초록 ▼

Control method and apparatus for a lawn mower or a lawn and garden tractor that includes a programmable controller for monitoring a mower/tractor status. The controller includes an interface for monitoring inputs relating to a status of the mower/tractor and controlling outputs that regulate operati

Control method and apparatus for a lawn mower or a lawn and garden tractor that includes a programmable controller for monitoring a mower/tractor status. The controller includes an interface for monitoring inputs relating to a status of the mower/tractor and controlling outputs that regulate operation of the mower/tractor. The controller also includes a memory for storing instructions to implement a control over operation of the mower/tractor. The instructions include instructions for determining a safety status condition based on sensed inputs and outputting a signal from the interface of the controller that inhibits operation of a lawn mower/tractor motor or engine in response to a determination of the safety status condition.

대표청구항 ▼

Control method and apparatus for a lawn mower or a lawn and garden tractor that includes a programmable controller for monitoring a mower/tractor status. The controller includes an interface for monitoring inputs relating to a status of the mower/tractor and controlling outputs that regulate operati

Control method and apparatus for a lawn mower or a lawn and garden tractor that includes a programmable controller for monitoring a mower/tractor status. The controller includes an interface for monitoring inputs relating to a status of the mower/tractor and controlling outputs that regulate operation of the mower/tractor. The controller also includes a memory for storing instructions to implement a control over operation of the mower/tractor. The instructions include instructions for determining a safety status condition based on sensed inputs and outputting a signal from the interface of the controller that inhibits operation of a lawn mower/tractor motor or engine in response to a determination of the safety status condition. eft vertical frames, each frame including a traction drive motor operably connected to a drive wheel for driving the self-propelled mowing machine, each frame further including at least one hydraulic cylinder; an elongated platform having right and left sides, the right and left sides being operably connected to the right and left vertical frames respectively via the at least one hydraulic cylinders, wherein the horizontal platform may move upwardly with respect to the vertical frames upon actuation of the hydraulic cylinders; the elongated horizontal platform including; a plurality of mower decks arranged in a predetermined manner, wherein each mower deck includes a hydraulic motor, each hydraulic motor being operatively connected to a mower blade for driving the mower blade; a prime mover, the prime mover driving a plurality of hydraulic pumps; wherein at least one of the hydraulic pumps is connected in K fluid circuit with the hydraulic motors for driving the mower blades; wherein at least one of the hydraulic pumps is connected in fluid circuit with the traction motors for driving the motors; wherein at least one of the hydraulic pumps is connected in fluid circuit with the hydraulic cylinders for operating the hydraulic cylinders; and control means for driving the self-propelled mower, for controlling the height of the horizontal platform, and for engaging the motors for driving the mower blades. 12. The self propelled mowing machine of claim 11, wherein the mower decks are arranged in a first row and a second row, wherein the second row is arrayed behind the first row and the decks of the second row are horizontally offset from the decks of the first row. 13. The self propelled mowing machine of claim 12, wherein each mower deck further comprises a housing, and wherein the hydraulic motor of each mower deck is operatively connected to the control means. 14. The ganged mowing machine of claim 13, wherein the hydraulic motors of the first row of mower decks are series connected in a first hydraulic circuit, wherein the first hydraulic circuit includes a first hydraulic pump driven by the prime mover, and wherein the hydraulic motors of the second row of mower decks are series connected in a second hydraulic circuit, wherein the second circuit includes a second hydraulic pump driven by the prime mover. 15. The ganged mowing machine of claim 14, wherein the first hydraulic circuit includes a solenoid valve in the fluid line between the first pump and the first row of series connected motors, the solenoid valve being switchable between a supply line to the hydraulic motors and a drain line, and wherein the second hydraulic circuit includes a solenoid valve in the fluid line between the second pump and the second row of series connected motors, the solenoid valve being switchable between a supply line to the hydraulic motors and a drain line. 16. The ganged mowing machine of claim 15, wherein each solenoid valve is operably connected to a driver operated foot pedal, wherein the mower decks operate only when the foot pedal is depressed. 