Abstract: A lawnmower reel and drive motor assembly with a mower frame and a reel and post supported by the frame. The motor has an opening which receives the post, and the motor is supported by the post in mounting the motor on the frame. The post has a slot therethrough, and a flat spring extends through the slot and abuts the motor and the post to thereby releasably hold the motor relative to the frame.

Abstract: A motor for powering a cutting unit in an electric mower. The motor is mounted above the cutting unit. A second motor is provided to drive one or more accessories and is also mounted above the cutting unit. The motors are symmetrically placed toward opposite ends of the cutting unit. The second motor acts as a counterbalance to the first, so the cutting unit has similar weight on both of its ends. This eliminates the need for a torsion spring counterbalance system, allows increased mobility of the cutting unit, and facilitates servicing of the cutting unit.

Abstract: A deep groove ground-contacting roller for a reel type mower assembly having a plurality of interfitting intermediate roller segments and matching end segments mounted on a transverse bearing mounted axle rod in tight abutment. Stop rings engage the end segments and the axle rod to fix the roller segments on the rod to form a roller body. Each roller segment includes a cylindrical hub and a disc element extending radially therefrom with converging planar annular side surfaces intersecting to form a rounded ground-contacting ridge. The disc elements and the hub sections combine to form a deep groove with angled side surfaces and a right circular cylindrical bottom.

Abstract: A coupling system for a lawn maintenance machine having at least one cutting unit comprises a pivoting device for pivoting the cutting unit around a pivot axis parallel to a traveling direction and substantially coincidental with a point of contact between the cutting unit and a surface upon which the cutting unit is supported; and, a yoke attached to the pivoting device, the yoke configured for attachment to a motive unit.

Abstract: A reel-type cutting unit including a reel blade for cutting grass in cooperation with a fixed blade. The reel blade is rotatable about a horizontal axis extending transversely of a vehicle body, to move from front to rear relative to the fixed blade with respect to a forward traveling direction of the vehicle body. The cutting unit has a main case surrounding the reel blade to define a space for carrying grass clippings in a rotating direction of the reel blade to a top level of the reel blade. A guide member is connected to the main case for receiving the grass clippings carried to the top level. The guide member defines a grass receiving space having a grass discharge opening. The grass discharge opening is connected to a grass catcher through a duct.

Abstract: A unique motor for powering a cutting unit in an electric mower is disclosed. The motor is mounted above the cutting unit. A second motor is provided to drive one or more accessories and is also mounted above the cutting unit. The motors are symmetrically placed toward opposite ends of the cutting unit. The second motor acts as a counterbalance to the first, so the cutting unit has similar weight on both of its ends. This eliminates the need for a torsion spring counterbalance system, allows increased mobility of the cutting unit, and facilitates servicing of the cutting unit.

Abstract: A gang mower for garden tractors includes a frame, a hitch and either three, five or seven reel-type mower units attached to the frame. The frame is attached below the forward wheel axis of each mower unit. In action, the frame leverages the forward drive wheels downward to turn the mower blades when the frame is pulled forward by a garden tractor.

Abstract: A lawn tractor includes a vehicle body, a center reel-type cutting unit, and side reel-type cutting units arranged laterally of the center reel-type cutting unit with respect to a moving direction of the vehicle body, wherein a cutting track by the center reel-type cutting unit and cutting tracks by the side reel-type cutting units partly overlap one another. A first lift mechanism vertically movably connects the center reel-type cutting unit to the vehicle body, wherein the first lift mechanism is operable to raise and lower the center reel-type cutting unit without displacing the center reel-type cutting unit transversely of the moving direction. Second lift mechanisms vertically movably connect the side reel-type cutting units to the vehicle body, respectively, wherein the second lift mechanisms are operable to raise and lower the side reel-type cutting units without displacing the side reel-type cutting units transversely of the moving direction.

Abstract: A linkage for a reel mower cutting unit including upper and lower stop members which abut a yoke for restricting the movement of the yoke and cutting unit when the cutting unit is raised to a transport position.

