Abstract:
Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability. Systems include steering and speed coordination systems that control the direction and speed of rotation of vehicle drive units.
Abstract:
In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.
Abstract:
Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability. Systems include steering and speed coordination systems that control the direction and speed of rotation of vehicle drive units.
Abstract:
A bag-full indicator mechanism is provided for use on a mower that has a mower deck with cutting blades, a bag for collecting cut vegetation, and a chute communicating the mower deck with the bag. The bag-full indicator mechanism includes a vacuum actuator, vacuum means for providing a vacuum to the vacuum actuator, and sensing means for sensing that the bag is full. Preferably the vacuum means is the intake manifold of the mower engine. The bag-full indicator mechanism also includes activating means for activating the vacuum actuator and includes a switching means and a pivotable lever. Finally, indicating means is used for indicating that the bag is full and preferably includes a shutoff means for stopping the rotation of the cutting blades.
Abstract:
A riding mower is provided with a first frame element pivotably connected near a forward end to a second frame element and connected at a rearward end to the second frame element by spring means. The connecting members provide a suspension system for the mower in order to decouple the vertical movement of the first frame element from the second frame element and thereby soften the ride. A pivot bar located near the forward end of the first frame element is pivotably received at its ends near opposite side walls of the second frame element. The suspension system includes two springs which operate in the vertical gap between first and second frame elements at the rear of the apparatus.
Abstract:
A replaceable mower blade assembly for attaching to a rotatable spindle, motor, or engine crankshaft is provided. The blade assembly includes a mounting member having a plurality of ends extending from a central bore that is configured to receive the spindle, motor, or engine crankshaft. Each end includes an indexing aperture and a plurality of caps. A locking mechanism is operatively connected to the mounting member, and each arm of the locking mechanism includes a pin. A cutting blade is removably attachable to each end of the mounting member and the cutting blade includes an indexing aperture and a plurality of keyhole apertures. Each pin of the locking mechanism is insertable and engageable with an indexing aperture of both the mounting member and the cutting blade for positively securing each cutting blade.
Abstract:
In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.
Abstract:
A rear discharge mower includes a frame, a drive wheel having a drive axle and a mower deck supported by the frame. The mower also includes a discharge chute used in transporting cut vegetation from the mower deck to a grass bag. A drive system includes a transmission and is used in driving the drive wheel. The transmission is positioned in line with the drive axle. The inventive arrangement of this rear discharge mower provides for a direct chute having a large cross-sectional area and yet including transmission that is in line.