Abstract: A cutting blade, especially a blade for lawn equipment, comprising at least one spindle section and at least one blade member. The blade member extending radially from the at least one spindle section along a longitudinal axis of the blade member. The blade member terminating in a distal end and having a direction of rotation. The blade member having a first surface and second blade surface. An at least one cutting surface connecting the first and second blade surface at a cutting angle relative to the plane of the second blade surface. Also, the blade has an at least one trailing surface relative to the direction of rotation of the blade member. The blade member having a twisted portion rotated at a twist angle substantially throughout the entire cross section of said twisted portion.

Abstract: A rotary mower blade is formed with a notch at each end of the blade. Upwardly inclined vanes are provided on trailing edges of end portions of the blade adjacent the respective notches. Intermediate a central portion of the blade and the end portions, surfaces are formed extending downwardly from the leading to the trailing edges of the blade.

Abstract: An improved shape for the central drive hole of a rotary mowing blade, such shape including two pairs of teeth extending off of a central hole substantially displaced 30° from the central axis of the mowing blade.

Abstract: A blade for mounting to a rotary mower. The blade has a beveled cutting leading edge and a trailing edge. The mower has a deck providing an over cover for the blade. The trailing edge of the blade is provided with an upwardly directed ramp at the outermost end of the trailing edge and deflects air flow upwardly inside the deck. Mulching teeth inwardly of the ramp produce a mulching action when desired. The combination mower blade has the feature of assisting the filling of a grass catching bag and alternatively has the feature of mulching the mown grass as desired.

Abstract: A cutter blade for lawn mowers having an airlift curved from a cutting edge formed on a rotationally leading edge toward a rotationally trailing edge. The trailing edge of the airlift is shaped in a waveform comprising a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of depressions. The protrusion closest to an outer end where the centrifugal force is greatest during the rotation of the cutter blade, is greatest in width so as to improve the discharging capability of grass clippings. The depressions limit negative pressure generated rotationally behind the airlift. A plurality of vent holes formed in the airlift is arranged radially in lines.

Abstract: A blade for mounting to a rotary mower. The blade has a beveled cutting leading edge and a trailing edge. The mower has a deck providing an over cover for the blade. The trailing edge of the blade is provided with an upwardly directed ramp at the outermost end of the trailing edge and deflects air flow upwardly inside the deck. Mulching teeth inwardly of the ramp produce a mulching action when desired. The combination mower blade has the feature of assisting the filling of a grass catching bag and alternatively has the feature of mulching the mown grass as desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting blade for a trimmer. The cutting blade (1) comprises a base body (14) having a central portion (15) as well as end portions (16) adjoining the central portion. Cutting edges (26) are formed on the longitudinal edges (23,24) of the end portions (16), whereby a central fastening opening (21) is provided in the central portion (15) for mounting the cutting blade (11) on a drive shaft. In order to obtain a multiply cutting blade for chopping material, it is provided that the end portions (16) that carry the cutting edges (26) be angled off in the same direction (18) out of the plane (17) of the central portion (15).

Abstract: A head for a line trimming apparatus includes a body member and a detachable cover that may include a replaceable insert for connecting the head to a drive shaft of a line trimming apparatus. The body member includes opposed openings and a filament-receiving channel for inserting an elongated flexible cutting filament into the head for retention thereon. A spring-biased clamp is supported on the body member and is engageable with the filament portion residing in the channel to releasably retain the filament connected to the head. An actuator button projects through an opening in the body member and is operable to be pressed to cause the clamp to release forcible engagement with a filament so that the filament may be removed and replaced. In one embodiment the clamp and actuator are an integrally formed part and the filament projects through openings formed in spaced apart arms of the clamp member.

Abstract: A blade coupler assembly operable to couple a cutting blade and a drive belt to a lawn mower engine crankshaft is provided. The blade coupler assembly may include a blade/belt driver assembly having a tube portion with a first bore defined by a first diameter, wherein the first bore spans between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end of the tube portion. A pulley portion may also be provided and fixed to the tube portion such that at least a portion of the pulley portion abuts the first longitudinal end of the tube portion. The pulley portion preferably includes a second bore defined by a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter. A blade receiver portion may also be included and is preferably fixed to the tube portion such that the blade receiver portion abuts the second longitudinal end of the tube portion.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower blade assembly having replaceable cutting edge members which may be replaced without replacing an entire blade or sharpening the used blade. The cutting edge members slide into place on corresponding “T”-shaped tongues of the blade body until encountering an integral stop. The cutting blade member is securely held in place by a blade retainer having a rectilinear portion which mates with a retainer stud fastened in the blade body and an extension plate portion with mounting cap screws reaching through the blade retainer extension plate into the cutting blade member. In another embodiment the cutting edge members are secured by set screw extending downward from the upper surface of the cutting edge member and bearing against the upper side of the “T”-shaped tongue of the blade body.

