Abstract: An autonomous robotic vehicle is capable of detecting, identifying, and locating the source of gas leaks such as methane. Because of the number of operating components within the vehicle, it may also be considered a robotic system. The robotic vehicle can be remotely operated or can move autonomously within a jobsite. The vehicle selectively deploys a source detection device that precisely locates the source of a leak. The vehicle relays data to stakeholders and remains powered that enables operation of the vehicle over an extended period. Monitoring and control of the vehicle is enabled through a software interface viewable to a user on a mobile communications device or personal computer.

Abstract: An agricultural apparatus including an agricultural vehicle together with a front work unit and two lateral work units located behind and to the sides of the front work unit. The front work unit has a connection to the front of the agricultural vehicle and the lateral work units share a connection to the rear of the agricultural vehicle. Each of the work units deposits cut crop as a swath. One or more sensors determine a height of the rear connection above the ground surface. A control unit is provided for controlling the height of the connections above the ground surface, such that if the height of the rear connection is determined to deviate from a predetermined value, the control unit causes the height of the rear connection to be adjusted towards the predetermined value.

Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural machine, for example, a self-propelled merger, is provided with at least one motor, at least two elongate units for, in use, performing an agricultural operation on the land, a front wheel axle, and a rear wheel axle situated at a distance from the front wheel axle. The front wheel axle and/or the rear wheel axle is driven by the motor for displacing the agricultural machine. Each elongate unit is displaceable from a transportation position to a working position and vice versa by a folding mechanism, so that the maximum width of the self-propelled agricultural machine is smaller in the transportation position of the units than in the working position of the units. In the working position, the agricultural operation on the land is performed substantially along the length of each elongate unit.

Abstract: A walk reel mower has a traction frame that carries at least one ground engaging member operatively powered by a prime mover The mower includes a handle assembly that extends rearwardly and upwardly from the traction frame. The handle assembly includes a handle to be gripped by a user when operating the mower. The handle guides and manipulates the mower. The mower also includes a common mount adapted to attach a reel cutting unit to the traction frame. The common mount has a first pair of laterally spaced mounting surfaces on the traction frame and a second pair of laterally spaced mounting surfaces on the reel cutting unit. The first pair of mounting surfaces face forwardly with respect to a forward direction of movement, and the second pair of mounting surfaces face rearwardly with respect to the forward direction of movement.

Abstract: A mowing machine may include a central cutting deck generally disposed in a neutral mowing plane and a wing cutting deck pivotable with respect to the central cutting deck. A main gearbox may be connected to a wing gearbox by a wing driveline. The main gearbox may be disposed a sufficient distance forward of the central cutting deck and the wing cutting deck to permit the wing cutting deck to pivot about a hinge in a range of motion without disconnecting the wing driveline from either the main gearbox or the wing gearbox.

Abstract: A swing assistance device for a brush cutter. The swing assistance device includes: a bracket; a coupling unit disposed on the top surface of the bracket, and coupled to a shaft at an inclined angle; left and right extension rods configured such that the outer ends thereof are located on both sides of a blade with the inner ends thereof coupled to both sides of the bracket; left and right rotation parts rotatably coupled to the outer ends of the left and right extension rods, and configured to, when the shaft swings in left-right directions, rotate while drawing arcs and assist in the swing operation; and a plurality of rotation rollers rotatably coupled to the outer circumference of each of the left and right rotation parts, and configured to, when the shaft swings in the left-right directions, rotate and assist in the swing operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods that use shearing machines operate to revitalize artificial turf fields. In one exemplary apparatus, the apparatus may comprise a support frame, a plurality of shearing machines installed on the support frame, and a plurality of wheels installed on the support frame. The support frame may be configured to position the shearing machines parallel to each other, to tilt the shearing machines with respect a surface of the artificial turf field, and to position the shearing machines above a surface of the field at a distance such that the shearing machines cut fibers to produce trimmed fibers that have a length that can extend above infill or topmost layer of the artificial turf field.

