Abstract: An electrically powered two wheel mowing, trimming and edging apparatus is disclosed. A rotating cutting head is cantilevered in front of the wheels, with a battery positioned behind the wheels to act as a counterweight to the cutting head. A caster below the battery allows easy maneuverability and permits trimming in corners. The cutting head contains both metal cutting blades and filament line, and the operator selects which cutting tool he wants based on the type of foliage to be cut. The cutting head easily rotates from the horizontal to the vertical, allowing the apparatus to be used as an edge trimmer.

Abstract: An adjustable height implement system for an agricultural vehicle. A harvesting implement has an adjustable height. A control system is operably connected in a first operating mode to the harvesting implement to adjust the height of the harvesting implement with respect to the ground. The control system is operably connected in a second operating mode to the harvesting implement to maintain at least a predetermined distance between the harvesting implement and the ground. The second operating mode is engaged in response to the agricultural vehicle satisfying at least one predetermined vehicle operating parameter.

Abstract: A working vehicle includes a vehicle body supported by a plurality of wheels; an implement supported by the vehicle body via a link mechanism such that the implement can be raised and lowered, the implement being permitted to be lowered under its own weight; an abutting member that moves in tandem with the raising and lowering movement of the implement; a receiving piece for limiting the lowering of the implement under its own weight by receiving a first portion of the abutting member; and a manually operable first operating piece for changing the position of the receiving piece between a receiving position and a retracted position, wherein a lowering limiting position is set to a vertical position that is closer to the upper limit of a range of the raising or lowering movement of the implement than to the lower limit of that range.

Abstract: A mower deck lift mechanism for a lawn mower includes a mower deck, a linkage mechanism for movably mounting the mower deck to the frame for raising and lowering movement relative to the frame, and an electro-hydraulic actuator assembly connected to the linkage mechanism for raising and lowering the mower deck relative to the frame. The actuator assembly is an integrated unit including a hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly connected to the linkage mechanism, a pump for supplying pressurized fluid to the piston-cylinder assembly, and an electric motor for driving the pump.

Abstract: A height of cut adjustment mechanism is provided for a rotary cutting deck mounted on a lift arm extending from a traction vehicle. The mechanism includes a front axle and a rear axle, at least one roller mounted on each axle, and a pair of height of cut arms extending from each axle to a pivot axis on the rotary cutting deck. A notch lock on each height of cut arm may be moved between a locked position in which the notch lock engages a notch plate at a desired cutting height, and an unlocked position in which the notch lock disengages the notch plate so that the height of cut arm can pivot with respect to the rotary cutting deck. A lever attached to each notch lock can be operated to move the notch lock between the locked and the unlocked positions.

Abstract: A single lever mower deck height-of-cut control provides a hand control connected to a depth stop cam that is movable to a plurality of cutting height positions. A push button switch on the hand control may be actuated to extend a hydraulic lift mechanism against a lift arm to raise the mower deck. The mower deck descends while the push button switch is not actuated until the lift arm engages the depth stop cam at a specified cutting height position.

Abstract: A power lawn mower includes at least one cutting blade driven, directly or indirectly, by an engine. A cutter deck assembly of the mower includes a cutter deck, cutting blade(s) housed therein, and a pulley/belt system powered by a drive shaft of the engine for driving the cutting blade(s). The cutter deck assembly is selectively adjustable upward/downward to adjust the cutting height of the mower and/or to allow an operator to put the cutter deck assembly in a heightened position for storage and/or transport and thereafter lower the cutter deck assembly to a cutting position. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a latch system is provided as part of a deck lift system for permitting the cutter deck assembly to be more easily and/or efficiently raised/lowered.

Abstract: A mower deck lift system includes a transport lock for locking the mower deck in a transport position, a height of cut control knob connected to a height of cut cam having a plurality of mower deck height settings, and a height of cut pawl movable to engage or disengage the height of cut cam at each mower deck height setting. A transport lock crank may be locked in a transport position preventing the height of cut pawl from engaging the height of cut cam, or unlocked to allow the height of cut pawl to engage the height of cut cam. A transport lock indicator integrated into the height of cut control knob is connected to the transport lock crank, and is movable with the transport lock crank between the transport position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A lawn mower that includes, a deck lift system, is disclosed. The deck lift system may lift/lower the cutter deck, engine deck, engine, and handle control assembly together at the same time.