Abstract: A bedknife adjustment device includes a double legged bracket which supports a threaded rod, and a compression spring abuts one leg of the bracket for removing play from the linkage at both ends of the threaded rod. A nut positioned between the legs of the bracket can be tightened on the threaded rod for further compressing the compression spring to thereby remove the force of the spring from the linkage to allow the linkage to be easily swung out to a service position.

Abstract: A lawn mower roller brush mounting and drive for a reel type lawn mower. The brush extends along the length of the roller and is rotatable and in contact with the roller for removing grass and like debris from the roller. A belt drive of automatic adjustment arrangement extends between the reel and the brush for rotating the brush. A cover completely encloses the pulleys and belt.

Abstract: A leveling apparatus for a reel type cutting head for use on a gang mower. The leveling apparatus includes a linkage which attaches at an inboard end to the frame of the mower and at an outboard end of a control arm. The control arm in turn attaches to the cutting head to pivot the cutting head about a horizontal axis. As the mower is lowered to engage the ground, the linkage pivots the cutting head to maintain the cutting head level as the cutting head is lowered to engage the ground. In a particular embodiment, the linkage comprises a parallel linkage having an upper and a lower link and inboard and outboard control arms which are arranged to form a parallelogram whose shape changes as the mower is raised and lowered. The parallel linkage connects to the cutting head to pivot the cutting head about a horizontal axis and maintains the cutting head substantially level as the cutting head is raised and lowered.

Abstract: An ensilage harvester is equipped with a blower including a rotor equipped with paddles for conveying crop along a housing wall surrounding the rotor. The paddles include cutting edges that reach close to the wall so as to cut crop that may enter the rotor between a paddle and the wall as the paddle is approaching the wall with the result that the crop captured between the wall and the cutting edges is cut thereby preventing crop from becoming jammed in the intervening gap and causing friction losses.

Abstract: Carriage suspension for supporting a reel mower cutting unit. Two or more elongated rollers extend between opposing ends of the carriage suspension. An arm is provided on at least one end of the carriage suspension. The arm is mounted to the carriage suspension by a pivot mechanism, and is configured for supporting one end of each of the rollers. Coupling members are provided on each end of the rollers, and the coupling members are configured for permitting the angular orientation of a longitudinal axis of each of the rollers to vary relative to the carriage suspension.

Abstract: An attachment arrangement and method for mower reel drive wherein the rotating reel has its shaft rotatably mounted on a mower frame, and a rotational drive motor is also mounted on the frame. The facility of making the connection between the motor and the frame and of aligning the parts along a longitudinal axis for the drive relationship, are both involved, and pin connections are employed to achieve those objectives.

Abstract: A lawn mower having a rotation drive connection assembly including a reel shaft having concially shaped opposite ends and an interior threaded length in each of the opposite ends. A drive coupler with a conical shape on one end thereof mates with one of the reel conical ends and has a threaded opening for receiving a screw extending into the shaft for holding the coupler thereon. A spline is on the end of the coupler opposite its one end, and there a drive member with a spline engaged with the coupler spline, all for rotating the shaft. A counter-balance is threadedly attached in the assembly adjacent the end of the shaft opposite the coupler location.

Abstract: A gang mower for garden tractors includes a frame, a hitch and either three, five or seven reel-type mower units attached to the frame. The frame is attached below the forward wheel axis of each mower unit. In action, the frame leverages the forward drive wheels downward to turn the mower blades when the frame is pulled forward by a garden tractor.

Abstract: A latch mechanism which facilities installation and removal of a reel space type cutting head of a gang mower. The latch mechanism includes horizontal slots formed in the vertical plates of a pull frame. The horizontal slots receive bushings attached to the cutting head assembly. When the bushings engage the horizontal slots, locking plates are rotated to engage a horizontal crossrod and fixed in place so that the cutting head is locked in position to the pull frame. The cutting head can similarly be removed from the pull frame by moving the locking plates from a locked to an unlocked position, thereby opening the horizontal slots so that the bushings of the cutting head can be removed.