Abstract: A mowing device (10) has a central frame mounted on wheels (16a, 16b) carrying at least two mowing units (20a, 20b) which are each connected to the central frame (12) via a connection unit (24a, 24b), wherein a connection unit (24a, 24b) includes a main pivot arm (28a, 28b) and an outer pivot arm (26a, 26b), the outer pivot arm (26a, 26b) connected to the main pivot arm (28a, 28b) in such a manner that it is pivotable about an outer arm joint (34a, 34b) relative to the main pivot arm (28a, 28b), the connection unit (24a, 24b) further including a mowing unit joint (32a, 32b) for connecting the mowing unit (20a, 20b) to the outer pivot arm (26a, 26b), the mowing unit joint (32a, 32b) arranged at the end of the outer pivot arm (26a, 26b) that is remote from the outer arm joint (34a, 34b).

Abstract: A lawn mower includes: a mower unit having a plurality of blades for performing lawn mowing work, the plurality of blades being driven by rotational power, a blade motor configured to transmit rotational power to each of the plurality of blades, and be capable of optionally changing the rotation number of the rotational power transmitted to each of the plurality of blades; and a controller configured to detect respective speeds of the plurality of blades to the ground and perform energy-saving control of increasing and decreasing the rotation number of the rotational power transmitted to each of the plurality of blades in accordance with increase and reduction in the detected speed of each of the plurality of blades.

Abstract: A triplex greensmower lift system includes a yoke mount attached to a reel cutting unit forwardly and below a center of gravity of the reel cutting unit, an upper lift arm attached to the yoke mount and extending rearwardly behind the reel cutting unit to a horizontal pivot axis on a lower lift arm located at a height between a top of the reel cutting unit and the center of gravity of the reel cutting unit, and a spring connected to the upper lift arm and biasing the upper lift arm upwardly and rearwardly to reduce ground pressure on the reel cutting unit.

Abstract: A mower for attachment to an agricultural vehicle, the mower incorporating an “E” bracket including a column, a lower arm, an upper arm, and a medial arm, wherein each of the “E” bracket's arms has a proximal end fixedly attached to the column, and wherein each of the “E” bracket's arms is adapted for plant cutting; the mower further incorporating hitch arms for mounting the “E” bracket upon the rear end or front end of the agricultural vehicle; wherein each “E” bracket arm includes a downwardly opening housing within which a plurality of motor driven rotary blades are operatively mounted.

Abstract: A work vehicle (1) comprises a mobile frame with a main shaft (2) and a set of support arms adjustable between a lateral operative position, in which the support arms extend laterally of the frame on either side of the main shaft, and an at least partially upward oriented transport position. The support arms have a plurality of mutually pivotable support arm parts which support work modules (11A . . . 11F) placed at a regular distance from each other in order to thereby perform work on a ground surface in the operative position. In the operative position a center of a first of the support arms is situated on a first side of the main shaft at a lateral distance from the main shaft, and in the operative position a center of a second of the support arms is situated on an opposite second side of the main shaft at a lateral distance from the main shaft.

Abstract: A lawn mowing apparatus may include sensors that are fastened to both its mower deck and its chassis. The sensors may sense a position of the mower deck in relation to the chassis. The sensed position of the mower deck may be presented to the operator via a dashboard display of the lawn tractor or transmitted via a wireless signal to another device. Based on such sensed position, an operator of the lawn tractor may manually adjust the position of the mower deck until the sensed position of the mower deck is within an acceptable operating range. In some embodiments, servomotors may adjust the position of the mower deck until the sensed position of the mower deck is within an acceptable range.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of securing attachments to a utility vehicle, particularly a stand-on, zero-turn mower. The apparatus includes an A-shaped mounting assembly having a base with first and second ends and a tubular member extending outwardly from the first end. The tubular member defines a bore that receives a shaft extending from the attachment. The mounting assembly is positioned vertically above a mower deck but on an opposite side of the frame of the mower. The second end of the mounting assembly and part of the mower deck are secured to the frame using the same connectors. A hydraulic actuator engages a forwardmost end of the assembly and is actuatable to raise or lower the assembly relative to the frame, pivoting the assembly about the connectors. The attachment and mower deck are substantially simultaneously operable to perform separate landscaping tasks while the mower moves across a surface.

Abstract: A rotary cutter implement includes a carrier interface, a frame, and a mower deck including a ball joint interconnecting the mower deck with the frame. The ball joint enables freedom of movement of the mower deck with respect to the frame. A hydraulic motor is mounted on an upper surface of the mower deck and includes an output shaft extending through the mower deck. The hydraulic motor is adapted to operate under the influence of hydraulic fluid provided by the power machine. A rotary cutting blade is operably coupled to the output shaft and rotatable under the mower deck in response to operation of the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A modular agricultural cutting unit for a harvester has a plurality of cutting modules each having a horizontally arranged shaft drivable in rotation and a plurality of cutting elements arranged on the appropriate shaft for cutting crop material, wherein the shafts of the cutting modules are arranged to not overlap in the cutting width of the cutting unit.

