Abstract:
A riding yard maintenance vehicle may include a positioning module. The positioning module may include processing circuitry configured to receive information indicative of vehicle position of the riding yard maintenance vehicle, receive an indication of a triggering event that indicates a presence of an obstacle proximate to the riding yard maintenance vehicle, and cause recordation of an obstacle identifier in association with the vehicle position responsive to receipt of the indication.
Abstract:
A start fault indicator system for outdoor power equipment may include an illuminating element and circuitry to perform start condition checks to determine if a start fault has occurred. The illuminating element may be configured to illuminate a first predetermined color in response to detection of a start fault occurring, and illuminate a second predetermined color in response to determining that no start fault is outstanding, where the first and second predetermined colors are different colors.
Abstract:
A riding lawn care vehicle may include a hood and an indicator system mounted to a portion of the hood, the indicator system may include an illuminating element and/or a display screen and be configured to present an alert to an operator of the riding lawn care vehicle.
Abstract:
An engine control, communication and starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller (32) and a one or more safety interlocks (40), e.g. for brakes, seat occupancy, etc. The controller monitors the status of the safety interlocks to determine whether the internal combustion engine can be started upon activation of a starting device (37). If the starting device (37) is activated and one or more of the safety interlocks is in a condition that prevents operation of the engine, the controller generates a feedback message to the operator through a feedback system (36). The feedback message can be either an audible or visual message that relays information to the operator. The feedback message details what safety interlock prevented starting the engine. During engine operation, the controller terminates operation of the engine if any of the safety interlocks move to an un-allowed status. The system further includes a speed selection circuit that allows the operator to select the desired engine speed. The controller operates the internal combustion engine at the selected engine speed.
Abstract:
A mower (100) using an inventive speed control mechanism (40) is provided. The mower (100) includes a frame (20) having a first portion (12) with a first hole (42) and a second portion (16) with a second hole (44), an engine (22) operatively mounted to the frame (20), and a plurality of wheels (24) operatively mounted to the frame (20) including a drive wheel (24) for use in providing locomotion for the mower (100). The mower (100) also has a mower deck (26) operatively mounted to the frame (20) for use in selectively cutting associated vegetation and drive means (28) such as transmission operatively mounted to the frame (20) for use in transferring power from the engine (22) to the drive wheel (24). The speed control mechanism (40) is used to control the transmission. The speed control mechanism (40) includes a first operator control device (34), a first member (30) and securing means (66) for use in selectively securing the first member (30) in place with respect to the transmission. The first member (30) has a first end (62) operatively connected to the transmission and a second end (64) operatively connected to the first operator control device (34). The first member (30) is operatively received within the first and second holes (42, 44) of the frame (20). The securing means (66) includes a disc (50) that receives the first member (30). The disc (50) is selectively adjustable into two primary positions with respect to the first member (30) - a neutral position and an interference position.
Abstract:
An axle driving system which houses in a housing (1, 2) thereof a hydrostatic transmission, axles (7), and a driving gear train for connecting otput means of the hydraulic transmission and axles, so as to transmit power from a driving source to the hydrostatic transmission and to change the speed, thereby driving the axles. A first chamber (R1) therein contains the hydrostatic transmission and a second chamber (R2) therein contains the driving gear train. Both the first and second chambers are independent of each other so as to prevent a foreign object, such as iron powder produced in the driving gear train, from entering the hydrostatic transmission. The system includes an L-like-shaped center section (5) on which the hydrostatic transmission is offset such that an imaginary plane which includes a motor mounting surface passes in proximity to the axis of a pump shaft (3). The pump shaft (3) is disposed perpendicular to the axles. The motor shaft (4) is disposed in parallel thereto. A hydraulic pump is positioned between the hydraulic motor and the axles, so that the housing for the hydrostatic transmission, axles and driving gear train, is smaller in width to thereby make the system more compact.
Abstract:
A riding lawn care vehicle (10) may include a power unit (20), a working element (30) configured to perform a work function, a working element driver (40) providing operable coupling between the power unit and the working element to drive the working element based on operation of the power unit, and an external charger (100) operably coupled to the working element driver to charge one or more external batteries of a device other than the riding lawn care vehicle.
Abstract:
A center section/motor sub-assembly for use in a hydrostatic transmission includes a center section having a pump running face for interfacing with a pump, and a motor running face for interfacing with a motor. The center section and the motor are configured for the hydraulic separating forces of the motor to be reacted only into the center section. The center section has two internal passages between pump kidney ports and motor kidney port, and the motor kidney ports are raised in elevation relative to the pump kidney ports. The internal passages run parallel to each other as they rise in elevation. A hydrostatic transmission includes the sub-assembly enclosed by a housing, in combination with a pump and output shaft assembly. For installation, the output shaft assembly is configured as a separate component from the sub-assembly of the center section and the motor.
Abstract:
A battery powered vehicle may include a battery power source, an electric drive motor, a charging receptacle, and a drive controller. The electric drive motor may be powered by the battery power source. The electric drive motor may be operably coupled to a wheel of the battery powered vehicle to provide drive power for the battery powered 5 vehicle. The charging receptacle may be configured to enable charging of the battery power source via a battery charging assembly connectable to the charging receptacle. The charging receptacle may include circuitry forming a detection loop closed responsive to operable coupling of the charging receptacle with a charger plug of the battery charging assembly. The closing of the detection loop may generate an indication that the charging 10 receptacle is operably coupled to the charger plug. The drive controller may include processing circuitry configured to implement a mobility restriction at least with respect to operation of the electric drive motor responsive to the indication.
Abstract:
A riding lawn mower may include a first frame portion, a second frame portion, an articulated joint and a battery system. The articulated joint may couple the first frame portion to the second frame portion. The battery system may include a first battery and a second battery. The first and second batteries may be electrically connected in series and collectively coupled to a load. The first battery may be mounted to the first frame portion and the second battery may be mounted to the second frame portion.