the ground.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower having a front mower unit, comprises a plurality of wheels; a vehicle body supported by the wheels; an engine supported by the vehicle body for driving at least one of the wheels; a lift link supported by the vehicle body; a mower unit adapted to be disposed forwardly of the vehicle body, having at least one cutting blade, and supported to be pivotable about an axis of a first pivot pin relative to the lift link between a generally horizontal position wherein the at least one cutting blade faces the ground, and a generally vertical position wherein the at least one cutting blade is oriented forward; an assisting force exerting device for exerting an assisting force for moving the mower unit to the generally vertical position; a support link connected to an end of the assisting force exerting device, wherein the assisting force exerting device and the support link are disposed between the lift link and the mower unit; a fixing member having a first position for permitting the assisting forc

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 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: 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 a front blade mount subsystem, a pair of rear blade mount subsystems, and left and right blades that are mounted within the front blade mount subsystem and respective ones of the rear blade mount subsystems. Each blade has a respective blade front, blade rear and teeth. The front blade mount subsystem provides vertical movement at the front of the blades, the rear blade mount subsystems provide vertical and longitudinal movement at the rear of the blades such that cutting of debris is enhanced and potential damage to the blades is reduced as the vehicle moves forward.

Abstract: A mower deck is selectively coupled to the front of a propelling vehicle. The deck includes a 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. A mowing height adjustment lever of the mowing height adjustment assembly not only provides the user with a way to adjust the cutting height but also cooperates with the remainder of the mowing height adjustment assembly to prevent movement of the deck from the use position to the storage/servicing position. Movement of the mowing height adjustment lever from an upright use position to a collapsed position permits the deck to be moved from the use position to the upright storage/servicing position. A latch plate and a catch cooperate to automatically lock the deck in the storage/servicing position when the deck is rotated thereto.

Abstract: A side-to-side leveler couples a chain of a suspended cutter deck assembly to the associated cutter deck or, alternatively, to the associated lawnmower frame, so that the height of one side of cutter deck can be adjusted relative the other side while all chains remain under tension. The leveler preferably comprises a bell crank mechanism including a crank that is pivotally attached to one of the cutter deck and the lawnmower frame and that receives an end of the chain. A threaded adjuster cooperates with the crank to drive the crank to pivot and alter the spacing between the side of the cutter deck and the lawnmower frame.

Abstract: A lawn tractor lift consisting of a lift arm having a forward end and a rearward end, a tire wheel receiving cradle pivotally mounted upon the forward end of the lift arm; a lever arm having a forward end and a rearward end, and a curved bar providing a variable fulcrum, the curved bar having a forward end and a rearward end, and a pivot point, the rearward end of the curved bar being fixedly attached to or formed wholly with the forward end of the lever arm, the forward end of the curved bar being fixedly attached to or formed wholly with the rearward end of the lift arm, the curved bar, upon alternate levering and counter-levering of the lever arm, alternately rearwardly and forwardly moving the pivot point.

Abstract: For use in landmine clearing, a hitch system providing backup with anti-jack knife and anti-dive, the system includes a hitch assembly and a roller assembly. The hitch assembly has a hinge axis housing containing a hinge shaft and a connector shaft housing containing a stop block having a first side that engages a flat region on the hinge shaft and a second side that engages a biasing spring that is held in the connector shaft housing using an end cap. The roller assembly includes a roller frame that is rigidly mechanically coupled to the hinge shaft. The biasing spring is selected to provide a compressive bias to the stop block such that the roller assembly selective rotates about the hinge axis housing when the roller assembly is subjected to a landmine detonation, and such that rotation of the hinge shaft is prevented during normal forward, reverse, and turning maneuvers.

Abstract: A harvesting machine for harvesting stalk crops, such as maize or the like, has at least two cutting and intake units which have a series of drum-like cutting and intake elements which can be rotated about essentially vertical axes and are fastened to supporting elements. It is arranged for at least one cutting and intake unit to be pivoted about a pivot axis which is positioned in the direction of travel. When the cutting and intake units are in a transporting position, the view in the direction of travel is significantly improved. This is achieved by at least two intake and cutting units being arranged so they can be pivoted in opposed directions so that one overlies the other in the transporting position and so that those on one side of the machine are spaced from those on the other side of the machine at that position.

Abstract: A mower deck assembly which essentially “flips up” or raises from a mowing configuration to an access configuration with minimal manipulation of controls and manual lifting. A deck is connected to a frame by a parallelogram suspension which includes front and rear support arms. A rear of the deck removably connects through a height adjustment mechanism that includes the hook and capture device selectively allows the rear of the deck to swing freely so that when the mower is in a non mowing configuration. The deck has mounted thereon a plurality of pulleys, including blade pulleys connected by a single drive belt and driven by a single motor. One of the pulleys is a tension pulley that can be manipulated to disengage the pulley system. The front of the suspension includes a fine height adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A self-propelled mower includes a frame and a mower housing mounted underbelly relative to the frame by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly allows the mower housing to be disconnected from the frame and swung near the front of the housing from a mowing configuration to an access configuration as a front end of the mower is raised. In one embodiment the frame includes a yoke that receives a nose of the housing, as the front of the mower is raised. A mechanized drive is utilized in certain embodiments to swing the mower deck to the access configuration.