Abstract: An engine mounting structure is provided for use with a turf care machine such as a greens mower. Single cylinder engines, such as are used on greens mowers and similar turf care cutting machines, generate significant vibration. Greens mowers and which are used for finish cutting lose cut quality and precision with excessive vibration. To reduce vibration, an improved mounting structure includes resilient mounts to support the rear portion of the engine on the machine frame. To avoid belt misalignment between the engine drive pulley and the driven pulley powering the cutting reel, which can occur when resiliently mounting an engine, the forward portion of the engine is rigidly secured to the machine frame.

Abstract: A deep groove ground-contacting roller for a reel type mower assembly having a plurality of interfitting intermediate roller segments and matching end segments mounted on a transverse bearing mounted axle rod in tight abutment. Stop rings engage the end segments and the axle rod to fix the roller segments on the rod to form a roller body. Each roller segment includes a cylindrical hub and a disc element extending radially therefrom with converging planar annular side surfaces intersecting to form a rounded ground-contacting ridge. The disc elements and the hub sections combine to form a deep groove with angled side surfaces and a right circular cylindrical bottom.

Abstract: A reel type lawn mower with an adjustable cutter bar to alter the position and angulation of the bar relative to the reel. Adjustable mountings extend between the cutter bar and the mower frame, and the cutter bar is adjustable along the arc on the circumference of the rotatable reel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for deflecting clippings from a reel-type lawn mower, and with the deflection being selective in either the forward direction or rearward direction relative to ground movement.

Abstract: A mower and/or aerating device (7) exhibits a mower drum and/or aerating drum (8) rotating around a horizontal axis running perpendicular to the mower and/or aerating device advance direction. The mower drum and/or aerating drum (8) feeds cut material and/or material removed from ground to a transverse transport worm (16) rotating around a rotation axis running parallel to the aerating drum (8). The transverse transport worm (16) is disposed in a transport trough (15). A longitudinal transport worm (17) adjoins in the middle region of the transverse transport worm (16) at an angle of 90.degree. relative to an axis of the transverse transport worm (16). A transfer element (21) is disposed at the transport trough (15), which transfer element (21) separates the mower drum and/or aerating drum (8) and the transverse transport worm (16). The transfer element (21) is disposed such that the material from the mower drum and/or aerating drum (8) is at least nearly completely thrown into the transport trough (15).

Abstract: A portable, hand held tool for trimming and electrifying vegetation. The portable, hand swingable, weed trimmer passes electricity through its cutting or trimming element so as to pass electricity into the weeds to kill the roots of the weeds. The tool includes a power unit for rotation of a cutter drive. A pancake generator generates electricity via rotation of the cutter drive. Brushes between the pancake generator and the cutter blade conduct current to the cutter blade, which in turn permits the current to pass into the vegetation as the cutter blade trims the vegetation.

Abstract: A dragged type mower having a body joined, at a front upper end thereof, to and suspended from an end of a boom of a travelling civil engineering machine through a suspending mechanism. The body includes a substantially rectangular-parallelepipedal frame, a cutter assembly having its shaft mounted horizontally and centrally in the frame, and a drive mechanism for driving the cutter assembly. Arcuate guide skids concentric with the cutter shaft and slightly greater in radius than the cutter shaft are provided at both side end sections of the frame from its front side to the bottom end thereof, and a horizontal guide roller is provided at the rear bottom end of the body.

Abstract: A mechanism for scraping debris from the roller of a reel mower cutting units, and including a rod member having end portions pivotally supported by brackets. A plate member is fixed with the rod member and includes a non-linear edge portion which generally mates with the surface of the roller. The weight of the rod and plate member urges the rod to pivot the plate member toward the roller for wiping debris from said roller. The rod members abut portions of the brackets for limiting pivoted motion of the rod and plate members away from the surface of the roller. The plate member can also be fixed to the rod member so that a straight edge portion of the plate member will wipe debris from a roller having a smooth surface.

