Abstract: An interactive braking system for an electric mower is comprised of an directional control that is connected to a cam follower that, in turn, engages a brake lever. A linkage system connects the brake lever to a brake caliper assembly which is operable to engage a disc connected to an input shaft of a transaxle of a riding mower. The interactive braking system is designed to allow the operator to optimize control of the mower during slow speed operation, for example, when traversing the crown of a green or going down a hill. During these conditions, the directional control can be articulated to a slow speed position thus proportionally engaging the brake assembly. Increased braking force is realized the closer the directional control approaches the neutral position, i.e., zero throttle. The interactive braking system provides for enhanced control of the mower during slow speed operation of both forward and rearward movement of the mower.

Abstract: A mower including a housing having a cutting apparatus such as a flail mower rotatably mounted therein. The mower includes a detector which determines during mower raising when the housing is positioned at least a predetermined distance above the ground surface directly below the housing. After passage of a time period during which the detector continuously detects that the housing is positioned at least the predetermined distance from the ground, a signal is sent to an actuator mechanism which interrupts the delivery of power to the motor rotating the cutting apparatus such that the flail mower comes to a stop. In one embodiment, a locking mechanism can be provided which prevents power from being reintroduced to the mower motor after the mower is lowered until the operator purposefully disengages the locking mechanism.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A gang mower, with a frame supported upon plurality of ground engaging wheels, a prime mover, and a plurality of reel-type lawn mowers. At least one of the reel-type mowers is secured to an arm member which is secured to and pivots about frame so that the reel-type mower may be moved from an operating position beneath the frame to a service position adjacent to the frame. An electric motor provides the driving torque for moving the mower over surfaces to be mowed. Individual electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. Further, electrically driven lift mechanisms move the reel-type lawn mowers between a lowered operating position in which the reel lawn mowers engage the turf being mowed and a raised non-operating or transport position. The pivot support includes a king pin secured to the frame. The king pin enables movement of a swing member. An arm secured to the swing member may be releasably secured in an operating position by a latch to the frame.

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

Abstract: An electric drive riding greens mower, with a frame supported plurality of ground engaging wheels, supports a battery power source, an operator station and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides the driving torque for moving the mower over surfaces to be mowed. Individual electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. Electrically driven linear actuators move the reel lawn mowers between a lowered operating position in which the reel lawn mowers engage the turf being mowed and a raised non-operating or transport position. An operator oriented controls layout, which includes an operator communication panel, is provided on the mower. All electric operation provides emissionless extremely quiet operation. The mower includes an electric control system having a battery power source providing a plurality of output voltages to drive the various electric components.

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

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

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

Abstract: The present invention provides for an automated supervisor switch device for maintaining an acceptable ground speed during cutting operations for a turf mower. The present invention does not interfere with the ground speed of the vehicle during cutting or non-cutting operations. In a preferred embodiment, an onboard controller and its attendant memory are provided with a predetermined maximum mowing speed. Second, the controller monitors the ground speed of the mower. Third, when the controller determines that the cutting reels are operative and the ground speed is approaching the maximum mowing speed of the mower, then operator perceptible warning is actuated to alert the operator. Fourth, if the speed exceeds the predetermined maximum mowing speed, then the controller disables the reels from mowing. In the preferred embodiment, the controller disables the reels by shutting off the hydraulic fluid flow from the hydraulic motors which rotate the cutting reels.

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

Abstract: A mechanism for use in a reel type lawn mower for maintaining a controlled constant uniform pressure between V-shaped reel blades and a bedknife. The blades are arranged to maintain continuous contact with the bedknife on both sides of the center of the reel. A biasing unit acts between the reel unit and the bedknife unit to apply a regulated pressure on both sides of the reel center in response to a feedback signal such as a temperature signal at the reel/bedknife interface.