Abstract: A rotary cutting deck is suspended from the frame of a lawn mower to hang beneath the frame of the mower between the front and rear ground engaging wheels of the mower. A single front pull arm is pinned by a pivot pin to the front of the cutting deck. This pivot pin can be easily released and pulled by removing a single hairclip pin or cotter pin. The rear of the cutting deck is hung by two downwardly facing suspension hooks onto the cross rod of a pivotal hanger. After the front pull arm is disconnected from the front of the cutting deck, the operator lifts up the rear of the cutting deck to unhook the suspension hooks, pulls the cutting deck slightly rearwardly, and then lowers the cutting deck to the ground to allow the cutting deck to be slid out from underneath the mower after also removing any deck drive belt or similar cutting blade drive system. This can be easily and quickly done.

Abstract: A foot-actuated mower deck lift mechanism for a riding lawnmower comprising first and second foot pedals for adjusting the cutting height of the mower deck. The foot pedals are suitable for engagement by an operator's foot to raise, latch and lower the cutting deck. The first pedal is connected to a lift linkage to adjust the height of the cutting deck upon actuation of the first pedal by the operator's foot. The second pedal is configured to automatically latch the mower deck into a raised transport position when the first pedal is depressed a preset amount, and to unlatch the mower deck upon actuation by the operator's foot. An adjustable pin-actuated height index mechanism is implemented to provide a plurality of predetermined cutting heights for the mower deck.

Abstract: A mower carrying a rotary cutting deck has a height of cut system for adjusting the vertical position of the deck relative to the mower frame for changing or adjusting the height of cut. The height of cut system comprises a pair of parallel cross shafts that carry a plurality of pivotal suspension linkages that connect to the deck, the cross shafts and linkages pivoting jointly with one another and with a pivotal control lever. One of the cross shafts carries a torsion spring to counterbalance the weight of the deck. The control lever is maintained in a plurality of adjusted pivotal positions by a height selection bracket fixed to the frame with the height selection bracket being capable of having its position changed or adjusted relative to the frame by a single adjustment bolt. Each suspension linkage has its effective length adjusted by turning a threaded adjuster carried at the upper end of a connecting rod that is part of each linkage to allow the deck to be leveled relative to a reference plane.

Abstract: A compact lawn mower is disclosed. Preferably, the lawn mower includes at least a shroud positioned a fixed distance from a surface, such as a lawn, by a common rear axle extended between and supported by a pair of rear wheels. The preferred embodiment further includes a motor adjustment member confined within and supported by the shroud. The motor adjustment member interacts with a motor, which includes a cutting member attached to a motor shaft of the motor. Preferably, by manipulating the motor adjustment member, the height of the cutting member relative to the surface is set. In a preferred embodiment, the motor adjustment member is rotated in a first direction to move the motor closer to the lawn, and in the opposite direction to move the motor further from the lawn, allowing the grass to be cut to a desired length.

Abstract: A riding type mower comprises: a plurality of wheels including at least one driven wheel; a vehicle body supported by the plurality of wheels; a driver's seat supported by the vehicle body; a mower unit located below the vehicle body; a suspension mechanism for vertically movably supporting the mower unit from the vehicle body, the suspension mechanism having a restraint member operatively connected to the suspension mechanism; an operation mechanism for operating the suspension mechanism; a stopper for setting a lower limit for a vertical position of the mower unit to define a cutting height by abutment against the restraint member, the stopper is adapted to be rotated to change the lower limit; a lower limit adjustment element located laterally of the driver's seat and rotatable to rotate the stopper; and a linking mechanism for operatively connecting the lower limit adjustment element with the stopper.

Abstract: A saw attachment for pruning trees, shrubs and undergrowth that can be used on a hydraulic vehicle, having auxiliary line connections for accepting attachments. The attachment has cutting blades located at the ends of a swing arm, which is mounted on a plate capable of holding a single, fixed angle of orientation from 0° to 90° with respect to the imaginary plane of the direction of travel of the vehicle. Depending on the type of host vehicle on which the attachment is used, the attachment can be mounted using either a connector plate or an articulated extension arm.