Abstract: A method for moving a shearbar (102) towards a fixed stop (109), wherein the method comprises the steps of; energizing a bidirectional motor (110/112) for driving a guide screw (106/108) to move the shearbar towards the fixed stop (109), monitoring a variable indicative of the torque or force output of the motor (110/112), limiting the torque or force output to a first maximum value, moving the shearbar (102) against the fixed stop (109) and stalling the motor (110/112) thereby, deenergizing the motor (110/112), when the resulting torque or force output reaches or exceeds the first maximum value; and energizing the motor (110/112) for moving the shearbar (102) in the opposite direction, away from the stop (109), while not limiting the torque or force output or while limiting the same to a second maximum value, which is substantially larger than the first maximum value.

Abstract: An apparatus for mowing, aerating and/or collecting includes a cultivation device, formed preferably as a mowing assembly, and disposed movable in a vertical direction relative to the frame, with guide elements disposed in front of and behind the cultivation device and adjustable relative to the cultivation device for setting the cutter level or the operating level of the cultivation device. In order to allow a uniform distance guide of the mowing assembly relative to the ground surface, even in case of an extremely uneven terrain, it is provided that the guide elements, disposed in front of and behind the cultivation device, are disposed at at least one common traverse. The traverse is disposed and swivelable in an upwardly aligned plane around a horizontally disposed axis, running perpendicular to the direction of travel.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a shiftable reel mower brush, the mechanisms including a drive gear driven by the power source, a driven gear fixed with the brush, and an idler gear for transmitting rotational motion from the drive gear to the driven gear. The idler gear is shiftable to remain meshed with the drive gear and driven gear as the brush shifts. A first pivot member is pivotal about the drive gear's axis of rotation, and the idler gear is operatively coupled with the first pivot member for keeping the idler gear in mesh with the drive gear when the brush shifts. A second pivot member is pivotal about the driven gear's axis of rotation, and the idler gear is coupled with the second pivot member for keeping the idler gear in mesh with the driven gear when the driven gear shifts relative to the drive gear.

Abstract: A grooved roller scraper having a rod mounted to the reel mower cutting unit frame, and an elongate plate member coupled with the rod member. A plurality of scraper sections having slotted openings are bolted to the elongate plate member for allowing the scraper sections to be adjusted laterally. The scraper sections include protruding portions which extend into the spaces defined between adjacent washers for clearing debris from the grooved roller.

Abstract: The improvement of the present invention comprises an elongated scraper which has a scraper surface that is disposed along substantially the entire length of the most rearwardly disposed roller supporting the mower structure. Such elongated scraper is disposed for stripping accumulated grass and debris from the most rearwardly disposed roller surface as such rearward roller rotates rearwardly during a mowing operation. In preferred embodiments, the elongated scraper is supported by respective pivot arms which are pivotedly carried upon the scraper support frame and are urged downwardly by means of a coil spring, in order to dispose the scraper surface into a stripping proximity vis-a-vis the rear surface of the rearwardly disposed roller, to remove accumulated grass debris therefrom, and thereby control the depth of cut of the grass comprising the green surface.

Abstract: A roller mechanism for a reel mower cutting unit, wherein the roller includes a spiral member fixed with a central tube member. The spiral member includes a radially outer edge portion which rolls in contact with the ground during operation.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a cutting unit joint (22) which can be located between a lift arm (18) and a cutting unit (20). Cutting unit joint (22) includes a four-bar linkage preferably including pairs of pivoting links (46 and 48) which create a "virtual pull point" at any desired location. With regard to one embodiment, a cutting unit (20), the virtual pull point is even located below ground, when the cutting unit (20) is generally level. This configuration reduces or eliminates cutting unit "bobbing." In another embodiment, in connection with a cutting unit (20'), the virtual pull point is located roughly at the centerline of the reel, to maintain a good "seal" between the cutting unit (20') and a lift arm supported grass basket (52'). Another aspect of the present invention relates to a self-contained damper (76) connected to lift arm (18), the damper (76) resisting upward movement at a velocity or frequency consistent with cutting unit "bobbing.