Abstract: The invention is a multifunctional, mobile appliance capable of performing a variety of tasks safely, quietly, without pollution, and out of sight of its owner. Such tasks might include lawn mowing, fertilizing, and edging, floor vacuuming, waxing, and polishing, or rug shampooing. In its preferred implementation, the mobile unit 1 would obtain precise real time and position information using the Real Time Kinematic Global Positioning System. The user initially guides the appliance around the work-area perimeters. The device then uses this information to determine the full working area. Proximity detectors and impact sensors help the appliance avoid unexpected obstacles. The device is quiet enough to perform its task in the middle of the night while its owner is asleep, but can be programmed to work continuously or during any user-specified time interval. The small turning radius of the appliance allows it to follow intricate perimeters.

Abstract: A mowing and mulching system for lawnmowers having multi-blade knives coupled to a motor-driven driving shaft and rotating in a pot-like cover opening at the bottom side. The blades are attached to a central hub part forming several cutting edge segments on the leading edge zones of the knife blades in the direction of rotation and repelling or bucket-like baffle elements on the trailing edge zones.

Abstract: A quill assembly for transmitting power from a belt drive to a lawn mower blade has a jackshaft positioned within a central bore of a housing. A blade adapter is recessed into the bottom of the housing to form a bearing seal and position the blade. A pulley adapter is positioned against the top of the housing and has a center section surrounded by a resilient outer section. The outer section of the pulley adapter includes a lip that fits into a groove formed in the outside of the housing to seal the housing around the top bearing.

Abstract: A cutting blade is provided having a blade body with a primary cutting surface and a direction of rotation. There is at least one secondary cutting surface displaced from the blade body and extending up therefrom. There is an at least one lead cutting surface located on the secondary cutting surface. The lead cutting surface has at least one portion facing substantially forward toward said the primary cutting surface. The portion can be a tip portion, but is turned so that the tip breaks a perpendicular plane drawn up from the blade body and extending radially along the length of the blade body.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a blade to a cutting implement is provided. The apparatus includes an adapter which enables the blade to be fastened with the implement with structure that is offset from its axis of rotation. With this mounting capability, structure used to secure the blade relative to the cutting implement experiences decreases occurrences of tightening relative to the blade with which it is associated. Accordingly, there is presented an enhanced ability to remove the blade when such removal is desired.

Abstract: A rotary mower blade is formed with a notch at each end of the blade. Upwardly inclined vanes are provided on trailing edges of end portions of the blade adjacent the respective notches. Intermediate a central portion of the blade and the end portions, surfaces are formed extending downwardly from the leading to the trailing edges of the blade.

Abstract: An improved shape for the central drive hole of a rotary mowing blade, such shape including two pairs of teeth extending off of a central hole substantially displaced 30° from the central axis of the mowing blade.

Abstract: A mower blade with a trailing sweeping edge that projects below the cutting edge serves to brush, cut particles deposited on the grass surface down between the grass blades and up into the air stream within the mower deck. As the cut particles are recirculated in the air stream, they are recut in a mulching action. The particles forced down between the grass blades reduce the amount of cut grass that has to be discharged. As a result, the amount of cut grass particles left on the lawn is reduced, thereby providing an improved appearance.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower blade with improved combined mulching and shredding capability includes an outboard section having a leading cutting edge and a trailing edge. The trailing edge of the outboard section includes a plurality of teeth. The blade also includes a transition section having a leading cutting edge that is at least partially offset relative to the leading cutting edge of the outboard section. The transition section further includes a trailing edge having a partial tooth. Preferably, the plurality of teeth on the outboard section are twisted in either an inboard or an outboard direction. Additionally, the partial tooth can be twisted in an inboard direction. The blade also preferably includes a central mounting portion and an inboard section between the central mounting portion and the transition section. The inboard section also includes a leading cutting edge and a trailing edge.