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

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

Abstract: An electric drive riding greens mower includes a frame member which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a battery power source, an operator station and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides the driving torque for moving the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed. Individual electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. Electrically driven linear actuators move the reel lawn mowers between a lowered operating position in which the reel lawn mowers engage the turf being mowed and a raised non-operating or transport position. A unique swinging arm on the frame member provides for a pivoting mount for the under-center reel mowers to facilitate service. The frame member is further efficiently constructed to facilitate ergonomic operator utilization of the mower. The frame member supports and protect various electrical and mechanical components.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an automated clip control device for maintaining a predetermined clip at varying ground speeds, heights of cut, and other changed conditions. The reel speed of the mower 10 is controlled based upon a feed-back control loop, using as input the ground speed of the mower 10, the actual speed of the reel 48, 50, and 52, the number of blades on the reel, and height of cut, among other factors. A microprocessor 102 uses control process equations to determine the duration of an output pulse width modulated signal which is provided to a valve 702, 706 controlling hydraulic fluid flow to the reel motor 71-75. The target value of the reel speed is determined by reading the desired height of cut value and the number of blades per reel, and then going to a look-up table which contains optimized "linear distance traveled per time grass is cut" values.

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

Abstract: A tractor-supported lawn mower which has raising and lowering controls for automatically raising the mowers to a predetermined elevation and for automatically lowering the mowers to the ground, both raising and lowering functions being effective in response to minimal operator manual control.

Abstract: A suspension mechanism for a reel mower vehicle, having arm members coupled between a vehicle and a cutting unit, a lever member coupled with each arm member, and a hydraulic cylinder coupled the lever member. A hydraulic circuit actuates the cylinders for lifting the arm members and cutting units to a transport position. A variable restriction valve is provided for causing the cylinders to apply a downforce to the arm members and cutting units for securing the cutting units against the ground over irregular ground conditions, and is adjustable for varying the magnitude of the downforce.

Abstract: A mechanism coupling a yoke and cutting unit to a push arm, and having an upright steering pivot mechanism which establishes a relatively large effective steering lever arm for decreasing scuffing of the turf by the rollers of the cutting units, and an inclined pivot mechanism having an axis which is directed generally toward the cutting unit to decrease the effective lever arm between the rollers and the pivot axis and thereby reduce turf scuffing during execution of turns during mowing operations.

Abstract: A mechanism for use in a reel type lawn mower for maintaining a constant uniform pressure between V-shaped reel blades and a bedknife. The blades are arranged to maintain continuous contact with the bedknife on both sides of the center of the reel. A biasing unit acts between the reel unit and the bedknife unit to apply a regulated pressure on both sides of the reel center.

Abstract: A powered lawn mower of the type particularly adapted for mowing greens on golf courses and having a powered vertically adjustable reel cutting unit is converted into a greensroller when a vibratory roller unit is substituted for each reel cutting unit. The vibratory roller unit has a drum, an unbalanced shaft and a framework. The unbalanced shaft is rotatably mounted within the drum and the drum is rotatably mounted in the framework. When the greensroller is powered over a golf green, it provides a fast, smooth, consistent and somewhat firm playing surface without scalping or otherwise compromising the health of the grass.

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: An apparatus for displacement or advancement of implements such as, for example, ball collectors or harvesters, lawn mowers, etc., wherein a forward beam is provided with at least two spaced pivotal wheels and coupling arrangement for coupling a plurality of implements. The forward beam is connected to a frame provided with at least one steerable drive wheel spaced at a sufficient distance from the beam so that the plurality of implements are provided with sufficient clearance between the frame and the steerable drive wheel.

Abstract: A mowing device includes an elongated frame having a plurality of reel mowers mounted thereto. A drive pulley and a driven pulley are rotatably mounted to the frame and have a pulley belt trained there around. Interconnecting the driven pulley with the reel mower is a linking shaft having universal joints at its opposite ends. One of the universal joints is connected to the driven pulley, and the other of the universal joints is connected to the shaft of the reel mower. The two universal joints and the linking shaft permit the reel mower to float upon the terrain being mowed without interfering with the alignment of the drive pulley and the driven pulley.

Abstract: A lift arm assembly (30, 32) for a commercial riding mower includes pivotal lift arms (36, 38, 40, 120), each of which is biased downwardly by an adjustable spring arrangement for better control and contact between the underlying turf and the cutting reels supported on the outer ends of the lift arms.

Abstract: A reel type golf greens mower having three mowing units, each unit having a front and a rear ground contacting roller and a second smaller diameter rotatably mounted rod in rotational contact with the ground contacting roller for automatically removing grass clippings from the ground contacting rollers.

Abstract: A grass cutting machine has two forward cutting units (24) and one rear central unit (46). The mechanism at, for example, the margin of a golf green, provides a time delay between lifting or lowering of the front (24) and rear cutting units (46) which is determined by the distance travelled by the machine. In this way it is ensured that all unites start and stop cutting at the same reference point on the ground.

