Abstract: A multiple implement frame includes front and rear implement mounting bars which maintain a parallel relationship at all times. The rear mounting bar may be displaced either to the left or right through operation of a power cylinder extending between the front mounting bar and an elongated frame member extending to the rear mounting bar. Single or double elongated frame members may be utilized. A single power cylinder is required with the double frame member unit and a pair of power cylinders are used for the single elongated frame unit. A double frame unit forms a parallelogram.

Abstract: A lawn mower having a driver's section and a grass cutting unit forwardly of a vehicle body; an engine mounted between front and rear wheels; and a pair of main frames extending longitudinally of the vehicle body, each of the main frames including a front frame member, and a rear frame member connected to the front frame member and disposed at a lower level than the front frame member. The engine is mounted below the main frames between the front and rear wheels, and has a radiator disposed rearwardly of the engine and having an upper portion projecting upwardly of the rear frame members. The engine is surrounded by a first cover assembly including side covers depending respectively from the main frames, lower covers connecting the respective side covers to lower positions of the engine, and a front cover for closing an area forwardly of the engine. The first cover assembly defines first ambient air intake openings.

Abstract: In a reaping machine (11) having one or more rotatably drivable mowing units (12) which are provided with working implements, the mowing units (12) being held on a support frame (13) held with the tractor, the mowing units (12) are pivotally supported on the support frame (13) for easy moving adaptation of the working implements to the surface of the ground in the immediate working region by means of one or more compensating means (A2). Furthermore, the pivot axes (M) of the compensating means (A2) are arranged extending in the travelling direction and/or transversely thereof and/or inclined substantially in the vertical plane or intersect each other or the compensating means consist of a ball joint. In addition, the compensating means (A2) is configured in such a manner that at least one pivot axis (M) extending transversely of the travelling direction lies in the vicinity of the surface of the ground (10).

Abstract: An agricultural machine such as a mower conditioner includes a cutterbar carried by a header that is suspended from a frame. The cutterbar has a plurality of individual cutting units with two end cutting units located adjacent opposed sides of the frame and intermediate cutting units disposed between the end cutting units. Each cutting unit consists of blades pivotally mounted on a rotor. A tongue adapted for connection to a tractor is pivotally connected to the frame intermediate the opposed sides thereof. Input drive shafts deliver power from a power-take-off shaft on the tractor to a pair of generally vertical output drive shafts via a bevel gearbox and a spur gearbox. The generally vertical output drive shafts are connected to two of the intermediate cutting units, and generally horizontal output drive shafts connect these two intermediate cutting units to the other intermediate cutting units and to the end cutting units.

Abstract: An agricultural machine such as a mower conditioner includes a cutterbar carried by a header that is suspended from a frame. The cutterbar has a plurality of individual cutting units with two end cutting units located adjacent opposed sides of the frame and intermediate cutting units disposed between the end cutting units. Each cutting unit consists of blades pivotally mounted on a rotor. A tongue adapted for connection to a tractor is pivotally connected to the frame intermediate the opposed sides thereof. Input drive shafts deliver power from a power-take-off shaft on the tractor to a generally vertical output drive shaft via a bevel gearbox. The generally vertical output dirve shaft is connected to one of the intermediate cutting units, and generally horizontal output drive shafts connect this one intermediate cutting unit to the other intermediate cutting units and to the end cutting units.

Abstract: A mower vehicle includes a vehicle frame and single front and rear driven wheels. First and second blade housings are pivotally connected to each other along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame and are attached to first and second side frames, respectively. Each side frame is pivotally attached to the vehicle frame near the rear thereof with a hydraulically retractable and extendable cylinder assembly urging each side frame downward or upward in response to changes automatically sensed in the slope of the terrain. Ground engaging outrigger wheels attached to each side frame contact the terrain and the vehicle frame is thus maintained in a generally upright position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mowing a wide swath which is preferably hydraulically powered to provide reliability, efficiency, and ease of operation. The apparatus includes a rear section, or chassis, to which side-by-side wings are mounted which are pivotable by hydraulic cylinders from a folded position for trailering from location to location to an open position for mowing operations, the extent of pivoting being used to vary the width of the swath to be mowed. The wings are each provided with a second hydraulic cylinder for controlling the amount of weight on the casters mounted in the individual mowers mounted to the wings and a pressure regulator which compensates for changes in the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder to support a selected portion of the weight of the wing as the portion of the weight supported by the casters changes as the casters follow the contour of the swath being mowed.