Abstract: A reel mower has a double A arm suspension that lowers a reel cutting unit into a cutting position in a tail down orientation and that levels the reel cutting unit out as it lifts the reel cutting unit into a transport position. The reel cutting unit yaws during turns about a substantially vertical axis having a negative caster angle. The suspension has clamps that can be flipped open or closed to quickly attach or detach the reel cutting unit. A drive motor can be quickly attached or detached to the reel cutting unit using a pivotal wire form. An active counterbalance system automatically offsets the increasing weight of a grass basket on the reel cutting unit to maintain quality of cut. The grass basket maintains a constant spacing relative to the reel cutting unit when the reel cutting unit pitches to improve clipping collection.

Abstract: A lawn mowing vehicle (1) mows a lawn along the travel path of the vehicle. The lawn mowing vehicle (1) includes: at least one electric reel unit having an electric reel (22) raised and lowered by an electric cylinder (26a-26c); sensors (34a-34c) for detecting the travel speed of the vehicle; sensors for detecting the state of the lawn; and a control device (37) for controlling the electric cylinder (26a-26c) according to the result of the detection by the sensors (34a-34c) to thereby control the elevation position of the electric reel (22) and for controlling whether or not to rotate the electric reel (22) on the basis of the detected results of the sensors for detecting the state of the lawn.

Abstract: A lawn mowing vehicle (1) mows a lawn along the travel path of the vehicle. The lawn mowing vehicle (1) includes: at least one electric reel unit having an electric reel (22) raised and lowered by an electric cylinder (26a-26c); sensors (34a-34c) for detecting the travel speed of the vehicle; and a control device (37) for controlling the electric cylinder (26a-26c) according to the result of the detection by the sensors (34a-34c) to thereby control the elevation position of the electric reel (22).

Abstract: A cutting unit mounting device includes a ball through which a yoke extends laterally. The yoke is attached to the cutting unit, and the ball is pivotably mounted in a ball housing attached to a lift arm. A releasable lock pin engages and secures the ball within the ball housing in a mowing position or a service position. The ball housing has stops to limit the pivoting of the ball and yoke with respect to the ball housing. A releasable lock pin engages notches in the ball to engage and secure the ball in the mowing position or service position with respect to the ball housing.

Abstract: A lawn moving vehicle (1) is for movwing lawn along the travel path of the vehicle. The lawn moving vehicle (1) includes: at least one electric reel unit having an electric reel (22) driven by a motor (24); sensors (34a-34c) for detecting the travel speed of the vehicle; and a control device (37) for controlling the motor (24) according to the result of the detection by the sensors (34a-34c) to thereby control the rotational speed of the electric reel (22) provided to the electric reel unit.

Abstract: A reel mower has a double A arm suspension that lowers a reel cutting unit into a cutting position in a tail down orientation and that levels the reel cutting unit out as it lifts the reel cutting unit into a transport position. The reel cutting unit yaws during turns about a substantially vertical axis having a negative caster angle. The suspension has clamps that can be flipped open or closed to quickly attach or detach the reel cutting unit. A drive motor can be quickly attached or detached to the reel cutting unit using a pivotal wire form. An active counterbalance system automatically offsets the increasing weight of a grass basket on the reel cutting unit to maintain quality of cut. The grass basket maintains a constant spacing relative to the reel cutting unit when the reel cutting unit pitches to improve clipping collection.

Abstract: A reel gang mower has a plurality of front reel cutting units and at least trailing one rear reel cutting unit. Each rear reel cutting unit is centered on a gap between a pair of adjacent front cutting units to cover the gap. Each rear reel cutting unit has a cutting width that is wider than a common cutting width of the front reel cutting units by an amount which is sufficient to maintain positive overlap between the front and rear reel cutting units while mowing when turning or in sidehill mowing such that substantially no uncut strips of grass are left in a cut grass swath provided by the mower.

