Abstract: Secondary cutting blades are mounted on a line trimmer between the hub carrying the cutting line and the shield. The cutting blades extend parallel to the axis of rotation of the hub carrying the cutting line. The blades have one end adjacent to the periphery of the hub, and the other end supported at or above the shield. Tall grass or other long stalks will therefore be cut by the blades and unable to wrap around the trimmer.

Abstract: Lawn and garden maintenance equipment for collecting and shredding debris and chipping branches is provided with a wheel-supported housing having a handle for guiding the apparatus, the housing having a substantially closed bottom wall below the blades and having a portion thereof providing an air and debris inlet opening, a motor mounted on the housing with a shaft extending into housing and supporting a disc for rotation with the shaft within said housing, the disc having a cutter on its top for slicing limbs and a slot adjacent said cutting means to permit sliced material to pass through the disc, downwardly extending blades mounted on the bottom of the disc move air and air entrained debris within the housing to an exit opening in said housing generally opposite the inlet for air and entrained debris, and a top opening in the housing is radially aligned with the cutter to accept limbs and the like to be fed through the opening to be engaged by the cutter.

Abstract: A first lawn mowing vehicle formed of self-propelled configuration mounts a second lawn mowing vehicle utilizing a frame assembly. The frame assembly is pivotally mounted to the first lawn mowing vehicle and to the second lawn mowing vehicle, with the second lawn mowing vehicle projecting through a housing receiving opening in the frame assembly, with the frame assembly rear distal end pivotally mounted to a first vehicle frame plate fixedly mounted to the first vehicle between forward and rear wheels of the first vehicle. A throttle cable is directed from the second vehicle to the first vehicle and mounted to a pivot handle secured to a support post adjacent the first vehicle frame plate.

Abstract: A motorized lawn mowing machine has a generally horizontal deck with an engine releasably mounted thereon. A vertical drive shaft driven by the engine protrudes through an opening in the deck to mount a grass cutter blade thereon below the deck. A releasably mounted adaptor plate is mounted on the deck between the engine and deck, the plate having an opening for passing the shaft and having radially extending extension arm mechanism with parallel arms projecting radially at a sidewisely forward angle. The plate houses a first pulley fixed to rotate with the shaft at the level of the arms. The arm mechanism slideably supports a vertical flail assembly having an upper second pulley in alignment with the first pulley. An endless belt drive member is trained around the pulleys, and manipulatable mechanism is connected to slide the vertical flail device on the arm mechanism to engage and tauten the endless member to rotate the flail assembly.

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 mechanical harvester is specifically designed for mechanically picking "gourmet-type" leguminous crops with hand-picked quality. The picking tools are a plurality of elongate resilient fingers which are disposed on an endless moving belt for gently combing the crop from the plants. The harvester is adapted to be placed behind a towing vechicle such as a tractor, with the crop pick-up point in vertical alignment with the main tractor axis for assuring proper positioning of the pick-up point relative to the surface and for assuring good operator visibility. A universal crop transfer system is adapted to receive a removable collection chamber and a removable and readily replaceable harvesting implement, whereby the harvester may be quickly modified for harvesting any one of a predetermined variety of leguminous crops. The harvester implement, collection chamber and transfer conveyor mechanism are all adapted to be mounted on a standard three-point hitch.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus and method includes a vehicle designed for operation along aisles between rows of low density young citrus trees for collecting, storing and transporting citrus fruit harvested by multiple workers moving along in front of the vehicle. The apparatus and method is more efficient and cost effective for harvesting citrus fruit from low density young citrus trees and eliminates pallet tubs and the vehicle boom required to empty and replace the tubs as used in the "conventional harvesting method". The machine and method includes a large semi-circular tray preferably mounted at a level about two feet above the ground on the front of a self-propelled vehicle carrying a hopper. The tray is selectively removable to allow a tray of different size to be mounted on the vehicle to meet the harvesting conditions involved at given citrus groves.