Abstract: A mower is propelled along the ground by a tractor and the mower includes three cutting units mounted on a frame. The three cutting units are transversely mounted on the frame to cut in overlapping parallel patterns with each cutting unit being free floating on the frame such that each unit cuts at an elevation controlled by the ground immediately under the cutting unit.

Abstract: A rotary mower is used for mowing shallow angle furrows. The mower has two wings carrying large side cutters for cutting opposite sides of the furrow. The side cutters are spaced apart at the center to eliminate any need for synchronization of their rotors. A small center cutter is carried at a trailing location, between the main side cutters to cut the center area between the two side cutters.

Abstract: A rotary mower of extra wide configuration has five cutters. The center cutter is mounted on a center section of the mower, while two wings on opposite sides of the center section carrying two cutters each. The cutters only wings include inner cutters offset forwardly from the center cutter and outer cutters offset rearwardly from the inner cutters. This provides the necessary overlap of the swaths cut by the individual cutters while providing a relatively compact mower in terms of overall length. The wheels supporting the center section are mounted outboard of the center section, behind the respective wings to provide good transport stability.

Abstract: A mowing machine comprising a main frame has a plurality of driving units and intermediate pieces which are mounted alternately on a tie member. The tie member is under tension thereby pressing the driving units and the intermediate pieces together to provide a main frame which is substantially rigid. The driving units have cutting units with flexible hoods which are driven by a drive shaft through beveled gearing. The drive shaft is an elongated resilient rod of narrow diameter which is capable of substantial torsional displacement before its yield point is reached. The direction of rotation of each cutting unit can be reversed by removing the gear received on the driving shaft and turning it around.

Abstract: A gang mower assembly comprising a rigid frame elongated in the direction of forward movement of the assembly, the frame including a forward end portion, a central portion, and a trailing end portion. A central rotary mower deck is disposed adjacent the central portion and a universal joint for connecting the central deck to the central portion for at least limited universal movement relative to the frame about axes generally parallel to the frame and generally perpendicular to the frame is provided. The assembly further comprises at least one outboard rotary mower deck and at least one inboard rotary mower deck, and ground-engaging wheels for individually supporting each deck for independent movement relative to the frame. Each of the decks comprises a rotary blade assembly defining a centrally located, upwardly extending rotary axis and pulleys mounted on the axis to provide an input drive for the blade assembly.

Abstract: A mower having a frame that supports, by means of connecting elements, a cutting element equipped with cutting tools. A rotary drum extends in part at least above the rotary cutting element. A device for driving the rotary cutting element and or the rotary drum, and at least a part of the connecting elements penetrate inside the rotary drum by passing through its upper part. On the upper part of said rotary drum there is mounted a plurality of rotary push-back blades.

Abstract: A mower to be moved by a motorized vehicle includes a frame supporting a number of working elements (cutting elements combined or not with processing elements). These working elements are arranged crosswise to a direction of advancement of the motor vehicle and mower during work. Two cutting bar parts, one on each side of a central plane of the mower, carry the cutting elements and their associated drive structure. The two cutting bar parts are connected to one another rigidly and reliably. An arrangement of transmission shafts, bevel gears, and universal joints is provided for transferring rotating motion from a power source to the working elements of the mower.

Abstract: A riding mower includes a frame, front steering wheel, two rear wheels and two mower blade housings located laterally relative to the frame with blades located within the housings. Telescoping drive shafts extend generally longitudinally from a belt drive mechanism located at a rearward end of the frame to the blade housings to drive each of the blades within the housings. Hydraulic cylinder assemblies and a leveling system are provided to pivot the frame with respect to the rear wheels and about a longitudinal axis in response to changes in slope of the surrounding terrain, maintaining the frame in a generally upright orientation. The telescoping drive shafts extend and retract in response to the angular movement of the frame with respect to the blade housings that remain close to the ground surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mowing machine provided with a hollow frame beam and with a plurality of mowing devices supported by the frame beam. The mowing devices are rotatable about axes of rotation extending upwardly and parallel to each other and can be driven by way of a driving belt provided in the frame beam and pulleys, located in the frame beam, which are coupled to the mowing devices. The axes of rotation of the mowing devices slope upwards during operation, when seen in the intended direction of movement, relative to a vertical plane extending in the direction of movement. Stubs are secured to the bottom plate of the frame beam, on each of which stubs there is journalled, by way of bearings a driving mechanism secured to a mowing device.