Abstract: A reel gang mower has a plurality of front reel cutting units and at least trailing one rear reel cutting unit. Each rear reel cutting unit is centered on a gap between a pair of adjacent front cutting units to cover the gap. Each rear reel cutting unit has a cutting width that is wider than a common cutting width of the front reel cutting units by an amount which is sufficient to maintain positive overlap between the front and rear reel cutting units while mowing when turning or in sidehill mowing such that substantially no uncut strips of grass are left in a cut grass swath provided by the mower.

Abstract: A turf cutting unit includes a reel assembly mounted to a frame and having a plurality of reel blades rotatable about a reel axis extending substantially parallel to the ground. A drivingly rotatable groomer includes a plurality of spaced apart and substantially vertically oriented cutting plates. An adjustment mechanism is operable to move the reel assembly relative to the turf to set a turf cutting height. The adjustment mechanism is operable to adjust the position of the cutting plates to set a depth of cut that the groomer cutting plates engage the turf. The adjustment mechanism limits a maximum depth of cut of the groomer cutting plates based on the cutting height of the reel assembly. A method of operating a turf cutting unit is also discussed.

Abstract: A reel mower cutting unit having a cutting reel with a horizontal axis is supported by a front roller and a rear roller in a mowing position. A lift arm may raise and lower the cutting reel between a mowing position and a transport position. A pair of gauge wheels are mounted forwardly of the front roller at a front left corner and a right front corner of the unit. If the unit is lowered to a sloped surface, the gauge wheel contacts the surface and prevents the unit from marking or damaging the turf.

Abstract: A reel gang mower has a row of front reel cutting units and a row of rear reel cutting units that cut an unbroken swath of grass in each pass. Each cutting unit is connected for propulsion to the mower frame by a four-bar linkage having front and rear pivot links that converge towards a focal point that establishes a virtual pull point through which propulsive force acts on the cutting unit. The rear pivot links can attach to the mower frame at a selected one of different attachment points to thereby longitudinally shift the pull point fore-and-aft relative to the center of gravity of the cutting unit, thus changing the fore-and-aft weight distribution. The rear cutting units in the gang can be configured to have a tail heavy weight distribution relative to the front cutting units to help eliminate marking in the overlap areas between the cutting units.

Abstract: A method for determining protein binding specificity using a screen of a peptide library is provided. The method can be used to determine binding specificity for human NAD+-dependent deacetylase SIRT1, and to identify the most efficiently deacetylated peptide sequences. The method can be also used to screen a combinatorial H4 histone N-terminal tail peptide library to examine the binding preferences of a ?-phos (S1) H4 antibody toward all known possible H4 histone modification states.

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

Abstract: A gang reel mower comprises a plurality of laterally spaced front reel cutting units having gaps therebetween, each gap being covered by a rear reel cutting unit that spans and overlaps the gap on each side thereof by an overlap area. Each of the front cutting units is supported for rolling on the ground by a grooved front roller having a grooved portion and by a substantially smooth rear roller having a substantially smooth rolling surface that each extend substantially across the entire width of cut of the front cutting unit. Each of the rear cutting units has a grooved front roller with side shoulders on each end and with a grooved portion between the side shoulders such that the shoulders extend substantially over the overlap areas between the front and rear cutting units with the grooved portion on the front roller of the rear cutting units not extending substantially into the overlap areas.

Abstract: A gang reel mower comprises a plurality of laterally spaced front reel cutting units having gaps therebetween, each gap being covered by a rear reel cutting unit that spans and overlaps the gap on each side thereof by an overlap area. Each of the front cutting units is supported for rolling on the ground by a grooved front roller having a grooved portion and by a substantially smooth rear roller having a substantially smooth rolling surface that each extend substantially across the entire width of cut of the front cutting unit. Each of the rear cutting units has a grooved front roller with side shoulders on each end and with a grooved portion between the side shoulders such that the shoulders extend substantially over the overlap areas between the front and rear cutting units with the grooved portion on the front roller of the rear cutting units not extending substantially into the overlap areas.