Abstract: A harvester thresher or combine has a picking slot through which grain stalks are pulled to separate the stalks from the grain heads. Two oppositely rotated, parallel shafts are located at opposite sides of the picking slot. Each shaft has at least one cutting disk in close cutting relationship with the cutting disk of the other shaft. A vaned crusher element is mounted adjacent to each cutting disk and has its radial vanes arranged for intermeshing with the vanes of the element on the other shaft. The tips of the vanes project outward farther than the periphery of the adjacent cutting disk for assisting in pulling the stalks through the picking slot for chopping and crushing by the cutting disks and crushing elements.

Abstract: A row crop attachment for forage harvesters has a plurality of row crop divider units arranged side-by-side on a base frame to define a plurality of crop conveying paths. A pair of gathering chains are arranged to pass through each of the crop conveying paths from an entrance to an exit thereof, and a pair of rotary knives are disposed adjacent the entrance of each crop conveying path. Apparatus is provided for converting each of the gathering chains between an extended profile where it is wrapped around a drive sprocket and a pair of idler sprockets with one of the idler sprockets being located forwardly of the rotary knives, and a non-extended profile wherein it is wrapped around only the drive sprocket and the other idler sprocket so that the forwardly located idler sprocket is eliminated.

Abstract: A row crop attachment for forage harvesters has a plurality of row crop divider units arranged side-by-side on a base frame to define a plurality of crop conveying paths. A pair of gathering chains are arranged to pass through each crop conveying path from an entrance to an exit thereof, and a pair of rotary knives are disposed adjacent the entrance of each crop conveying path. Each gathering chain is wrapped around a drive sprocket and a pair of idler sprockets. The drive sprockets are located near the exits of the crop conveying paths, and the idler sprockets are located near the entrances of the crop conveying paths. One idler sprocket of each pair also serves to drive one of the rotary knives while the other idler sprocket of each pair is supported in a cantilevered manner forwardly of the rotary knives.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower adapted to be moved over a surface to mow vegetation; said lawn mower includes a mower deck, a motor, rotary cutting means and a lift handle assembly; said mower deck including a top portion adapted to support said motor and downwardly extending edge portions; said motor being affixed to the central portion of said mower deck and coupled to drive said rotary cutter means positioned underneath said mower deck and substantially parallel to said surface, said lift handle assembly, being selectively positioned on at least opposed sides of said motor means and adapted to be attached to said mower deck thus permitting a user of said mower to selectively grasp said lift handle assembly to move said rotary mower from one location to another.

Abstract: An adjustable depth gauge attachment is provided for use with implements, such as rotary mowers and other vegetation cutting apparatus. The depth gauge takes the form of a hemispherically-shaped skid element carried on an adjustable leg. The gauge is optionally carried by a bracket which can be mounted to a mower deck as an aftermarket addition. The hemispherical skid element serves to provide skidding depth gauging, as well as minimize scalping when uneven terrain is encountered.

Abstract: In the combination of a rotary lawn mower, an improved mounting for an air impermeable bag is disclosed. The standard rotary lawn mower includes a rotating blade for cutting and blowing grass upwardly, a housing overlying the ground and surrounding the rotating blade for confining the upwardly blown cut grass about the rotating blade, a discharge aperture defined by the housing for permitting the upwardly blown grass to be discharged from the housing in a confined stream of air and cut grass, and an exhaust aperture from the bag for permitting air discharge from the air impermeable bag. The improved mounting for the air impermeable bag includes an underlying support attached to and supported over the ground from the rotatory lawn mower for receiving from above the air impermeable bag and supporting the bag above the ground. A bag stabilizing member fastens to the upper end of the bag at one end and is hinged with respect to the lawn mower at the mount for movement towards and away from the mount.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus and method includes a vehicle designed for operation along aisles between rows of low density young citrus trees for collecting, storing and transporting citrus fruit harvested by multiple workers moving along in front of the vehicle. The apparatus and method is more efficient and cost effective for harvesting citrus fruit from low density young citrus trees and eliminates pallet tubs and the vehicle boom required to empty and replace the tubs as used in the "conventional harvesting method". The machine and method includes a large semi-circular tray preferably mounted at a level about two feet above the ground on the front of a self-propelled vehicle carrying a hopper. The tray is selectively removable to allow a tray of different size to be mounted on the vehicle to meet the harvesting conditions involved at given citrus groves.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower blade is provided with opposite end dependingly supported rake springs. Each of the springs comprises a closed coil spring body whose upper end is removably supported from the underside of the corresponding rotary mower blade end and the lower convolution of each coil spring body includes a downwardly directed vertical spring tine or finger. The mower blade incorporates a pair of elongated opposite end blade end sections including remote and adjacent ends with the adjacent ends thereof disposed in end overlapped engagement with each other and the adjacent ends include meshed projections and recesses spaced longitudinally therealong. The adjacent ends are longitudinally slotted and a threaded shank type fastener is passed upwardly through the slots and may be threaded in a blind bore formed in the lower end of the vertical engine shaft of a rotary mower.

