초록 ▼

A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear

A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop "wheelies" upon acceleration.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A zero turning radius power mower for operation by a standing occupant, comprising:an engine;at least one cutting member powered by said engine;first and second rear drive wheels each independently driveable in both forward and reverse directions so as to allow for substantially ze

[ We claim:] [1.] A zero turning radius power mower for operation by a standing occupant, comprising:an engine;at least one cutting member powered by said engine;first and second rear drive wheels each independently driveable in both forward and reverse directions so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower when said first and second rear drive wheels are driven in a predetermined manner;a pivoting riding foot platform surface for supporting feet of the standing occupant, said pivoting riding foot platform surface located vertically below and substantially adjacent an axis of at least one of said first and second rear drive wheels; anda deadman switch operatively associated with said pivoting foot platform surface, said deadman switch including means for causing said cutting member to stop rotating when the standing occupant steps off of said foot platform surface; and further comprising a handle assembly including:a) a rigid non-pivoting handle bar member;b) first right-hand and first left-hand pivoting handle members, each located on one side of said handle bar member and oriented substantially parallel thereto;c) second right-hand and second left-hand pivoting handle members, each located on the other side of said rigid handle bar member and oriented substantially parallel thereto, so that said rigid handle bar member is disposed between (i) said first right and left-hand handle members and (ii) said second right and left-hand handle member; andd) wherein said first right and left-hand handle members each pivot in a first direction in order to cause the mower to move forward and said second right and left-hand handle members each pivot in a different second direction in order to cause the mower to move in a reverse direction.