Abstract: A grass mowing machine has a frame with an adjustable width toolbar including a center section and left and right outer sections telescoping into the center section. A pair of cutting units are mounted to lift arms pivotably connected to outboard ends of the outer sections of the adjustable width toolbar. A hydraulic lift cylinder is mounted between an inboard end of each lift arm and the adjustable width toolbar at a selected mounting point in the center section. The mounting point of the center section is aligned with a mounting point in one of the outer sections to provide a specified toolbar width suitable for the cutting units.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) preferably for horticulture and/or parks, comprises a main drawbar (2) for connection to a vehicle (28), and the main drawbar (2) is connected to a number of garden tools (3, 11, 27), wherein the main drawbar (2) is pivotally connected to a central point (4) of a tool holder (5), which tool holder (5) is arranged in a position behind the garden tool (3) and above the main drawbar (2) and each end part of the tool holder (5) is connected to a forwardly directed flange (6), which is pivotally connected to an end part of the garden tool (3).

Abstract: A universal attachment assembly is operable to couple turf maintenance implements of varying widths to a turf maintenance vehicle. The attachment assembly can include a yoke member that can be attached to a coupling member in various locations. The different locations can accommodate varying widths of the turf maintenance implements that are coupled to the turf maintenance vehicle with the yoke member. The yoke member can also be positioned in different orientations relative to the coupling member in both the first and second positions. The different orientations can correspond to an operating position and a servicing position for the turf maintenance implement.

Abstract: A mechanism for offsetting cutting units for a grass mowing machine includes lift arms that pivot between a first lowered position in which the cutting units are offset to the left of the traction vehicle, a second lowered position in which the cutting units are offset to the right of the traction vehicle, and a raised position intermediate the first and second lowered positions. Each lift arm has a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis.

Abstract: An electric implement lift system for mower cutting units may include an electric motor having a rotatable output shaft with a pivot bracket mounted thereto, a lift link or a pair of lift links, each lift link having a first end connected to the pivot bracket and a second end connected to a lift arm, the output shaft rotatable in a first direction to raise the mower cutting unit and in a second direction to lower the mower cutting unit. The output shaft may be rotatable in the first direction to move the cutting unit to a top/center position and rotatable further in the first direction to move the cutting unit to a raised/transport position.

Abstract: A grass mowing machine has a frame with an adjustable width toolbar including a center section and left and right outer sections telescoping into the center section. A pair of cutting units are mounted to lift arms pivotably connected to outboard ends of the outer sections of the adjustable width toolbar. A hydraulic lift cylinder is mounted between an inboard end of each lift arm and the adjustable width toolbar at a selected mounting point in the center section. The mounting point of the center section is aligned with a mounting point in one of the outer sections to provide a specified toolbar width suitable for the cutting units.

Abstract: A trim mower includes a frame supported by a plurality of wheels to travel over a ground surface, at least two front reel-type cutting units and at least one rear reel-type cutting unit. A separate lift arm is attached between the frame and each reel-type cutting unit. Each lift arm can pivot to move a reel-type cutting unit between a mowing position on a ground surface and a transport position raised above the ground surface. The lift arm for at least two of the cutting units, and preferably at least one front cutting unit and one rear cutting unit, can extend to selectively move the cutting units attached thereto laterally while the cutting units are in the mowing position. The lateral movement of a front cutting unit may be proportionately further than the lateral movement of a rear cutting unit.

Abstract: With a rotary mower having a driveline including a plurality of gearboxes, a method of operating the rotary mower includes providing a sensor operative to measure a temperature of each gearbox in the driveline; monitoring the temperature in each gear box; and operating the mower to maintain the temperature of each gearbox at a level below a maximum acceptable temperature.

Abstract: A roller configuration for a grass mowing machine is provided to reduce roller overlap marks. The roller configuration may be used on a grass mowing machine having a first row of cutting units and a second row of cutting units. Each cutting unit has a roller with a reduced diameter portion adjacent a full diameter end portion. The full diameter end portions of the rollers on the first row of cutting units are aligned with the reduced diameter portions of the rollers on the second row of cutting units during mowing operations, and the reduced diameter portions of the rollers on the first row of cutting units aligned with the full diameter end portions of the rollers on the second row of cutting units during mowing operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to brush cutters and to brush cutting heads therefor, and more specifically, to brush cutting heads having internally housed drive and bearing assemblies. The brush cutting head includes a hollow support body having a first end, an opposed second end, an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the support body defines a hollow which extends between the first and second ends of the support body. Also provided is a drive and bearing assembly housed at least partially within the hollow of the support body. The drive and bearing assembly includes a drive block mounted to extend within the hollow of the support body at the first end thereof. The drive block includes a motor provided with a torque transmitting driveshaft. A first coupling assembly is connected to the driveshaft of the motor and the support body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) preferably for horticulture and/or parks, comprising a main drawbar (2) for connection to a vehicle (28), and the main drawbar (2) is connected to a number of garden tools (3, 11, 27), wherein the main drawbar (2) is pivotally connected to a central point (4) of a tool holder (5), which tool holder (5) is arranged in a position behind the garden tool (3) and above the main drawbar (2) and each end part of the tool holder (5) is connected to a forwardly directed flange (6), which is pivotally connected to an end part of the garden tool (3).