Abstract: A mower unit of grass cutting machine has at least two blades. The left blade is rotatable clockwise, while the right blade is rotatable counterclockwise. A grass discharge passage is formed between the two blades. An endless rotational belt for transmitting drive to the two blades is offset forwardly in a region between the blades, thereby forming, between the blades, a space without the endless rotational belt. The grass discharge passage has an upper surface inclined rearwardly and upwardly to extend from a position forwardly of a pair of pulleys corresponding to the two blades.

Abstract: An implement having a drive motor and a tool is provided. A drive shaft is mounted in a guide tube and interconnects the drive motor and tool for rotatingly driving the tool. The drive shaft includes a main member in the form of a hollow shaft having ends on which are disposed respective extensions that form a coupling connection for a positive engagement with coupling components of the drive motor and of the tool.

Abstract: A disc cutterbar with at least one cutterhead having a two-piece mounting hub, one piece rotatably driven and the other supporting a knife for severing standing crop material, with an epoxy layer bonding the two pieces together and forming a shear device therebetween. A brake is associated with the knife-supporting piece whereby upon failure of said shear device, the knife-supporting piece is stopped from rotating within one revolution.

Abstract: A shape for the central drive hole of a rotary mowing blade, such shape including two pairs of teeth extending off of a central hole substantially displaced 30° from the central axis of the mowing blade.

Abstract: A blade cutting apparatus for a rotary lawn mower. The blade cutting apparatus is defined by a plurality of blades projecting radially outward from a central hub. Each blade is defined by a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being defined by a first edge and a second edge and the second portion being defined by a third edge and a fourth edge. The first and third edges are each sharpened for enabling each blade to cut grass in two separate locations along the length of each strand of grass. Each blade is further defined by an elongated slot formed therein between the first portion and the second portion for allowing cut grass and debris to pass through each blade.

Abstract: A cutter blade for lawn mowers having an airlift curved from a cutting edge formed on a rotationally leading edge toward a rotationally trailing edge. The trailing edge of the airlift is shaped in a waveform comprising a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of depressions. The protrusion closest to an outer end where the centrifugal force is greatest during the rotation of the cutter blade, is greatest in width so as to improve the discharging capability of grass clippings. The depressions limit negative pressure generated rotationally behind the airlift. A plurality of vent holes formed in the airlift is arranged radially in lines.

Abstract: A rotary blade (10, 110, 160) for a weed cutter, trimmer, or brush cutter and including a hub (20, 112, 162), in a first plane (28), a cup (30, 114, 164), a crown (32, 116, 166), in a second plane (34), and an outer skirt (40, 118, 168) whose margin defines a third plane (44), with the second and third planes (34, 44) parallel with and preferably on opposite sides of the first plane (28). The outer skirt (40, 118, 168) and the crown (32, 116, 166) protect the driving shaft (16) and the arbor (12) on which the rotary blade (10, 110, 160) is mounted from having fibrous material accumulate and wrap about it. Outer tips (72, 78, 86) of the cutters (50, 54, 58) rotate in different planes, thus cutting materials into short pieces and also helping thereby to protect the shaft (16) and arbor (12).

Abstract: A rotary cutter for a mower capable of limiting the reeling out of a cord, when the free end of the cord is worn out to only when the rotary cutter is rotated at low speed thereby preventing pebbles or the like from being scattered. The rotary cutter is disengaged without the component parts being separated thereby facilitating reassembly. The rotary cutter includes a cord for mowing grass on being rotated, a reel for containing the cord and reeling out the cord intermittently while being rotated, a cover covering a case containing the reel, and a plunger projected downward from the case and movable in an axial direction by being pressed for intermittently rotating the reel. A ratchet is held at a constant position by an urging element which is moved outward to open against the direction of the urging element by the centrifugal force produced by rotating the rotary cutter at a high speed and is engaged with the plunger to thereby prevent the plunger from moving in the axial direction.