Abstract: A lawn mower or other vehicle having a weight transfer mechanism to selectively transfer weight of a front-mounted mower or other attachment from the attachment to the drive wheels of the vehicle to improve traction in the drive wheels. The weight transfer mechanism may include a generally horizontal linear actuator applying a generally horizontal force to a weight transfer linkage. The weight transfer linkage may include a pivotable member mounted to the front of the vehicle, the pivotable member pivoting under the influence of the horizontal force to bear more or less of the attachment weight.

Abstract: A riding mower includes an apparatus for adjusting the height of a mowing deck. The mowing deck is supported relative to a frame of the riding mower by a deck lift system. The deck lift system is actuated by a foot activated lever, with an arm linking the lever to the deck lift system. A cam wheel having an outer radial edge of varying radius is rotationally mounted near an operator seating area of the mower. A shoulder is disposed on the arm to contact the outer radial edge of the cam wheel when the mowing deck is in a lowered position. The height of the mowing deck relative to a ground surface is a function of the outer radial edge oriented for contact with the shoulder of the arm.

Abstract: A riding mower with a height adjustable mowing deck includes an operator seating area and a cam wheel rotatably connected to a frame of the mower adjacent to the operator seating area. The mowing deck is supported below the frame of the mower by a deck lifting system comprising a plurality of cooperating bell cranks pivotally connected at various locations to the frame. One of the bell cranks is connected for common rotation to a secondary arm aligned in a common plane with the cam wheel. A rod pivotally connects at one end to the secondary arm. The opposite end of the arm contacts an edge portion of the cam wheel. A selector wheel associated with the cam wheel, for adjusting the cam wheel edge in contact with the rod, has a scalloped perimeter edge. A detent engages the scalloped edge to maintain a selected position of the cam wheel.

Abstract: A wheeled device suitable for supporting and stabilizing a powered lawn trimming device. The wheels steer by a castor action where they rotate about a vertical axis in response to the operator's direction. The wheels are positioned at the ends of two outrigger arms positioned one each side of the cutting head of the line trimmer. The wheeled assembly is clamped onto the line trimmer shaft in such a way as to provide means for height adjustment and adaptation to the different styles of lawn trimming devices.

Abstract: A walk reel mower includes a pair of inclined rigid links for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for rolling about a longitudinal axis, and a pair of vertical support arms for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for pitching about a transverse axis. An integrated gearbox houses both the traction and reel drives, including the differential that is part of the traction drive, as well as a parking brake. A flexible drive shaft powers the cutting reel from the gearbox and is made from materials that do not require petroleum based lubricants to avoid the possibility of damage to the turf or grass. A single control handle located on the handle of the mower actuates both the reel and traction drives. The reel cutting unit includes a back plate which has a portion formed as a hollow beam for strength.

Abstract: A mower deck lift system includes a transport lock for locking the mower deck in a transport position, a height of cut control knob connected to a height of cut cam having a plurality of mower deck height settings, and a height of cut pawl movable to engage or disengage the height of cut cam at each mower deck height setting. A transport lock crank may be locked in a transport position preventing the height of cut pawl from engaging the height of cut cam, or unlocked to allow the height of cut pawl to engage the height of cut cam. A transport lock indicator integrated into the height of cut control knob is connected to the transport lock crank, and is movable with the transport lock crank between the transport position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A mower tractor (1) comprises: a mid-mount mower (5) under a middle bottom portion thereof between front wheels (2;2) and rear wheels (3;3); a body frame (8); a transmission casing (24) having an input shaft (58) disposed laterally eccentrically in the body frame (8); an engine (23) having an output shaft (55); a propeller shaft (14) and universal joints (27) interposed between the output shaft (55) of the engine (23) and the input shaft (58) of the transmission casing (24); and a device (60) for restricting height of the mower (5) disposed between the propeller shaft and the body frame.