Abstract: A steering operating unit joint (22) for connecting an operating unit (20) to a lift arm (18) of a turf maintenance machine (10). Operating unit (20) can be a reel-type turf cutting unit. Cutting unit joint (22) preferably includes a pivot knuckle (50) having a snout (66), suitably secured to the free end of lift arm (18); and a snout receiver (94) suitably secured to cutting unit (20). A pair of resilient elements (100) is interposed between snout (66) and snout receiver (94). Elements (100) act between snout (66) and snout receiver (94) to resist "yawing" of cutting unit (20), whereby cutting unit (20) can be automatically straightened once it is raised to its transport position. During transport, cutting unit (20) is maintained in a straight and level orientation so that the turf is not gouged when the cutting unit (20) is lowered to its operating position "on the fly.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a traction vehicle (12); one or more reel-type cutting unit(s) (20), each supported by one or more rollers (34, 35); and a cutting unit suspension system (22) associated with each cutting unit, preferably including a ball joint (90) located generally at the same height as the cutting unit roller(s) (34, 35) and proximate the lateral mid-point of the cutting unit (20). Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a flexible seal member (110) which bears against a reel-type cutting unit and the lower edge of the mouth of a grass catcher (46). The flexible seal member (110) flexes to accommodate yawing of the cutting unit to minimize dribbling of grass clippings. In a preferred embodiment, when the cutting unit (20) is raised off of the turf, the cutting unit (20) initially rises independent of the grass catcher (46), and the flexible seal member (110) accommodates this relative motion by sliding along a front shield (40) of the cutting unit (20).

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

Abstract: A roller assembly (12) for use with a mower head (10) is disclosed. The roller assembly includes a roller body (24) to which a shaft (26) is attached such that the body and shaft rotate in unison. The shaft has a pair of opposed ends, each of which is coupled to a bearing assembly (30) that is attached to an arm (28) that is secured to the mower head. The bearing assemblies freely rotate relative to the planes in which they are normally seated so that in the event the arms with which they are associated become out of alignment, the associated shaft and roller body will be able to continue to freely turn. In the preferred versions of the invention, the roller body is made out of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene plastic. The roller body is further formed out of individual sections. The individual sections are each not more than 15 inches in length and are mated together to form the integral roller body.

Abstract: A gang mower for garden tractors includes a frame, a hitch and either three, five or seven reel-type mower units attached to the frame. The frame is attached to each of the mower units higher than the rear roller axis of the mower unit, lower than the forward wheel axis of the mower unit and a sufficient distance away from the forward axis that a majority of the frame's weight is supported by the rollers rather than the forward wheels of the reel-type mowers. In action, the frame pushes the reel-type mowers forward when the frame is pulled forward by a garden tractor. The attachment and distribution of weight assures that the rear rollers of each of the individual mower units is always in contact with the ground. At the same time, the forward drive wheels are leveraged downward in order to insure sufficient friction to turn the mower blades without the inclusion of unnecessary and undesirable weight.

Abstract: A mechanism for shifting reel mower cutting units to a position whereat the undersides of the cutting units are exposed for service. A knuckle joint is provided for pivoting the cutting units as the lift arms are raised to thereby shift the cutting units to service positions. A connection point is provided between a yoke and the cutting unit which is located at the upper rear quadrant of the cutting unit's side frame for generally balancing the force distributed to the ground through the front and rear rollers during forward mowing operations.

Abstract: A cane harvester including sugar cane lifting, gathering and severing structure operative to engage, lift and sever the tops and bottoms of cane oriented in a row along which the harvester is advanced with the cut cane subsequently being conveyed in an upright position and then discharged rearwardly and downwardly, in a rearwardly and upwardly inclined position, into a forwardly and upwardly opening cutter assembly operative to simultaneously sever the cane into billet lengths at points spaced predetermined distances therealong with leaf portions of the cane being simultaneously severed at the same points spaced along the cane to thereby provide cleanly cut cane billets having had a majority of the leaf portions severed therefrom and thus substantially ready for processing in the manufacture of cane sugar.

Abstract: A motor-powered lawn mower having a quick connect and disconnect pin interposed between the motor and the mower. A motor support member with a grease cavity is provided for receiving the motor, and the motor and the mower reel shaft are on the same axis. The grease cavity has an air vent which is incorporated in the quick release pin.