Abstract: Pivoting hooks usable with four bar parallelogram implement lift linkages are provided. The hooks are pivotally attached at the forward edge of the implement to receive the cross bar of a suspension mechanism such as that taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,617. The pivotal connection and axis about which the hooks are supported on the deck comprise one corner of the four bar parallelogram lift linkage. The hooks pivot forwardly and downwardly to receive the cross bar and then swing up as tension is applied to the hanger to support the deck. As the cross bar slides forwardly into the throats of the hooks when the hanger is tensioned, it is retained in the proper parallelogram lift geometry so that the deck remains level as it is adjusted throughout its vertical cutting height. The use of the pivoting hooks permits decks with extended fore and aft dimensions to be used with existing four bar parallelogram designs.

Abstract: A mower deck is selectively coupled to the front of a propelling vehicle. The deck includes a 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. A mowing height adjustment lever of the mowing height adjustment assembly not only provides the user with a way to adjust the cutting height but also cooperates with the remainder of the mowing height adjustment assembly to prevent movement of the deck from the use position to the storage/servicing position. Movement of the mowing height adjustment lever from an upright use position to a collapsed position permits the deck to be moved from the use position to the upright storage/servicing position. A latch plate and a catch cooperate to automatically lock the deck in the storage/servicing position when the deck is rotated thereto.

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 harvesting machine for harvesting stalk crops, such as maize or the like, has at least two cutting and intake units which have a series of drum-like cutting and intake elements which can be rotated about essentially vertical axes and are fastened to supporting elements. It is arranged for at least one cutting and intake unit to be pivoted about a pivot axis which is positioned in the direction of travel. When the cutting and intake units are in a transporting position, the view in the direction of travel is significantly improved. This is achieved by at least two intake and cutting units being arranged so they can be pivoted in opposed directions so that one overlies the other in the transporting position and so that those on one side of the machine are spaced from those on the other side of the machine at that position.

Abstract: A combined mowing machine includes a main chassis designed to be coupled to a tractor, and a plurality of cutting units connected in such a way that they can oscillate on the chassis. Each set of cutting units has a plate support beam mounted between a pair of end plates fixed to the chassis, and a pin integral with the beam. The pin slides in two slots cut into the end plates to allow the movements of the cutting unit. The mowing machine allows the cutting units to oscillate freely in order to follow the lie of the land, as a result of the double-joint oscillation and the forward/back oscillation in the slots.

Abstract: A rotary cutter has a deck assembly including a central unit to which a wing unit is attached for flexing vertically. A hydraulic cylinder is provided for lifting the wing unit 90° to a fully raised transport or shipping position. Located above, and extending generally parallel to, the hydraulic cylinder is a telescopic strut incorporating a spring which becomes compressed as the wing unit approaches its fully raised position, the compressed spring unloading to thrust the wing unit down upon pressure being released from the hydraulic cylinder, even if the weight of the wing unit is tending to keep it in its raised position. Wing unit may be locked in its raised position by inserting a pin through the telescoped members of the strut when the latter is in its fully collapsed condition.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for pivoting the dividers of an agricultural machine for the harvesting of row crops. A multiple-part attachment having feeder housings to receive the row crops is attached to the front of the agricultural machine. The multiple-part attachment has side frames that are pivotable from a working position to a non-working position. Outer row crop dividers are arranged on the side frames in such a way that when the side frames are pivoted, the outer row crop dividers move relative to the adjacent inner row crop dividers. The relative movement of the outer row crop dividers prevents them from colliding with each other when the side frames are in a non-working position and allows for maximum feeder housing width when the side frames are in a working position.

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 self-propelled mower includes a frame and a mower housing mounted underbelly relative to the frame by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly allows the mower housing to be disconnected from the frame and swung near the front of the housing from a mowing configuration to an access configuration as a front end of the mower is raised. In one embodiment the frame includes a yoke that receives a nose of the housing, as the front of the mower is raised. A mechanized drive is utilized in certain embodiments to swing the mower deck to the access configuration.

Abstract: Pivoting hooks usable with four bar parallelogram implement lift linkages are provided. The hooks are pivotally attached at the forward edge of the implement to receive the cross bar of a suspension mechanism such as that taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,617. The pivotal connection and axis about which the hooks are supported on the deck comprise one corner of the four bar parallelogram lift linkage. The hooks pivot forwardly and downwardly to receive the cross bar and then swing up as tension is applied to the hanger to support the deck. As the cross bar slides forwardly into the throats of the hooks when the hanger is tensioned, it is retained in the proper parallelogram lift geometry so that the deck remains level as it is adjusted throughout its vertical cutting height. The use of the pivoting hooks permits decks with extended fore and aft dimensions to be used with existing four bar parallelogram designs.

Abstract: A sulky for a self propelled, outdoor power equipment unit, such as a wide area mower or WAM, comprises independent left and right foot platforms to support a standing operator. A ground engaging caster wheel is carried on each foot platform to allow the foot platforms to roll over the ground during operation of the mower. The foot platforms are mounted to the mower by an axle with each foot platform being pivotally carried on the axle using a separate pivot hub. Thus, the foot platforms can pitch up and down separately from one another during operation of the mower over uneven terrain. Latches are provided for selectively holding the foot platforms in raised transport positions.

Abstract: A gang mower and tractor assembly includes a tractor with a forward section attached to a rear section by a pivot. A frame is attached to the forward section. A plurality of reel type mowers are attached to the frame.