Abstract: A spatial guide adapted to be affixed to a gasoline-powered line trimmer (also called a string trimmer) to serve as a stand-off device, such that the cutting head of the trimmer cannot come any closer to an obstacle than is permitted by the length of a rigid arm. A rigid block of material having a central bore is configured to be attached to the trimmer's tube near the cutting head. The rigid arm attaches to the block of material, preferably by use of the same fasteners that hold the block to the tube. A slot in the arm permits selective adjustment of the distance by which the arm protrudes in a cantilevered manner from the block and hence from the tube. A large roller is mounted at the distal end of the rigid arm and serves to foster sliding and/or rolling movement between the arm and any obstacle adjacent which vegetation is to be cut--as the cutting head is manually moved past the obstacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a protective flap assembly to the deck housing of a lawn and garden device is disclosed. The deck housing includes a horizontal support member having an open end and a closed end at opposite lateral edges thereof. The properties flap assembly has an upper socket portion adapted to surroundingly capture the support member upon inward sliding insertion onto the open end thereof. A lower portion of the protective flap assembly extends downwardly toward the ground. The support member is adapted to inhibit removal of the flap assembly following installation on the deck housing.

Abstract: An attachment arranged for mounting to an associated lawnmower in an operative relationship to include a snowblower housing operative through a plurality of inter-related belts and pulleys to effect rotation of a plurality of impeller blades mounted within the snowblower housing. A drive pulley is mounted to a lower terminal end of the lawnmower motor output shaft to operatively effect the aforenoted rotation of the impeller structure. A modification of the invention includes a granular hopper in operative association with an exit opening and conduit of the lawnmower apparatus to effect projection of the granular material in association with the exiting snow.

Abstract: A grass catcher is provided for mounting to a lawn mower. The grass catcher includes a generally frustum shaped side wall and opposed front and rear walls. An angularly inclined entrance chute is provided adjacent the front wall. The front wall includes an inclined portion which is angled relative to the axis of the grass catcher. The side wall is provided with a plurality of elongated slots extending circumferentially around the grass catcher. The rear wall of the grass catcher is hingedly attached to the side wall to facilitate emptying of the grass clippings therefrom.

Abstract: The grass collector venting cover assembly of the present invention includes a cover constructed of both porous and non-porous sections. The top of the venting cover assembly consists of two layers; the lower one being porous and the upper one being non-porous. The two layers are connected to allow the cover to vent dirt and debris from the grass chute away from the tractor operator. The cover support frame work supports the cover and allows emptying of the cart without interference from the cover. The grass collector/bagger of the present invention includes a collector support frame work with a rigid hitch for attachment to a tractor; two removable bins each containing two or more reusable, flexible insert containers; and a cover support assembly for supporting a cover above the rigid bins. The cover of the grass collector/bagger can also be of the venting type described above.