Abstract: A mowing machine comprises a mowing unit and a crushing unit, both suspended in a first frame, the first frame together with the mowing unit (8) and the crushing unit also being suspendedeither to the leading end of a second frame which is provided with ground engaging wheels and a drawbar for connection behind a tractor,or to the lifting hitch at the front side of the tractor. The same type mowing machine is also operable at the forward end of the tractor as well as to the tractor's rear at the left or right side.

Abstract: The apparatus includes wheeled mower units that are movable between terrain-engaging mowing positions, and upwardly extending travel positions. The mower units are movable longitudinally as a unit when in these mowing positions, but are capable of undergoing adjustive movements relative to each other in response to variations in the contour of the terrain over which they travel. Telescopically adjustable support members permit convenient lateral adjustment of mower units to which they are connected. Piston-and-cylinder assemblies move the mower units to their travel positions. Telescopic drive shafts transmit power to the units.

Abstract: A construction having two separately operable mowers driven by a single tractor unit. The tractor drives our double gear box, which is operably connected to drive two laterally spaced separate gear boxes, each of which drives grass cutting blades. Each of the two mowers has four wheels at the rear to permit elevating or lowering the grass cutting blade to control the degree of cut. With this construction it is possible to cut the grass regardless of the elevation of the grass. One of the units can be mowing the grass on a horizontal portion of a bed, while the other unit is operating on the slope of one of the beds. It is also readily possible to mow the grass at the bottom of the v shaped area between two beds.

Abstract: A cutterbar includes a plurality of modules connected in end-to-end relationship with each other, the modules respectively including identical cast gear housing sections which cooperate to form a gear housing in which is located a spur gear drive train. Each module includes a removably mounted cutting unit, with the cutting units having blade-carrying discs and being arranged such that the discs are indexed 90.degree. relative to each other and in counter rotating pairs, when an even number of units are used to form a cutterbar but being arranged such that the leftmost and adjacent blade-carrying discs rotate in the same direction when an odd number of modules are used.

Abstract: The shaft 20 of a rotary cutting element 10 driven from below includes a break zone 41 at its end 19 extending upwardly outside the bearing 24. The rotary cutting element separates entirely from the cutting bar when the shaft breaks at the break zone upon contact of the cutting element with an obstacle.

Abstract: An improved sweeper system for use with a grass mowing machine for use in the care of golf course greens in which the lawn mowing machine has at least one mower assembly, the sweeper system including a sweeper structural support affixed to and extending from the mower assembly, an elongated broom having a horizontal head portion and bristles downwardly extending therefrom, an elongated structural head member affixed to the broom head portion, a cylindrical vertical shaft extending upwardly from the structural head member, a bearing trunnion affixed to the structural support member adjacent the outer end the shaft being rotatably received in the bearing trunnion and a plurality of spacers received on the shaft above the trunnions so that the elevation of the brush is adjustable and elastomeric members extending from the sweeper system to the structural head member on either side of the structural support, the broom following behind the mower assembly to sweep the golf green as it is mowed.

Abstract: A mower according to the invention includes a mowing group provided with a cutting bar and skids. The rear connection of each one of the skids includes connection means that allow the rear part of the skid to separate from the cutting bar in a relative movement directed backwardly, considering the direction of advance.

Abstract: A rotary mower includes a cutterbar having a fluid-tight gear housing made up of a plurality of identical gear housing sections connected together in end-to-end relationship with each other. Each section is a casting including spaced apart top and bottom walls, the top wall being provided with a pair of circular openings and the bottom wall being provided with a pair of upwardly opening cylindrical receptacles respectively located in axial alignment with the pair of openings and having respective annular upper ends defining bearing seating surfaces. Each idler gear has a bearing received in a central bore thereof and the assembled idler gear and bearing is located in a housing section such that the inner race of the bearing rests on a selected one of the seating surfaces and is held in place by means of a stub shaft tightly received in the bearing and in a selected one of the receptacles and having an enlarged head which is tightly received in the opening which is aligned with the receptacle.

Abstract: A mowing machine comprises a main frame (6) made up of driving units (36) and intermediate pieces (35) which are mounted alternately on a tie member (42). The tie member (42) is placed under tension, so pressing the driving units (36) and the intermediate pieces (35) together to make the main frame (6) substantially rigid. The tie member (42) is positioned substantially centrally of the driving units (36) and the intermediate pieces (35) so as to provide even loading of their mating faces. The driving units (36) have cutting units (8) with flexible hoods. The cutting units are driven by a drive shaft (41) through bevel gearing (46, 47). The direction of rotation of each cutting unit (8) can be altered by removing the gear (46) and replacing it to the other way round.