Abstract: A mower deck lift system includes a transport lock for locking the mower deck in a transport position, a height of cut control knob connected to a height of cut cam having a plurality of mower deck height settings, and a height of cut pawl movable to engage or disengage the height of cut cam at each mower deck height setting. A transport lock crank may be locked in a transport position preventing the height of cut pawl from engaging the height of cut cam, or unlocked to allow the height of cut pawl to engage the height of cut cam. A transport lock indicator integrated into the height of cut control knob is connected to the transport lock crank, and is movable with the transport lock crank between the transport position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A mower deck lift mechanism for a lawn mower includes a mower deck, a linkage mechanism for movably mounting the mower deck to the frame for raising and lowering movement relative to the frame, and an electro-hydraulic actuator assembly connected to the linkage mechanism for raising and lowering the mower deck relative to the frame. The actuator assembly is an integrated unit including a hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly connected to the linkage mechanism, a pump for supplying pressurized fluid to the piston-cylinder assembly, and an electric motor for driving the pump.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower vehicle having a riding traveling vehicle body and a mower operatively connected via a lifting/lowering link mechanism to the vehicle body to be lifted and lowered relative thereto, the mower vehicle comprising: a pair of right and left hand-operated traveling control members; a lifting control pedal having a lifting stepping face and configured to cause the mower to be lifted; a lowering control pedal having a lowering stepping face and configured to cause the mower to be lowered; and the lifting stepping face and the lowering stepping face being located laterally to each other on a floor of a driving section of the riding traveling vehicle body.

Abstract: A foot-actuated mower deck lift mechanism for a riding lawnmower comprising first and second foot pedals for adjusting the cutting height of the mower deck. The foot pedals are suitable for engagement by an operator's foot to raise, latch and lower the cutting deck. The first pedal is connected to a lift linkage to adjust the height of the cutting deck upon actuation of the first pedal by the operator's foot. The second pedal is configured to automatically latch the mower deck into a raised transport position when the first pedal is depressed a preset amount, and to unlatch the mower deck upon actuation by the operator's foot. An adjustable pin-actuated height index mechanism is implemented to provide a plurality of predetermined cutting heights for the mower deck.

Abstract: A saw attachment for pruning trees, shrubs and undergrowth that can be used on a hydraulic vehicle, having auxiliary line connections for accepting attachments. The attachment has cutting blades located at the ends of a swing arm, which is mounted on a plate capable of holding a single, fixed angle of orientation from 0° to 90° with respect to the imaginary plane of the direction of travel of the vehicle. Depending on the type of host vehicle on which the attachment is used, the attachment can be mounted using either a connector plate or an articulated extension arm.

Abstract: A mower deck lift system includes a transport lock for locking the mower deck in a transport position, a height of cut control knob connected to a height of cut cam having a plurality of mower deck height settings, and a height of cut pawl movable to engage or disengage the height of cut cam at each mower deck height setting. A transport lock crank may be locked in a transport position preventing the height of cut pawl from engaging the height of cut cam, or unlocked to allow the height of cut pawl to engage the height of cut cam. A transport lock indicator integrated into the height of cut control knob is connected to the transport lock crank, and is movable with the transport lock crank between the transport position and an unlocked position.

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 power lawn mower includes at least one cutting blade driven, directly or indirectly, by an engine. A cutter deck assembly of the mower includes a cutter deck, cutting blade(s) housed therein, and a pulley/belt system powered by a drive shaft of the engine for driving the cutting blade(s). The cutter deck assembly is selectively adjustable upward/downward to adjust the cutting height of the mower and/or to allow an operator to put the cutter deck assembly in a heightened position for storage and/or transport and thereafter lower the cutter deck assembly to a cutting position. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a latch system is provided as part of a deck lift system for permitting the cutter deck assembly to be more easily and/or efficiently raised/lowered.

Abstract: A lawn mower is provided. In certain example embodiments, the lawn mower includes an improved steering control system/assembly and/or an improved pump control linkage system/assembly. In certain example embodiments, the mower includes an engine deck supporting an engine that drives the at least one blade for cutting grass, the engine deck also supporting a first hydraulic pump that controls the right rear drive wheel and a second hydraulic pump that controls the left rear drive wheel. A deck lift system is for raising/lowering the engine deck relative to both a frame of the mower and a handle control assembly.