Abstract: A cutting attachment for use with a vegetation cutting device. The cutting attachment has a body with a generally planar coupling portion and a central axis of rotation. In one embodiment, the body further includes a conical central wall portion extending radially outwardly and in a first direction from the coupling portion and the axis and a circular outer wall portion adjoining the central wall portion and extending generally radially outwardly therefrom. The central wall portion defines a conically-shaped self-cleaning inner cavity disposed symmetrically about the axis. The outer wall portion has a generally smooth outer surface which serves as a skid plate. An outer self-cleaning cavity is formed by an outer surface of the central wall portion and an inner surface of the outer wall portion. A coupling assembly, which can include an adapter having first and second clamping elements, is carried by the coupling portion for coupling the body to the cutting device to cause rotation about the axis.

Abstract: A lawnmower blade for cutting grass with a scything action. The lawnmower blade includes elongated bar. The bar is adapted to engage a drive shaft of a lawnmower. The bar has a generally arcuate first cutting edge. The first cutting edge extends along a first side edge of the bar proximate a first end of the bar to a distal end of a second side edge of the bar. The bar further has a generally arcuate second cutting edge. The second cutting edge extends along the second side edge of the bar proximate a second end of the bar to a distal end of the first side edge of the bar.

Abstract: A cutting blade for a motor-driven implement is provided. The cutting blade has a main body having a central fastening opening and blade sections that extend approximately radially from the main body. The blade sections have edges that extend in a radial direction and form cutting edges. Each blade section is provided with at least one bead-like embossment having a longitudinal axis that extends at an angle of between 0 and 45° relative to a longitudinal direction of the blade section.

Abstract: A mowing and mulching system for lawnmowers having multi-blade knives coupled to a motor-driven driving shaft and rotating in a pot-like cover opening at the bottom side. The blades are attached to a central hub part forming several cutting edge segments on the leading edge zones of the knife blades in the direction of rotation and repelling or bucket-like baffle elements on the trailing edge zones.

Abstract: A head for a line trimming apparatus includes a body member and a detachable cover which may include a replaceable insert for connecting the head to a drive shaft of a line trimming apparatus. The body member includes opposed openings and a filament receiving channel for inserting an elongated flexible cutting filament into the head for retention thereon. A spring biased clamp is supported on the body member and is engageable with the filament portion residing in the channel to releasably retain the filament connected to the head. An actuator button projects through an opening in the body member and is operable to be pressed to cause the clamp to release forcible engagement with a filament so that the filament may be removed and replaced. In one embodiment the clamp and actuator are an integrally formed part and the filament projects through openings formed in spaced apart arms of the clamp member.

Abstract: A cutting assembly for a mowing machine has a disk (12) and a knife member assembly. The disk (12) has a surface portion (14) of which at least a peripheral portion is planar. At least three knife members (18), which have a cutting edge (50), a beveled surface portion (48) which extends from the cutting edge (50) and a body surface portion (60) which extends from the beveled surface (48), are mounted to the disk (12) at positions so that the knife members (18) are displaced substantially equidistantly one from another and so that upon rotation of the disk (12) in a plane about a central disk axis, the cutting edge (50) of the knife members (18) extends away from the disk (12), and the body surface (60) is. with respect to the disk planar surface, inclined at an angle.

Abstract: A riding mower having two side cutting units and a front cutting unit operatively connected to a traction frame. Each side cutting unit can pivot about a substantially vertical axis relative to the traction frame when impact shocks occur on the outer sides of the cutting units. A shock absorber cushions and absorbs such impact shocks, and resists the pivoting motion of the side cutting units, in a bi-directional fashion to be effective during forward or reverse motion of the traction frame. The mower also includes a front cutting unit. The cutting units, both the side cutting units and the front cutting unit, have multiple cutting blades and a single drive motor mounted on the cutting unit for driving all the cutting blades contained on that cutting unit. The drive motor is mounted coaxially on the blade spindle of one of the cutting blades and adjacent blades on the cutting unit are driven by one or more drive belts arranged in straight belt runs.

Abstract: A thin lawn mower blade comprises a main body portion having first and second end portions substantially equidistant from a center of rotation. Each of the first and second end portions has a cutting edge portion. Further, the mower blade comprises a elevational profile having raised center portion with a maximum height and a plateau portion. The maximum height to blade thickness ratio is at least two-to-one. Further, since the mower blade is generally not heat treated, ribbing is added to the mower blade to provide strength.