Abstract: Hinged connection (16) forms a connection element (17) connected to hitching element (9) by a first joint (20) and to support beam (14) by a second joint (21). Connection element (15) and connection element (17) form with hitching element (9) and support beam (14) a deformable quadrilateral (22) making it possible, for transport, to move the mowing group (2) toward median vertical plane (62) of the tractor (8).

Abstract: Vegetation cutting apparatus having a frontal housing deck overlies at least three rotary blade cutters arrayed leftwardly, medially, and rightwardly for simultaneously cutting a continuous transversely extending swath and centifugally discharging the cuttings through a central and rearwardly longitudinally extending cuttings chute. The vertical shaft for each horizontal rotary blade carries a sheave; a belt transmission means, emanating from a powered gearbox, drives the respective blade sheaves and also a reversing sheave, the latter ensuring that the arrayed rotary blades direct vegetation cuttings toward the central discharge chute. A novel spring-loaded device maintains constant tension upon the circuitous belt transmission means.

Abstract: A mowing machine that extends laterally from a tractor and is an assembly of carrier parts, supporting and spacer housings, normally held together by two tensile bars. In the principal embodiment, the first tensile bar is received through the carrier parts at about the same level as the mower's drive shaft where the front of the supporting housing curves to form its bottom. The second tensile bar is similarly situated at the rear of the supporting housing about three or four times farther, however, from the drive shaft. In another embodiment, the first tensile bar is seated in a continuous internal groove and the second tensile bar in a second continuous internal groove, both grooves conforming to the bars' curvature as seen in cross-section. External outwardly facing grooves in another embodiment are defined by supporting and spacer housings. In an embodiment having only one tensile bar, the groove extends from the bottom to the housings' center.

Abstract: A lawn mowing apparatus is disclosed for use with a tractor or an auxiliary apparatus. The apparatus includes a trailer adapted to be connected to the hitch for the tractor, and a boom frame pivotally mounted on and above the trailer. One end of the boom frame supports an engine, while its other end supports a rotary cutting device operatively connected to the engine. A chain link drive element and sprockets engaged therewith effect pivoting movement of the boom frame relative to the trailer over about 280.degree. sweep. A hand operated crank, operable by the rider on the tractor, is operatively connected to selectively pivot the boom frame to a desired position relative to the trailer. This effects swiveling movement of the frame in either direction and, consequently, selective movement of the rotary cutter device during a cutting operation. A pivot pin rotatably supports the boom frame for vertical movement of its opposite ends about the pivot pin.

Abstract: A mower having a plurality of rotary cutting elements each of which is provided with at least one cutting tool. At least one of the rotary cutting element is driven by a transmission means housed in a housing located under the rotary cutting elements. The housing is composed of cases in which the rotary cutting elements are guided in rotation, and a brace element determines the distance between each two adjacent cases. The housing is made up of at least one module formed by a case and a brace element formed integrally with the case. The front edge of each of said brace elements is pointed over at least a part of its length. At least said at least one rotary cutting element is mounted on a shaft guided in rotation in the bore of a bearing cylinder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a riding mower comprising a chassis supporting a driving unit intended to propel the wheels of the mower as well as a cutting attachment, the cutting attachment being movably fastened to the chassis and by means of an operating device can be brought from a lower cutting position to an upper non-cutting position. The cutting attachment has an upper and a lower displacement area, the engagement and disengagement of the cutting attachment being effected in the upper area, whereas the cutting attachment in the lower area can be moved upwards or downwards with its parallelism with the ground preserved and can be locked against downwards movement for different cutting heights. The mower is driven while the cutting attachment is in the lower displacement area.

Abstract: The towed mower (22) is attached by a hitch (44) to the self propelled front mower (21). The front mower has its own forwardly positioned cutter unit (30). The towed mower has a centrally positioned frame segment (62) that does not include a cutting blade, and the two side frame segments (63) and (64) each include cutting blades that are supported in bat-wing fashion from the central frame segment. The swath cut in the grass by the front mower 21 is straddled by the swaths cut by the blades of the side frame segments (63) and (64) of the towed mower (22).