Abstract: A mower deck height adjustment mechanism having a frame coupled to a rear base unit having driven wheels. Ground engaging wheels support the frame, and a deck is coupled to the frame. A crank handle is coupled to a transverse bar that is fixed to a lower parallel member. The operator turns the crank handle to pivot the bar and lower parallel member to thereby raise and lower the front of the deck. A bell crank couples the rear of the deck to the crank handle. The bell crank is carried by and shifts vertically with a connecting member supported by the front of the deck. As the front of the deck shifts vertically, the connecting member, bell crank, and rear portion of the deck also shift vertically. The bell crank is also operatively coupled with the bar for pivoting therewith, which also causes the rear portion of the deck to shift vertically.

Abstract: An implement mounting apparatus for use with utility tractors, lawn and garden tractors and riding front mowers and other vehicles which allows removable mounting and use of numerous attachments for performing multiple grounds maintenance, yard and lawn care or gardening functions. A support frame includes an upper member for positioning and a bottom member for supporting implements such as lift forks, a tool organizer, a work platform and housing body. The support frame is rigidly or pivotally mountable on a three-point hitch, a mounting/lift frame having a support strut, or a tow bar assembly. Wheels may be added for use of the apparatus with a tow bar as a trailer. The housing body is useful with a scraper blade as a plow, or may be easily converted to a hopper assembly or scoop by adding hopper or scoop members. The hopper assembly may be opened to dump contained material with a spring biased latch mechanism which may be locked closed. The scoop member is secured in position with the same latch mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a row unit for lateral movement relative to a chassis of an agricultural implement. The row unit mounting apparatus includes a laterally extending tool bar assembly supported on a chassis and having a support surface extending between opposite ends thereof. The row unit is supported on the main frame in a manner allowing sliding movement of the row unit along the support surface of the tool bar assembly. The tool bar assembly includes a main frame and an extension frame selectively attachable to a first end of the main frame for easily and conveniently extending the support apparatus to provide additional row unit capacity or to accommodate lateral movement of the row units in a manner facilitating inspection and servicing thereof.

Abstract: A shredder attachment for a round bale hay baler which will effectively shred corn stalks or stubble, milo stubble and the like and discharge the shredded stubble into a round bale hay baler which will form a bale of stubble which has been shredded which can be used for feed, bedding and the like. The shredding attachment can be easily and quickly attached to a round bale hay baler at the front lower area thereof and is drivingly connected to the power system of the hay baler and includes a rotatable shaft having a plurality of pivotal flail elements or knives mounted thereon for shredding stubble or stalks and discharging the shredded material rearwardly and upwardly into the hay baler in the same manner that hay enters the hay baler with the shredded stubble being rolled into a hay bale in the same manner that hay is baled by the round bale hay baler.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting tine guards on a pickup of an agricultural machine such as a baler or a forage harvester comprises upper and lower mounting plates which are removably attached to upper and lower frame members, respectively, on the pickup. The pickup includes a reel having a plurality of tines which project, as the reel rotates, through spaces or gaps formed between the tine guards. The upper ends of the tine guards are secured to the upper mounting plate while the lower ends of the tine guards are secured to the lower mounting plate so that the tine guards are removed together with the mounting plates when the mounting plates are detached from the pickup frame members.

Abstract: This invention is a mowing machine which is to be hitched to the back of an agricultural tractor. The primary purpose of the invention is to cut and clean vegetation and debris from along agricultural fence rows. The cutting assembly of the mowing machine includes flails which are rapidly rotated and are made from fabric reinforced rubber. The flails are flexible and are about two feet long, about three-fourths of an inch thick, about three inches wide, and weigh about five pounds. The invention may be used to cut and remove vegetation and debris from under fence rows since the flails are flexible and easily mow around fence posts without damaging either the posts or the flails. The cutting assembly can be positioned so that a plane in which the cutting flails rotate is either inclined or declined to match the inclined slopes of embankments and declined slopes of drainage ditches.