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 grass collection system for a reel mower in which an auger extends across each reel. The part of the auger not facing the reel is enclosed by a shield, so the auger conveys cut grass laterally to one end of the mower, from which end the cut grass is conveyed through an air duct and impeller to a hopper. Where the duct connects to the auger shield, an extra opening is provided to entrain outside air, to maintain the flow of air past the auger shield outlet and thus reduce the likelihood of clogging.

Abstract: A U-joint (23) for connecting a reel unit (22) to a lift arm (18) of a turf maintenance machine (10). U-joint (23) preferably includes a pivot arm (40) suitable for connection to the lift arm (18), and a pivot base (38) for connection to the top of a standard reel cutting unit (22). Situated between pivot arm (40) and pivot base (38) is a cross and bearing unit (72). Pitch stops are formed by the base (38) whereas roll stops are formed by the pivot arm (40). The stops act on the cross and bearing unit (72) to provide limited pitching and rolling of reel unit (22) relative to lift arm (18).

Abstract: A grass cutting machine has the operator seat mounted on a pivotable sub-frame which can be displaced relative to the remainder of the chassis to allow easy access to the rear cutting unit for emptying of the grass box or for minor adustments and servicing.

Abstract: A bracket assembly is adapted for attachment to the front end of a conventional garden or farm tractor which allows two spaced-apart leading reel-type mowers to be pulled ahead of the tractor wheels so that the grass will be cut before being compacted by the passage of the tractor wheels over it. The bracket comprises first and second elongated arms having cylindrical stub ends extending laterally inwardly at one end of the arms, the cylindrical stubs being arranged to telescopingly fit within a cylindrical pipe, which is adapted to be bolted or otherwise affixed to the front end of the tractor. One or more spacer bars extend between the two arms to maintain the arms in a common plane. Extending downwardly at the other end of each arm is a bar member having a suitable connection point at its lower end to which a reel-type mower assembly may be connected.

Abstract: A mower having a frame consisting of a top plate and downwardly extending side plates. Reel adjustment members are pivotably connected to the side plates and carry the ends of the reel shaft to adjust the reel position. A bed knife behind the reel is carried by two side arms which extend upwardly and forwardly to the front and top of the mower. The side arms are pivoted at their rear to the frame side plates and are joined at their tops by a transverse bar. The transverse bar is adjustably connected to the frame top plate by an adjustment device to adjust the bed knife position. The rear roller is carried by further side arms also pivoted to the frame side plates and connected at their tops by a second transverse bar which is connected by an adjustment device to the frame top plate. The mower is suspended at its center and drive is applied through a shaft extending over the mower generally parallel to the reel axis, to prevent torque changes from varying the height of an end of the mower.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in lawn and garden maintenance, in which a chassis having a pair of axially aligned and independently operable drive wheels carries a grass trimmer comprising an articulated arm pivotably mounted at one end on the chassis, a trimming device mounted on that end of the arm remote from the chassis, gripping means mounted on the arm for manual manipulation thereof, and means mounted on the chassis to actuate the trimming device, the arm comprising a first variable parallelogram unit pivotably mounted on the chassis in a vertical plane and a second variable parallelogram unit pivotably mounted on that end of the first parallelogram unit in said vertical plane remote from the chassis, the trimming device being pivotably mounted on that end of the second parallelogram unit remote from the first parallelogram unit, the parallelogram units being spring biased against free movement thereof.

Abstract: A mower having a frame consisting of a top plate and downwardly extending side plates. Reel adjustment members are pivotably connected to the side plates and carry the ends of the reel shaft to adjust the reel position. A bed knife behind the reel is carried by two side arms which extend upwardly and forwardly to the front and top of the mower. The side arms are pivoted at their rear to the frame side plates and are joined at their tops by a transverse bar. The transverse bar is adjustably connected to the frame top plate by an adjustment device to adjust the bed knife position. The rear roller is carried by further side arms also pivoted to the frame side plates and connected at their tops by a second transverse bar which is connected by an adjustment device to the frame top plate. The mower is suspended at its center and drive is applied through a shaft extending over the mower generally parallel to the reel axis, to prevent torque changes from varying the height of an end of the mower.