Abstract: Real-mower accessories according to the present teachings are electrically driven. The electrically powered accessories use electric motors that can be operated independently of the transport wheels of the mower. Electrically powered accessories can use the on-board power source of the mower to which it is attached along with the control assembly thereon. The electrically powered accessories enable rotational rates and direction of rotation of the components of the electrically powered accessories to be easily adjusted and changed independently of other components of the mower. The electrically powered accessories can provide a more efficiently powered accessory. The electrically powered accessories can allow a user to independently verify the speed and direction of the electrically powered accessory relative to the other electrically powered accessories or other electrically driven components of the mower.

Abstract: A rotary zero-turn steer-by-wire mower for golf courses includes a chassis, forward drive wheels mounted on axles mounted underneath the chassis and connected to an engine and transmission and swivel-mounted rear wheels mounted on the chassis. Side-by-side rear mower decks are mounted underneath the chassis with three side-by-side mounted forward mower decks mounted on a forward mower deck mounting structure extending forwards from the chassis, each of the five mower decks being independently mounted on a floating mount structure with hydraulic connections for driving the mower blades mounted therewithin. The mower unit is controlled by a steer-by-wire twin stick speed and direction control system which eliminates mechanical connection between the mower controls and steering and throttle systems, thereby reducing mechanical breakdown possibilities.

Abstract: A crop header has a cutter bar with generally horizontal flail disks driven about generally spaced upright axes. At least two of the disks are mounted outwardly of a discharge opening and the outermost disk carries an impeller and at least one additional impeller is mounted inwardly and rearwardly of the outer impeller to carry the crop inwardly. The impellers are formed of angularly spaced bars which are inclined inwardly to a center waist to form an “hour glass” shaped impeller. A transfer roller transfers the crop upwardly and rearwardly from the disks to the nip of a pair of conditioner rolls and is at least as large as the bottom roll and carries high ribs forwardly inclined for an aggressive action on the crop with its axis above the cutting plane and its uppermost edge of the ribs at or above the axis of the bottom roll.

Abstract: A mechanism for offsetting cutting units for a grass mowing machine includes lift arms that pivot between a first lowered position in which the cutting units are offset to the left of the traction vehicle, a second lowered position in which the cutting units are offset to the right of the traction vehicle, and a raised position intermediate the first and second lowered positions. Each lift arm has a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for a reel-type mower cutting unit holds the cutting unit in a mowing position, a partially raised service position, or a fully raised transport position. The coupling mechanism is positioned to avoid blocking the discharge of grass into a grass catcher mounted directly in front of the cutting unit. Each reel-type cutting unit is positioned so that the reel axis is a maximum of 28 inches from the front wheel axis of the mowing machine when the cutting unit is in the mowing position.

Abstract: A riding mower has multiple cutting units visible to the operator when mowing, and easily accessible for service and maintenance work. The riding mower chassis has a front end, a rear end, a left rail, a right rail, a pair of front wheels mounted at the front end, and a pair of rear wheels mounted adjacent the rear end. At least a portion of the left rail and right rail extend from under the operator module to define an uncovered area between the left rail and right rail adjacent the front end of the chassis. A first row of cutting units may be in front of the pair of front wheels, and a second row of cutting units behind the pair of front wheels. One of the cutting units in the second row may be positioned in the uncovered area between the left rail and the right rail.

Abstract: A novel soil conditioning rotary reel comprised of a rotary reel having a plurality of flat bars attached to support plates in a symmetrical helix arrangement is disclosed. The number of bars and the diameter of the reel are determined by the limitation that the straight-line distance between two adjacent bars be less than six inches.

Abstract: A novel soil conditioning rotary reel comprised of a rotary reel having a plurality of flat bars attached to support plates in a symmetrical helix arrangement is disclosed. The number of bars and the diameter of the reel are determined by the limitation that the straight-line distance between two adjacent bars be less than six inches.