Abstract: A tine mounting tray includes a substantially planar portion from which a plurality of smaller substantially planar portions are punched out. Each of the punched out portions is spaced from the remainder of the substantially planar portion of the mounting tray to form an opening to receive a substantially V-shaped connecting portion between two tines of a tine assembly to be mounted on the mounting tray. Each of the punched out portions has a tab at one end, which is bent upwardly after the connecting portion of the tine assembly has been inserted within the opening so that the connecting portion of the tine assembly abuts the two connecting sides of the punched out portion. This bending of the tab connects the tine assembly to the mounting tray through preventing withdrawal of the tine assembly from the mounting tray.

Abstract: An ice scarifying tool replaces the grass cutting blade of a conventional rotary-type power lawn mower, so that, as the mower is operated over icy surface and the tool rotates in a plane substantially parallel to an icy ground surface, depending fingers chip and scarify the surface to provide improved traction thereon. The tool comprises a support plate which may be in the shape of a substantially rectangular elongate bar, a disc or a cruciform. Coiled ice scarifying fingers are attached to the plate. An ice scarifying tip at the distal end of each finger extends groundward from the support plate. A bag attachment or auxiliary blower may be provided for removal of the chipped ice, or it may be removed by power sweeper or plow.

Abstract: An agricultural carrier vehicle comprises a vehicle, an agricultural aggregate connectable with the vehicle, a saddle unit arranged on the vehicle, a driver's cabin, at least two clamping devices arranged for bracing the driver's cabin in two different positions, an upwardly guiding transporting device arranged so that the agricultural aggregate and the saddle unit are connectable with the transporting device.

Abstract: A lawn trimming tool (10) has an elongate support column or member (12) with a cutter head (16) mounted for rotation at a lower end thereof and a flexible line or string (20) extending from the cutter head (16) for cutting in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. An edging attachment (28) is removably mounted by a bolt (50) to a support assembly (32) mounted on the support column (12). Front and rear rollers (58A, 58B, 58C, 58D) are mounted for rolling contact along a curb, driveway, or sidewalk (D) and an edging guide (60) secured to roller 58D rides alongside the driveway (D) for guiding the trimming tool (10).

Abstract: A mechanism for suspending an implement from a vehicle, such as a lawn and garden tractor. The mechanism includes front and rear supports between the vehicle and implement, the supports being adapted for quick and easy connection. The rear supports include spring-loaded J-pins connectable with the tractor lift linkage. The front support includes a U-shaped member, the base of which is receivable in upwardly opening jaws carried on the implement. The sides of the U-shaped member serve as draft links and are adjustably coupled with a cross member that is receivable in similar jaws carried by the tractor. A latch handle is connected to a bell crank which is provided on the cross member for tensioning the draft links and securing them in their tensioned configuration.

Abstract: A fuel tank usable with lawn mowers, snowblowers and similar small powered equipment is provided. The polyethylene tank is rotationally molded and includes several stepped ledges inside which serve to indicate the proportional volume of fuel remaining in the tank. A wide mouthed fuel inlet is provided to permit visual observation of the fuel level inside the opaque tank in relation to the stepped ledges.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing over head shade protection to an operator of a lawn mower is set forth to include a plurality of spaced U-shaped mounds for securement to handles of an associated lawnmower wherein the mounds telescopingly are associated with support rods, the support rods pivotally mount at each respective end thereof first canopy rods wherein the first canopy rods movably receive U-shaped canopy sliders wherein the organization is formable into a conveniently stored organization and easily errected and secured to the associated lawn mower. Further, the invention includes a storage container secured to the canopy wherein the storage container provides a tethered pair of ear protective devices for use in association with a lawn mower.

Abstract: A shredder attachment for use with lawn machines having vacuum or fan movement of shreddable material. The attachment comprises a frame suitably sized and shaped to be substantially mounted inside a conduit of a lawn machine. The attachment further comprises a cutter for cutting material passing through the conduit and a motor for driving the cutter. The attachment can be used in such lawn machines as a discharge conduit for a riding mower bagging system, an auxiliary cutter for a walk behind mower or a hand-held leaf vacuum.