Abstract: A towed mower having a rectangular frame and a pair of diagonally related blade spindles is described. The mower of the present invention includes both a wide side and a narrow side and an associated shroud assembly. A pair of blade spindles each carry a rotary mower blade covered by the shroud assembly. The mower may be used in either a wide mode or a narrow mode and the preferred embodiment provides an arrangement of parts for easy retorientation between the wide and narrow modes. Separate outlet doors are provided for both the wide side and the narrow side on the shroud assembly and hitch-engaging posts are disposed at each corner of the mower frame to engage a pair of wheel suspension arms and a pair of hitch-engaging brackets. The hitch-engaging brackets and the wheel suspension arms are secured to the posts in a manner which allows ready removal and/or pivoting of the suspension arm or the hitch-engaging bracket so that the mower may be re-oriented from the wide mode to the narrow mode and vice versa.

Abstract: A "short turn" powered vehicle having a transverse structural mower housing or implement that is used to also vertically stablize the unit. One embodiment uses a self powered mower housing with lateral support wheels which also give lateral support, as do the choice of implements, by means of a vertically restricting hinge in relation to a powered drive wheel; thus the drive wheel is in a floating mode as it gives thurst to the housing or implement, so as to always have traction on uneven ground.On each of the embodiments steering is done by, either a generally centrally located steered front support wheel steered from a rearward operator's seat on the vehicle, or steering being from an operator's seat rearward on the vehicle, by breaking of either of the housing's or implement's lateral support wheels and there being at least one castor type front support wheel or lateral front support wheels located close to the rear support wheels.

Abstract: A rotary cutter or mower implement for cutting crop materials. The rotary cutter has a housing with support skids on each side of the housing. Presser wheels are positioned in front of the support skids. The support skids and presser wheels are vertically adjustable relative to the rotary cutter housing.

Abstract: A mower having a frame that supports, by means of connecting elements, a cutting element equipped with cutting tools. A rotary drum extends in part at least above the rotary cutting element. A device for driving the rotary cutting element and or the rotary drum, and at least a part of the connecting elements penetrate inside the rotary drum by passing through its upper part. On the upper part of said rotary drum there being mounted a plurality of rotary push-back blades.

Abstract: A lawnmower of a type utilized in conjunction with a self-propelled vehicle, such as tractor, includes a plurality of decks, each housing a plurality of rotating cutting blades wherein the plurality of decks are pivotally secured and adjustable relative to one another to accommodate various ground contours.

Abstract: A lawn mower hitch assembly which includes a hitch bar pivotally secured between a towing vehicle and the front of a lead lawn mower substantially at its longitudinal axis. The hitch connection on the towing vehicle is above the hitching connection on the mower relative to the ground whereby forward towing reduces the friction between the front wheels of the mower and the ground, thus permitting smooth cutting even while changing direction. The lead mower includes connector interior of each rear wheel which mate with connectors at the interior of the front wheels of following mowers. Additional mowers may be connected to the following mowers in the same manner. Angle iron plates having a plurality of boreholes are attached to the front and rear of the lawn mowers to provide a vertical adjustment of the connectors to control the amount of friction on the front wheels of the trailing mowers.

Abstract: A mower has a frame which allows the mower to be hitched to a tractor. A mowing group is connected to the frame by a joint having an axis directed substantially in a direction of advance. The mowing group is equipped with at least one cutting element and one rotor, with the rotor extending in part at least above one of the cutting elements. The mower also includes drive elements for the cutting elements and the rotor, and a control element which allows the mowing group to be pivoted around the joint connecting the mowing group to the frame to bring the mowing group to a transport position in which the mowing group is directed upward.

Abstract: A disc mower-conditioner having the disc cutterbar driven at each end thereof, the rotational power being delivered to the outboard end of the disc cutterbar by a power transfer mechanism rotated above the disc cutterbar, is disclosed wherein the drive mechanism includes a gearbox operable to receive rotational power from a power input shaft and transfer rotational power to three output shafts to operably power equally the opposing ends of the disc cutterbar and to power the rotation of the conditioning rolls positioned rearwardly thereof. The gearbox is provided with a removable lid rotatably supporting the output shaft operably associated with the power transfer mechanism to deliver rotational power to the outboard end of the disc cutterbar.

Abstract: A mowing machine having a cutting path laterally positionable with respect to the path on which the mowing machine travels. A cutting deck is suspended beneath a tractor or other vehicle, on lateral tracks permitting a range of lateral movement across the longitudinal centerline of the tractor. Displacing the cutting deck from the normal position centered on the centerline displaces the cutting path to one side of the tractor, permitting mowing beneath obstacles or along other areas inaccessible to the mowing machine.