Abstract: A lawn mower is provided. In certain example embodiments, the lawn mower includes an improved deck lift system and/or an improved brake pump lock-out system. In certain example embodiments, a deck lift system may lift/lower the cutter deck, engine deck, engine, and handle control assembly together at the same time.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower vehicle having a riding traveling vehicle body and a mower operatively connected via a lifting/lowering link mechanism to the vehicle body to be lifted and lowered relative thereto, the mower vehicle comprising: a pair of right and left hand-operated traveling control members; a lifting control pedal having a lifting stepping face and configured to cause the mower to be lifted; a lowering control pedal having a lowering stepping face and configured to cause the mower to be lowered; and the lifting stepping face and the lowering stepping face being located laterally to each other on a floor of a driving section of the riding traveling vehicle body.

Abstract: A frame and bracket assembly for raising and lowering the deck of lawnmower having swivel wheels. The frame is disposed on and attached to the deck of the mower and is positioned beneath a canopy. A distal end of the frame is attached to the lawn mower body. A proximate end of the frame is supported on a bracket. A removable pin functions to support the frame on the bracket. Plural holes in the bracket allow the pin to be repositioned on the bracket thereby allowing a user to raise or lower the lawn mower deck.

Abstract: A riding type mower comprises: a plurality of wheels including at least one driven wheel; a vehicle body supported by the plurality of wheels; a driver's seat supported by the vehicle body; a mower unit located below the vehicle body; a suspension mechanism for vertically movably supporting the mower unit from the vehicle body, the suspension mechanism having a restraint member operatively connected to the suspension mechanism; an operation mechanism for operating the suspension mechanism; a stopper for setting a lower limit for a vertical position of the mower unit to define a cutting height by abutment against the restraint member, the stopper is adapted to be rotated to change the lower limit; a lower limit adjustment element located laterally of the driver's seat and rotatable to rotate the stopper; and a linking mechanism for operatively connecting the lower limit adjustment element with the stopper.

Abstract: A hand-pushed mower of which blade height setter is provided with a sphere rolling on the ground, many small spheres holding the sphere as to freely roll, a semi-spherical receiving member forming a gap between an upper spherical face of the sphere to hold the many small spheres in the gap, and a scraping ring frame portion disposed to be parallel to and having a predetermined interval with a lower end edge of the semi-spherical receiving member. The scraping ring frame portion is disposed to be near the surface of the sphere as to scrape foreign matter on the surface of the sphere. A window portion for removing the foreign matter is formed between the lower end edge of the semi-spherical receiving member and the scraping ring frame portion.

Abstract: A trimmer wheeled accessory for a gas or electric powered line trimmer used to support the distal end of the trimmer pole during operation. The accessory includes an extension arm that is longitudinally aligned with the trimmer's main pole and selectively attached thereto via a first clamp. The distal end of the extension arm extends from the trimmer head. Attached to the distal end of the extension arm is a wheel assembly that supports the trimmer head at a constant elevation when cutting grass or weeds. The extension arm is sufficient in length so that the wheel accessory is located in front of the trimmer head. The extension arm may be rotated around the trimmer's main pole so that the wheel assembly may be used to support the trimmer head in both a horizontal or vertical alignment.

Abstract: A mid-mount mower having a front frame unit including a pair of right and left front longitudinal frames, a first cross frame interconnecting the front longitudinal frames in forward positions thereof longitudinally of the vehicle body, and a second cross frame interconnecting the front longitudinal frames in rearward positions thereof longitudinally of the vehicle body, the front frame unit supporting the front wheel unit and also supporting a lift mechanism for vertically movably suspending the mower unit; a rear frame unit including a pair of right and left rear longitudinal frames, the rear frame unit being connected to the front frame unit; and a rear wheel drive unit interconnecting the rear longitudinal frames. The second cross frame has a downwardly opening recess disposed adjacent a middle position thereof, the recess allowing entry thereto of an upwardly protruding portion of the mower unit without interference when the mower unit is raised by the lift mechanism.