Abstract: A close-trim discharge deflector for a lawn mower is disclosed. The deflector is pivotable both horizontally and vertically at its leading edge using a T-shaped swivel. The shaft of the T provides one hinge pin and the cross piece incorporates the other. A single spring attached between the mower deck and the deflector biases the deflector in a horizontal and extended position. During mowing, objects that contact the deflector either swing it back or up out of the way. Also, the deflector may be swung up out of the way of a bagger attachment. In addition, the deflector may be latched back to take up less storage space.

Abstract: A sulky apparatus attachable to a self-propelled power mower for transporting an operator in a standing position includes a rigid arm attached to the mower by a hinge which normally rotates about a horizontal axis. Operator foot-receiving platforms are supported by a wheel and are attached to the arm by means of a pivot for enabling the platforms to rotate about a normally vertical axis of the pivot. The horizontal distance between the hinge and the pivot is greater than the horizontal distance between the pivot and the rearwardmost portion of the apparatus to permit unlimited movement of the foot-receiving platforms and the wheel about the pivot axis. As a result, the mower and the apparatus can be moved in a reverse direction and the apparatus can be folded up under the handlebars of the mower.

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: A lawn mower comprises a riding and a steering frame pivotally connected to an engine and cutter assembly which includes an engine and transmission mounted on an engine deck and cutter blades driven by the engine and mounted below the cutter deck. The steering frame is pivotally attached to the engine deck and supports a rider seat and a steering assembly. A shock absorber extends between the pivotally connected engine and riding and steering frame.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for mounting a grass box of a mower having a machine body, a covered grass box, a mowing unit and a duct through which the grasses mowed by the mowing unit are inputted into the grass box. The apparatus includes a pair of guide rails, laid under the cover, into which the grass box is removably inserted from the rear side. In the mower having the covered grass box disposed below a handle rod, the apparatus further includes stoppers through which the grass box is rotatably removably engaged with the cover and a fixing member for fixing the grass box to the cover in a closed state.

Abstract: An ice auger conversion kit is mounted to a conventional grass-timming apparatus that includes an engine mounted rearwardly of a drive shaft housing with a drive shaft mounted therethrough. The forward end of the drive shaft is of a square drive configuration and is received within a square bore of a rotatable boss coaxially mounted through an adapter head, wherein a forwardmost end of the adapter head includes an axially extending threaded second boss for mounting the ice auger cutting head. The adapter head includes a series of gears to effect a gear reduction therethrough to enhance torque and effect appropriate speed of the ice auger head in use.

Abstract: A unitized engine transaxle combination preferably having a variable speed transmission such as a hydrostatic or continuous variable transmission for utilization in a work vehicle, the combination including a specific arrangement of components parts inside the transaxle housing and the connection of the engine thereto to provide the engine transaxle combination unit. In the preferred embodiment, a hydrostatic pump is connected to the engine and the hydrostatic motor is positioned inside the transaxle housing on the same side thereof in relation to the left or right side of the combination. In close proximity to the hydrostatic motor, a speed reduction unit is also housed inside the transaxle housing. The other end of the transaxle housing houses a differential unit. The hydrostatic pump is driven by a cam gear mechanism which is contained within the engine housing and interconnects with the engine crankshaft and the hydrostatic pump input shaft so that the hydrostatic pump is driven thereby.

Abstract: A mower-mounted grass catcher and reel lawn mower assembly and method of making same. The catcher has two spaced-apart bores which receive two pins on the mower for mounting the catcher in a cantilever manner and on the mower. The bores are strengthened and are located in the opposite sides of the catcher which also has two handles for maneuvering the catcher. The upper panel and the lower panel of the catcher, adjacent the opening for the clippings, are reinforced with ribbing. The catcher is molded for extra-strength in the area defining the bores.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved apparatus, for trimming lawns and the like, comprising a housing having a rear ground engaging means, a cutting means extending beyond the front and substantially the left and right sides of the housing for permitting trimming of vegetation growing close to an obstruction, a skirt for preventing debris from being propelled rearwardly by the cutting means, and a removable front ground engaging means.