Abstract: A cutting bar 2 is connected to the frame 13 by at least one additional connecting element 16. On each side of the additional connecting element 16 is provided a transport element 101, 100, 29 rotating around an axis pointed upwardly. The direction of rotation of the transport elements 101, 100, 29 is such that their movements of rotation diverge toward the front. The front edge 46 of the additional connecting element 16 extends toward the rear and downwardly to the vicinity of the cutting plane 31 of the cutting elements 10 and in the operational zone of the transport elements 101, 100, 29 located on both sides of the additional connecting element 16.

Abstract: A self-propelled powered mower (11) and a towed trailing mower (12) are connected together by an adjustable height connector assembly (13). When the powered mower begins to move through a turn, the alignment detector cylinder (60) is required to retract due to the pivoting of the draw bar (21) and its angled support arm about the vertical pivot pin (50) of the connector assembly (13) (FIG. 3). The fluid displaced from alignment detector cylinder (60) causes the rod (56) to extend from height adjustment cylinder (55), thereby raising the forward portion of the towed mower.

Abstract: A lawn mower hitch assembly which includes a hitch bar pivotally secured between a towing vehicle and the front of a lead lawn mower substantially at its longitudinal axis. The hitch connection on the towing vehicle is above the hitching connection on the mower relative to the ground whereby forward towing reduces the friction between the front wheels of the mower and the ground, thus permitting smooth cutting even while changing direction. The lead mower includes connectors interior of each rear wheel which mate with connectors at the interior of the front wheels of following mowers. Additional mowers may be connected to the following mowers in the same manner.

Abstract: A mower vehicle includes a vehicle frame and single front and rear driven wheels. The vehicle is adapted to conform generally to slopes and the like by maintaining the frame in a generally upright orientation. First and second blade housings are pivotally connected to the frame and swingable about an axis extending longitudinally of the frame. The first and second blade housings extend laterally from opposite sides of the frame. Each blade housing carries a driven cutting blade. The blade housings are open to one another and have a shared discharge passage at a center rear section thereof. The blades overlap slightly and rotate in synchronized reverse rotations relative to one another. Hydraulic cylinder assemblies are provided to actuate the first and second blade housings about the longitudinal axis in response to changes in slope of the surrounding terrain.

Abstract: A self-propelled, triplex greens mower has two front wheels and a single wheel mounted symmetrically relative to a longitudinal center line of the mower. Three mower units are mounted to the mower frame to cut grass ahead of each of the wheels. These mower units are offset so as to be located non-symmetrically relative to the center line with the offset being a distance equal to at least one-half the width of the wheels. Because of this offset, it is necessary only to reverse the mower direction for performing consecutive perimeter and cross cutting operations on a green in order to have the wheels follow different paths, thus avoiding undue compaction.

Abstract: A mower bar is disclosed having rotating cutters driven by vertical drive shafts and associated gearing. The mower bar includes an air duct along its forward edge and at each rotating cutter. Air ducts are also included in each cutters' centered dish portion.

Abstract: A mowing machine comprising at least three mower members which are arranged rotatably about substantially vertical axes on a supporting beam containing drive means. The drive means includes a rotating torsion shaft which is driven at both ends thereof and carries gears for driving the mower members.

Abstract: An angle drive assembly for rotary cutters embodies a basic housing having an output shaft mounted for rotation therein. A cap housing is rotatably coupled in sealed relationship with the basic housing by the cooperation of a peripheral annular member at one end of the basic housing with an annular seat member carried by the adjacent end of the cap housing with there being a seal interposed between the basic housing and the cap housing at the area of coupling. An input shaft is mounted for rotation in the cap housing and is operatively connected to the output shaft.

Abstract: A rotary mower having a central section and extension wings or end sections relatively pivotably movable upwardly and downwardly with respect to the central section. Each of the sections includes a plurality of cutting units mounted for rotation about vertical axis to provide a horizontal cutting plane across the width of the mower when the extension wings are in a lower or mowing position. Each cutting unit is carried on a horizontally disposed pneumatic tire wheel. An external drive rotates one of the tire wheels. The other tire wheels are mounted in frictional circumferential engagement with each other and the driven tire wheel so that all wheels are driven in the mowing position. When either of the extension wings is pivotally raised to a position greater than approximately 30.degree. relative to the center section, its tire wheels are moved out of frictional engagement with the tire wheels of the center section so that its cutting units are rendered inoperable.