Abstract:
A walk-behind working tool having a frame, a power source, and a handle attached to the frame is provided. The working tool includes at least one axle operatively connected to the frame and a pair of wheel assemblies connected to the axle. The wheel assemblies include a hub, a rim, a tire, and a flexible vibration dampening assembly that operatively connects the hub and rim, wherein the dampening assembly is configured to reduce the vibration transferred between the rim and hub and through the handle to the operator. The dampening assembly includes a plurality of elastic elements having a spring constant for smoothing out movement of the frame when the working tool is guided over rough or uneven ground.
Abstract:
A replaceable mower blade for attachment to a mounting member operatively connected to a mower is provided. The blade includes a central portion having opposing side edges, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The blade also includes a tip portion extending from the central portion. The central portion includes at least one attachment mechanism for operatively connecting the blade to the mounting member.
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 Zero Turn Radius vehicle is provided that utilizes a steering system including front steerable wheels (6, 6a) that is synchronized with a drive system that has dual independent rear drive units (24, 25) to drive the rear wheels (7, 7a) as well as steer the vehicle. The synchronization of the steering system with the drive system allows for true zero radius turning and reduced drag and wear on the vehicle especially the ground engaging wheels (6, 6a, 7, 7a).
Abstract:
A lawn maintenance device has a transverse center line, a frame, and a power source including an output shaft attached to the frame. The lawn maintenance device further includes a rotating cutting blade. A left side is located on one side of the transverse center line and a right side located on a second side of the transverse center line. A plurality of ground engaging members are attached to the frame enabling movement of the lawn maintenance device along an associated driven surface. The ground engaging members on the left side are located at a first distance from the transverse center line that is different from a second distance that those on the right side are located from the transverse center line. Another example includes ground engaging members on opposite sides of the lawn maintenance device being located at different distances from a central axis of the cutting blade.
Abstract:
A high-efficiency blade for a lawn maintenance tool includes a central axis and a mounting portion located on the central axis. The high-efficiency blade includes a cutting blade and a cutting blade sharpened leading edge. A cleaning blade is vertically offset from the cutting blade and is configured to mulch the associated clippings from vegetation and reduce an associated accumulation of clippings on an underside of an associated mower deck. The lawn maintenance tool can also include a deck having a separation distance between the cleaning blade and an underside of the deck. The deck can include an elevation change to vary the separation distance. The deck and high-efficiency blade can also include a forward or rearward tilt.
Abstract:
A low-energy blade system (12) having a quick-change attachment for a lawn maintenance tool (10) is provided. The low-energy blade system (12) requires a reduced amount of energy to rotate the blade system. The blade system includes a shell (30), a mounting plate (32) attached to the shell, a plurality of quick-attach mechanisms (36), and a separate cutting blade (34) attachable to each of the quick-attach mechanisms (36). Each quick-attach mechanism (36) allows a cutting blade (34) to be attached to the mounting plate (32) without the need for external tools, such as screwdriver, wrench, ratchet, or the like.
Abstract:
A non-pneumatic tire assembly includes a non-pneumatic tire. The non-pneumatic tire includes an inner circumferential ring and an outer circumferential ring defining an annular space and a cylindrical space inside the inner circumferential ring. A plurality of partitions connect the circumferential rings within the annular space. A ground-contacting tread is located on the outer circumferential ring. A rim, including a plurality of pieces, is located within the cylindrical space. The non-pneumatic tire assembly further includes a hub that is removably connected to the rim.
Abstract:
A drive sprocket for driving a track of a utility track vehicle is provided. The drive sprocket includes a pair of spaced-apart inner rings having a spacer fixedly attached between the inner rings. An adapter is attached to an outwardly-directed surface of one of the inner rings. A plurality of rods are attached in a spaced-apart manner about the outer peripheral edge of the inner rings. A guide ring is attached to each end of the rods in a perpendicular manner, wherein the guide rings are substantially parallel to the inner rings.
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.