Abstract: A lawn mower for a reel type lawn mower, and including mechanism for urging the bedknife cutting edge toward the reel and for positioning the bedknife cutting edge in the direction away from the reel, if desired. The cutting edge can be positioned either with a clearance or with no clearance, relative to the reel. The adjustment is automatic and consistently the same each time it is made.

Abstract: A lawn mower hitch assembly including a leading hitch device and a trailing hitch device secured to a respective leading mower vehicle and a trailing mower vehicle, and operatively connected to each other for free pivotal movement about a substantially vertical axis, whereby one or more lawn mower vehicles can be towed in tandem and in offset lateral relationship by a leading tractor vehicle.

Abstract: A lawnmower reel-to-bedknife adjustment system wherein the bedknife cutting edge can be automatically positioned relative to the circumference of the cutting reel. An extendable and retractable link is connected to the pivotal bedknife at a numerical advantage relative to the pivot axis and thereby provide for a fine adjustment of clearance between the reel and the bedknife upon extension and contraction of the link. The link can be extended by fluid pressure, or the like, and it can be retracted by spring pressure, and a yielding force is arranged to establish the clearance to a pre-set condition each time. Also, a manual threaded adjustment is provided along the adjustment link so that manual adjustment can be accomplished when desired.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated gang mower trailer which is connectable to a tractor having a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for actuating cylinders to raise and lower the mowers. The trailer has a tow bar assembly which permits connection to tractors at varying vertical heights. The trailer has a frame and reel mounting which minimizes the weight carried by the tractor. A stacked set of lever operated hydraulic spool valves which control the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders for lifting and lowering the mowers can be easily moved from tractor to the trailer by disconnecting a minimum number of hydraulic hoses.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated gang mower trailer which is connectable to a tractor having a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for actuating cylinders to raise and lower the mowers. The trailer has a tow bar assembly which permits connection to tractors at varying vertical heights. The trailer has a frame and reel mounting which minimizes the weight carried by the tractor. A stacked set of lever operated hydraulic spool valves which control the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders for lifting and lowering the mowers can be easily moved from tractor to the trailer by disconnecting a minimum number of hydraulic hoses.

Abstract: A gang reel mower consisting of a pair of mower heads of the ordinary reel type laterally spaced apart in a forward row, and another mower head disposed behind and laterally intermediate the mower heads in the forward row. Each mower head is castered about a vertical axis disposed forwardly thereof, in order that it may operate directly forwardly even when the mower as a whole is negotiating a turn, and the caster axis of the rear mower head is shifted laterally of the mower frame in order that it will always be aligned to cut the strip of grass left uncut by the front mower heads. Mechanism is provided for elevating the mower heads to a transport position well above ground level, and in so doing to cancel and lock any castering motion thereof.

Abstract: A mowing machine comprises a plurality of cutting units (4) powered by a parallel hydraulic system with distributing means (30). The cutting units (4) are each powered by a hydromotor (16), all hydromotors (16) being driven by a central hydraulic pump (P). The hydromotors (16) are fed in a parallel relationship by the pump (P). Ahead of the hydromotor (16) in each circuit, is a distributing means (30) with an inlet (26) from the pump (P), and two outlets, (31) back to the supply tank (V), and (33) to the corresponding hydromotor (16). When a hydromotor (16) is deactivated, distributing means (30) automatically diverts the fluid normally flowing through the deactivated hydromotor back to the supply tank (V). This diversion of fluid prevents changing the speed of the remaining hydromotors as a result of increased flow or pressure available due to the deactivated hydromotor.

Abstract: A ganged mower frame of the type which is intended to be towed by a vehicle. The frame includes a center cross bar, a right hand cross bar and a left hand cross bar. The right and left hand cross bars are each pivotally connected to the opposite ends of the center cross bar for rotation about horizontal axes. A tow bar is provided having a pivotal connection at its forward end for attachment to a towing vehicle and an attachment at its rear for rigid connection to the center cross bar. A pair of forwardly extending mower support arms are provided with each support arm being pivotally mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis on the center cross bar near the ends thereof. A mower mounting bracket is attached to the forward end of each forwardly extending mower support arm with each bracket attached to its arm for rotation about the longitudinal axis of its arm.

Abstract: A lift arm assembly (30, 32) for a commercial riding mower includes pivotal lift arms (36, 38, 40, 120), each of which is biased downwardly by an adjustable spring arrangement for better control and contact between the underlying turf and the cutting reels supported on the outer ends of the lift arms.