Abstract: A mower unit (B) having a housing (13), blades (12) supported in the housing to be rotatable about vertical axes (P1) acting as the centers of rotation, cutting edges (12A) defined at front edge regions of each blade with respect to a direction of rotation thereof, and lift vanes (12B) erected from rear edge regions of each blade with respect to the direction of rotation thereof. Each of the lift vanes includes a first vane portion (12b) extending the more rearwardly, with respect to the direction of rotation, the farther away the first vane is from the center of rotation, and a second vane portion (12c) bent in the direction of rotation from a radially outward end of the first vane portion.

Abstract: A vegetation cutting tool such as a brush cutter, lawn mower, etc. includes a hub (110) for mounting on the rotary shaft of the brush cutter and blades (112) mounted thereto via pivoted links (116). In use the blades are held by rivets (114), having enlarged eccentric heads (122), which are received in keyhole-shaped slots in the blades. Thus the blades may be readily removed without tools by first rotating a blade and then translating it relative to the hub. The blades may be enlarged in width towards their distal ends which are radiused with a smaller radius than that of the cutting circle.

Abstract: A string trimmer head is provided for receiving and retaining separate lengths of string supplied from outside the head. String lengths passing through openings in the periphery of the head are held by clamping members provided within the head. The clamping members are selectively opened by activation of respective slidable members provided on the upper surface of the head in order to release short lengths of previously supplied string and/or to permit the receipt of new string lengths. On release of the slidable members, the respective clamping members move towards one another for clamping purposes under the influence of springs.

Abstract: Cutting apparatus (10) comprising a body assembly (11) including a lower wear disc (12) and an upper lifting and cutting assembly (13), mounted for driven rotation on a mower via driving hub (14). The lifting and cutting assembly (13) includes four blade assemblies (15) each comprising a pivoting angled blade (16) pivotally supported on lug (17) by bolt (20), located at the outer end of lifting means (21) comprising a curve walled portion (22) extending from a hub (23) and having an upper edge (24) which curves in a trailing direction out to the blade assembly (15 at 25). The cutting apparatus (10) forms a mower in assembly with a frame assembly (35) having mounted thereto a plane roller (36), a ribbed roller (37), describing therebetween a nip (40). The rollers are driven by train (41) adapted to be engaged by the PTO of a vehicle.

Abstract: A cutting member of a cutting machine driven in rotation about an upwardly directed axis of revolution. The cutting member comprises at least two supports each carrying a cutting element, and at least two active areas each located in a region of a corresponding cutting element. The active areas are exposed, during the work, to a product cut previously by the cutting elements, and they are contributing to the conveying of the cut product. Each support includes an upper part which forms at least a corresponding active area.

Abstract: A vortex reducing mower blade for use with a rotary lawn mower having a motor and a depending drive shaft has a cutting edge on each leading edge thereof, an airlift on each trailing edge thereof, and outboard ends extending between the terminations of the leading and trailing edges. The outboard ends generally meet with the trailing edges at respective trailing corner- or tip-regions. Each outboard end has margins formed as a boundary-layer fence that is angled either upwardly or downwardly relative to a given relative up direction which is parallel to the central axis of the depending drive shaft. These boundary-layer fences reduce the production and/or strength of vortices in the wake of the trailing corner- or tip-regions of the blade. Each boundary-layer fence may be angled either upwardly or downwardly at generally a right angle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a 360 degree rotatable trimmer assembly 10 mounted on the side of a conventional lawn tractor 12 having a plurality of cutting members 26, 92 mounted onto a platform 70 being connected to a motorized rotatable shaft 50 by a plurality of belts 32 and pulleys 34. A bumper guard ring is 28 provided above each cutting member 26, 92 to act as a guide around obstacles such as trees and poles 16. A multiple lobed cam member 56 having a communicating cam roller 78 is provided for properly re-positioning the platform 70 following rotation of the platform around an object 16. A gasoline motor 24 and alternatively a hydraulic motor 104 are disclosed for providing power to the rotatable shaft 50.

Abstract: A lawn mower cutting blade spindle assembly having an elongate spindle shaft and a spindle shoulder projecting radially outward from the lower end thereof. A bearing assembly mounted within a spindle housing provides rotational support for the spindle shaft. Mounted on the upper end of the spindle shaft is at least one pulley configured to be driven by a drive belt connected to the mower's engine. A compression nut screwed onto the upper end of the spindle shaft is used to place the pulley or pulleys and bearing assembly in compression against the top face of the spindle shoulder. The spindle assembly also includes a cutting blade attached to the bottom face of the spindle shaft with a through-bolt and cutting blade attachment nut. Significantly, the cutting blade can be detached from the bottom face of the spindle shoulder without disturbing the compression placed on the pulley or pulleys and bearing assembly.