Abstract: A mowing apparatus is provided by a reel-type or rotary mower towed by a vehicle, such as a bicycle, by a draw bar adapted to mount onto existing mower brackets and onto the vehicle by a connector that mounts to a frame element of the vehicle. The draw bar includes a resilient element that preferably permits flexing relative to the vehicle so that the mower articulates relative to the vehicle and so that a normal load force may be applied to the mower. The connector is preferably adjustable to allow selective variance in the load force applied. The draw bar may be a single arcuate piece utilizing a spring as the resilient element. Alternatively, the draw bar may be one or a pair of stiff, yet resilient arms. A guard portion may be provided as an extension of the draw bar or as an auxiliary piece, and a grass shield may be employed.

Abstract: An improved ground-driven dethatching apparatus having at least two sets of independently rotating sets of dethatching tines. Each tine set is positioned along an independently rotating tine shaft which is rotated by a separate drive linkage and ground-engaging wheel. This arrangement ensures adequate torque to rotate the shafts and uniform dethatching when changing directions. The dethatcher automatically adjusts tine height, for example, in response to obstructions or variations in ground conditions.

Abstract: A mowing machine having a plurality of recessed-blades-carrying mowing plates (2), each having a plurality of projections (3) each provided with a front cutting edge (4) formed at the front end and also having sharp recessed blades (5) provided in fixed positions slightly receding from the front end and between said projections. The blades are fixed to the outer periphery of a rotary weeding body (10) in such positions recessed blades (5) of one plate deviate from those of the others in rotational phase so that recessed blade all together sweep the whole periphery of said rotary weeding body (10) which is provided on the vehicle body rotatably in the forward and reverse directions.

Abstract: A mulching device for a reel-type mowing machine, especially power-driven machines, wherein the mulching device is mounted to the front of a reel-type lawn mower such that the device is in substantially closely spaced relationship to the rotating reel assembly, and above a portion of the reel assembly so as to direct a significant portion of the particles generated by the cutting action of the reel in front of the reel assembly for more complete comminution and eventual deposition upon the turf surface.

Abstract: An improved groove-type roller for use in combination with a mower of the type including a cutting reel is disclosed. The groove-type roller includes a roller body having contacting edges separated by inner recesses wherein the contacting edges and inner recesses are designed so that no portion of the surface of the roller body opposes another portion of the surface of the roller body. The lifting roller further includes first and second sealed bearings mounted to first and second ends of the roller body. An elongated shaft extends through the entire length of the roller body and engages each of the first and second sealed bearings. The shaft is provided for mounting the groove-type roller to the mower. The sealed bearings are provided for interfacing the shaft with the roller body to permit rotation of the roller body with respect to the shaft. Preferably, the roller body is anodized treated aluminum to provide a hard surface that will resist mushrooming.

Abstract: A bicycle powered mower comprises a securing member which connects to the front fork of a bicycle, a universal joint portion connected to the securing portion, and a mower connected to the universal joint portion. When a bicycle, with its front wheel removed and the securing portion of the bike mower secured to the front fork, is propelled by conventional means, the mower will move over an area to be mowed. The universal joint portion permits the bicycle to be turned without tilting the bike.

Abstract: A mechanism for shifting reel mower cutting units to a position whereat the undersides of the cutting units are exposed for service. A knuckle joint is provided for pivoting the cutting units as the lift arms are raised to thereby shift the cutting units to service positions. A connection point is provided between a yoke and the cutting unit which is located at the upper rear quadrant of the cutting unit's side frame for generally balancing the force distributed to the ground through the front and rear rollers during forward mowing operations.

Abstract: Impact cutter teeth that cut and lift the crop to improve both cutting and transport of the crop are novel features of this invention. The novel construction of this tooth results in actions which reduce undesired recut characteristics present in impact cutters with prior art teeth.

Abstract: A bottom blade for a grass cutting unit is formed by bending a low carbon steel mounting plate to form a lip; welding to the lip a thin wear strip of high carbon steel and further bending the mounting plate to produce the required lip height.