Abstract: An adjustment pin for making precision adjustments to the cutting deck height of a lawn mower having a cutting deck height adjustment mechanism that employs a lever, a lever support bracket having lever set holes. The adjustment pin has an elongated stem of a uniform diameter. Disposed along the stem of the pin is a plurality of pin adjustment portions. These adjustment portions each have a successively reduced diameter with respect to the pin stem diameter. Adjustments to the cutting deck height are accomplished by inserting the pin in a desired lever support bracket set hole and positioning the lever against a desired adjustment portion of the pin stem. The user may make precision adjustments of the deck height depending upon his selection of the lever set hole and the choice adjustment portion of the pin stem on which to set the lever.

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: A system adjusts the height-of-cut of a cutting reel unit. The system includes a cutting reel; a first frame supported on at least one support element that is supported on, and is movable along, the ground; and a second frame supporting the cutting reel. The system further includes an actuator that has a first portion connected to the first frame and a second portion connected to the second frame, wherein a distance between the first and second portions is adjustable. The actuator includes a motive mechanism that is activated to adjust the distance. The system can include at least one strut pivotally connected to the first frame and pivotally connected to the second frame on a second side of the second frame opposite to the first side. The strut extends between the first frame and the second frame. The strut defines the rotation of the second frame with respect to the first frame as the relative elevation of the second frame is adjusted with respect to the first frame.

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: Multiple range-of-motion mower deck support arm apparatus and kits are provided to improve the lateral float of a mower deck. Rod end bearing are utilized to provide an additional range of motion to prior art vertical only designs. The present invention utilizes a front left floating arm, a front right floating arm, a back left support assembly, and a back right support assembly which are all pivotally supported from the existing frame connection apertures and the existing mower connection apertures to vertically pivot in relation to the mower deck and vertically, horizontally, and rotationally pivot in relation to the lawn tractor frame.

Abstract: An auxiliary edge trimmer apparatus is attached to a lawnmower and includes a flywheel drive wheel portion connected to the lawnmower drive shaft. An attachment assembly is connected onto portions of the lower housing wall of the blade housing of the lawnmower. A trimmer assembly is attached to the attachment assembly and includes a bearing portion connected to the attachment assembly, a rotatable shaft assembly received by the bearing portion, a driven wheel connected to a proximal end of the rotatable shaft assembly, and a trimmer blade connected to a distal end of the rotatable shaft assembly. In accordance with an alternatively preferred embodiment of the invention, a manually actuatable control cable is attached through suitable structure to the drive shaft supported on the lawnmower housing between the drive wheel and the auxiliary trimmer apparatus to control engagement and disengagement thereof.

Abstract: A tool lifting apparatus for gardening vehicles such as lawn mowers or the like, of the type that comprises a lever-type frame, which supports the tool and is associated with hydraulic-cylinder lifting actuators, coupled between the frame and the vehicle chassis. The lever-type frame is coupled to the vehicle chassis to perform oscillations with respect to a longitudinal axis. The lever-type frame defines a third-class lever in which the lever fulcrum is arranged to the rear of, and parallel to, the front axle of the vehicle and to the rear of the actuators.

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 used, for example, on a riding lawnmower to set a selected 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 selected cutting height.

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 lawn mower includes a vehicle body, front wheels disposed in front positions of the vehicle body, rear wheels disposed in rear positions of the vehicle body, a mower unit suspended from the vehicle body between the front wheels and the rear wheels, and a driver's seat disposed on the vehicle body above the mower unit. A hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering the mower unit is disposed above the mower unit and below the driver's seat. A hydraulic pump for supplying a hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic cylinder is disposed below the driver's seat and adjacent the hydraulic cylinder. An engine for driving the hydraulic pump disposed rearwardly of the driver's seat.

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 tool lifting apparatus for gardening vehicles such as lawn mowers or the like, of the type that comprises a lever-type frame, which supports the tool and is associated with hydraulic-cylinder lifting actuators, coupled between the frame and the vehicle chassis. The lever-type frame is coupled to the vehicle chassis to perform oscillations with respect to a longitudinal axis. The lever-type frame defines a third-class lever in which the lever fulcrum is arranged to the rear of, and parallel to, the front axle of the vehicle and to the rear of the actuators.