Abstract: A cutting element for a rotary cutting machine comprising several adjacent cutting members each of which is intended, during work, to rotate about an upwardly directed respective axis. Said cutting element comprises an active zone intended to cut plants and a connecting zone intended to connect said cutting element to a support of a respective one of said cutting members of the cutting machine. Said connecting zone has, in cross section, a relatively flat central part, a first edge inclined toward one side of a plane of extension of said central part, and a second edge inclined toward the other side of said plane of extension.

Abstract: Implements for attaching to a hand-held, powered “Weed-Eater” type device to perform various work or chores (filament cutting, blade cutting, brushing, blowing, mixing, etc.). After disconnecting the device's original implement typically a spool of filament (6) with a bumper feed (7), an initial, cultivator/cutter implement (10), cylindrical in shape with a substantially solid, circular top (12) and a relatively thin, continuous wall of constant thickness, is attached by an appropriate threaded member (e.g. a nut or bolt, usually with one or more washers) to the bottom end of the powered device (FIGS. 1A-D) through a central opening (13). The cultivator's top includes a series of circumferentially spaced, “snap-in” openings (14; e.g. two or more) through and into which other implements (e.g. those of FIGS. 3-20) can be attached (FIGS.

Abstract: A combined discharge and grass collection mower deck (12) is adapted to have a baffle housing (20) attached at the deck's discharge opening that deflects grass clippings downwardly and outwardly into a diverging, narrow, fan-like pattern without wind rowing, or alternatively, the discharge opening may be closed by a plate (35), and a secondary opening (36) from the top of the deck is attach to a collection system.

Abstract: A lawn mower system is disclosed. The system includes a deck having a side wall with a vertical axis and a top wall coupled to the upper edges of the side wall and with an opened bottom. Two pair of wheels are provided including a set of front wheels generally centrally located on opposite sides of the side wall and extending outwardly therefrom and a pair of rear wheels extending outwardly from adjacent to the rear edge of the side wall. Also provided is a handle having a pivotable lower end coupled with respect to the housing adjacent to the rear edge and having an upper handle area for use by the user. A motor is mounted in a central region of the deck with a rotatable drive shaft extending downwardly therefrom. A rotatable blade is mounted to the lower end of the drive shaft. Finally, a supplemental cutter wheel in a circular configuration is located between the upper surface of the deck and the lower end of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A blade is secured to a blade adapter which is dimensioned to receive a fixed adapter. The fixed adapter is connected to the engine drive shaft of a rotary mower. The blade and fixed adapter are provided with cooperating surfaces which permit the adapters to be selectively locked together and separated from each other without requiring tools.

Abstract: A lawnmower blade assembly, including a replaceable cutting edge insert and method for its use. The cutting edge insert is disposed within a recess of a support member at each end of a centrally rotatable main blade. The recess has a blunted front edge, a back shoulder, an outside shoulder, and a passage for an insert release tab. Two threaded preset Allen bolts, protruding from the recess floor, are permanently locked into position. The bolts are not specifically designed to carry the load of the rotating lawnmower blade. The back and outside shoulders of the recess provide most of the force necessary to retain the insert against rotational and centrifugal forces. The cutting edge insert, having substantially the same profile as the recess, and having slotted holes for reception of the bolts, can be slid in and out of the recess. An interference-type friction fit exists between the preset bolt head and the floor of the recess.

Abstract: A lawn mower system includes a deck having a side wall with a vertical axis and a top wall coupled to the upper edges of the side wall and with an opened bottom. The side wall also forms an open front. Two pair of wheels are provided. Also provided is a handle having a pivotable lower end coupled with respect to the housing adjacent to the rear edge and having an upper handle area for use by the user. A motor is mounted in a central region of the deck with a rotatable drive shaft extending downwardly therefrom. A rotatable blade is mounted to the lower end of the drive shaft. A trap door has a width essentially equal to the free front upper edge of the deck with a hinge coupling the deck and trap door. The trap door has an arcuate cross-sectional orientation and is adapted to be lowered to a first orientation whereby its exterior edge is essentially at the same height as the lower edge of the deck and raised to a second orientation whereby the entire trap door is above the upper surface of the deck.