Abstract:
A grounds maintenance vehicle including a chassis, a support platform, at least one hand control, a suspension system, a load sensor, and a controller. The chassis includes a front end, a rear end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The support platform extends along the longitudinal axis. The at least one hand control is carried by the support platform and configured to control at least one of propulsion and steering of the vehicle. The suspension system includes a first suspension apparatus operatively acting between the chassis and the support platform and an actuator configured to adjust a preload applied to the one or more springs. The load sensor is configured to measure a weight applied to the support platform. The controller is operatively coupled to the actuator and configured to adjust the actuator to modify the preload based on the weight measured by the load sensor.
Abstract:
An outdoor power equipment includes a frame, a cutting deck supported by the frame, a first ground-engaging element coupled to a first portion of the frame, a second ground-engaging element coupled to a second portion of the frame, a suspension system having a first end coupled to the frame and a second end opposite the first end, and an operator platform movable with the suspension system with respect to the frame. The operator platform includes a seat coupled to the second end of the suspension system and a footrest pivotably coupled to the second end of the suspension system.
Abstract:
A riding mower includes a seat for a user to sit on, a main frame configured to support the seat, a power output assembly configured to mow vegetation, a traveling assembly configured to enable the riding mower to travel, an operating assembly configured to be operated by the user, a control module configured to control the riding mower, and a power supply apparatus configured to supply power to the riding mower. At least a portion of the control module is disposed on the lower side of the seat, and the control module comprises a drive control board for controlling the power output assembly and the traveling assembly, a fuse, and a power supply management module.
Abstract:
A foldable creeper is disclosed that has a rolling mechanism coupled to connectors that couple a seat support and back support. A locking mechanism may be provided that retains the creeper in an open position.
Abstract:
An apparatus in combination with or attachable to a self-propelled vehicle such as a lawn mower for transporting the operator therebehind. The apparatus includes a first arm pivotally connected to the lawn mower, a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm and a support platform pivotally connected to the second arm. The apparatus is spring loaded for biasing the first and second arms and the support platform in a retracted storage position during which the operator can walk behind the lawn mower. The apparatus is selectively extendable to an in use ride behind position during which the operator may stand on the support platform and ride behind the self-propelled lawn mower. The support platform includes a sliding plate for sliding on the ground and reducing frictional forces when the operator is standing on the support platform.
Abstract:
A harvest machine comprises a chassis (10) having wheels (15) attached to its sides. A vertical frame (11) is attached near the rear of the chassis. Slings (18) and a harness or body support (40) hang from the vertical frame to suspend workers (20) in prone positions over low plants (21). The slings allow the workers to easily move about to reach plants around them without bending, kneeling, or any posture that creates back strain. A packing box (19) placed adjacent the workers collect the produce. Alternatively, a conveyor belt (36) may be used to automatically carry produce from the workers into a large packing box (35). The distal end of an arm (14), which extends from the front of the chassis, is connected to the tow bar (23) of a towing vehicle. Alternatively, a motor (30) may be fitted to a nose wheel (33) at the front the chassis to provide self-propulsion. A "boat" (31) at the distal end of an arm (32) attached to the nose wheel rides in a furrow to guide the harvest machine.
Abstract:
A personnel carrier particularly suited for use in agricultural weed spraying is designed to be pulled behind a tractor having a standard three-point hitch. The carrier has two wings that extend laterally and forwardly from the attachment point behind the tractor at an angle of approximately 45.degree.. Platforms are provided on each wing for personnel to spray weeds from and wheels are located at the outer end of the wings to aid in support and balance of the device. A pair of skids whose lateral spacing corresponds to that between the front wheels of the tractor is located at the rear of the device and serves to support a large portion of the weight of the device in conjunction with the three-point hitch.
Abstract:
A footrest for an outdoor power equipment having a frame that supports a seat. The footrest includes a first footrest portion supported relative to the frame and defines a first support surface. The footrest also includes a second footrest portion defining a second support surface. The second footrest portion is movably coupled to the first footrest portion. The footrest also includes an adjustment mechanism positioned between the first and second footrest portions to adjust a position of the second footrest portion between a first position where the second footrest portion is closest to the seat, a second position where the second footrest portion is farthest from the seat, and infinitely between the first and second positions.
Abstract:
Suspension systems and grounds maintenance vehicles incorporating the same are disclosed. The suspension system may include biasing elements or springs that may be adjusted to vary the preload and thus change the spring and dampening characteristics of the suspension system. In some embodiments, the system may include an adjustment mechanism that permits simultaneous adjustment of two springs via a single action. In other embodiments, features adapted to assist an operator with mounting/dismounting the vehicle are disclosed.