Abstract: A mechanism for mounting an implement to a tractor is disclosed wherein the implement is provided with an articulated frame pivotally movable through a hydraulic cylinder to position a pair of mounting arms in alignment with attachment brackets affixed to the prime mover. Each mounting arm is provided with a threaded member threadably engaged with the end thereof and extending outwardly therefrom for insertion through an opening in the attachment brackets. A detachable collar is secured onto the threaded member by a removable fastener positioned on the opposing side of the attachment brackets from the mounting arm. A rotation of the threaded members into the mounting arms causes engagement of the detachable collar with the attachment bracket to draw the mounting arms into engagement with the attachment brackets. Wedge members are affixed to the mounting arms and the attachment brackets to cam the mounting arms to effect alignment between the threaded members and the corresponding openings.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved adjustable stabilizer wheel which can be easily attached to a weed trimmer to reduce the weight of the trimming device while one is operating the trimmer or detached from the weed trimmer for storage.

Abstract: A mulching attachment is provided which is adapted to be detachably secured in place within the cavity defined by the deck of a lawn mower in spaced relation to the mower discharge chute opening, so as to permit air flow thereby and to enable virtually unhampered bagging of the leaves picked up by the mower. The mulching attachment comprises a mulching plate which is disposed above the plane of the path of travel of the mower cutting blade, with a portion of the lower edge of the mulching plate being disposed closely adjacent to the upper surface of the cutting blade during rotation of the cutting blade so as to provide a shearing or scissoring cutting action in the area of the lower edge portion. The radial outermost portion of the lower edge of the mulching plate is shaped so as to permit air flow thereby. In one embodiment, a pair of plates are used to form the mulching plate so as to enable the size of the mulching attachment to be adjusted to accommodate mowers of different types and sizes.

Abstract: The lifter apparatus of variable geometry, for harvesting crops which are leaning over which is adaptable to the cutter bars of harvesting machines and can assume a position of repose or a working position. The lifter includes a lifter element (1) capable of assuming various positions, two rocker bars (5, 6), connecting devices between the lifter element (1) and a support element (9), and a system for return (12) of the element (9). The lifter element (1) includes a slot (2), in which a swivel shaft (3) of one of the rocker bars (5) can slide. In the position of repose, the shaft (3) is located at one end of the slot (2), and in the working position, the shaft (3) is located toward the other end of the slot (2). The lifter is intended to remain permanently on the machine (position of repose) or to work (working position) under difficult conditions, and to slide under a very flattened or leaning crops and lift the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adapter for converting a conventional apparatus used for cutting and trimming vegetation into a device for propelling a boat. The adapter includes a screw propeller mounted to a centrifugal clutch which is driven by the motor of the apparatus for cutting and trimming vegetation.

Abstract: The invention provides accessories for use with a rotary lawn mower in which the conventional bar having oppositely facing cutting edges is replaced with an accessory bar to which a variety of grass grooming accessories can be easily attached. The accessory bar can accommodate replaceable grass cutting elements, grass mulching elements and lawn power raking elements. The elements can be replaced without removing the accessory bar from the mower and are balanced to reduce vibration. Two of the accessories have cutting edges which are factory sharpened on relatively low cost elements, and thus can be discarded when blunt and replaced with new, low cost factory sharpened elements, thus maintaining balance. The rake accessory has a variation which permits a fine adjustment of vertical height of the rake above the lawn, to accommodate lawn mowers having coarse or no height adjustment.

Abstract: Quick attachment of crop handling headers to harvesters employs one or more wedge locks, utilizing the mechanical forces thereof to, in turn, tightly and firmly wedge an elongated tongue portion of the header into mating relationship with a header-supporting channel member on the harvester. For fast and easy attachment and release, reciprocable wedge-like latches are jammed into corresponding keepers with progressively increased tightness through use of reciprocable latch shifters readily accessible to the operator at ground level exteriorly of the ends of the header support. An exceptionally strong joint is effected as the latches and their keepers jam the tongue into the channel member.