17. The ganged mowing machine of claim 16, wherein the first and second hydraulic circuits each further include a pressure relief valve located in their respective fluid paths between their respective pumps and respective solenoid valves. 18. The ganged mowing machine of claim 17, wherein the plurality of hydraulic pumps are connected in series, and wherein the first and second hydraulic circuits each include a pressure relief valve located in the fluid path between a first and a second pump of the series connected pumps in each fluid circuit. 19. The ganged mowing machine of claim 14, wherein the first and second hydraulic circuits further include a fluid circulation loop with a one way check valve, wherein the circulation loop prevents the series connected pumps from running dry of fluid after fluid shutoff. 20. The ganged mowing machine of claim 11, wherein the at least one hydrau lic cylinder interconnected between each frame and the mower platform, are each driven by one of the pumps driven by the prime mover, the pump being connected to a control valve, the control valve distributing pressurized fluid to each hydraulic cylinder, the valve being operable by a driver, wherein the driver may raise and lower the mower platform by adjusting the valve. 21. The ganged mowing machine of claim 11, wherein each traction motor is independently driven by a separate pump, each pump being independently controllable. 22. A self propelled mowing machine for the trimming of nursery products comprising: right and left vertical frames; a mower platform having a right end and a left end, wherein the right and left frames are slidably connected to the right end and the left end, respectively, of the mower platform, the platform being vertically adjustable with respect to the ground, and wherein the platform further comprises vertically movable therewith a plurality of mower decks for trimming the plurality of nursery products extending in a horizontal plane for trimming a plurality of nursery products and control means for control of the self-propelled mowing machine, and means for vertically adjusting the platform; and at least one hydraulic ground drive motor attached to each frame, and operably connected to a drive wheel and to the control means for providing ground drive of the mowing machine. 23. A self propelled mowing machine for the trimming of nursery products comprising: right and left vertical frames; and a mower platform attached between the vertical frames, the mower platform being vertically adjustable with respect to the ground and including a plurality of mower decks mounted for vertical movement with the platform and extending in a horizontal plane for trimming a plurality of nursery products, wherein each frame includes a traction drive motor operably connected to a drive wheel for driving the self-propelled mowing machine and at least one hydraulic cylinder for vertically adjusting the platform with respect to the ground. 24. A self propelled mowing machine for the trimming of nursery products comprising: right and left vertical frames; a mower platform attached between the vertical frames, the mower platform being vertically adjustable with respect to the ground and including a plurality of mower decks mounted for vertical movement with the platform and extending in a horizontal plane for trimming a plurality of nursery products; and a seat mounted on the platform for receiving a mowing machine operator. 25. A self propelled mowing machine for the trimming of nursery products comprising: right and left vertical frames; a mower platform having a right end and a left end, wherein the right and left frames are slidably connected to the right end and the left end, respectively, of the mower platform, the platform being vertically adjustable with respect to the ground, and wherein the platform further comprises vertically movable therewith a plurality of mower decks for trimming the plurality of nursery products extending in a horizontal plane for trimming a plurality of nursery products and control means for control of the self-propelled mowing machine, and means for vertically adjusting the platform; and a seat mounted on the platform for receiving a mowing machine operator. 26. A self propelled mowing machine for the trimming of nursery products comprising: right and left vertical frames; a mower platform attached to the vertical frames, the mower platform being vertically adjustable with respect to the ground and including at least one mower deck mounted for vertical movement with the platform and extending in a horizontal plane for trimming a plurality of nursery products; and a seat for receiving a mowing machine operator mounted on the platform. 27. A self propelled mowing machine for trimming the tops of multiple rows of nursery plants on a support surface, compris ing: a left frame for extending up from the support surface and supported on the support surface by, spaced apart, a front wheel and a rear wheel at, respectively, a front portion and a rear portion of the machine; a right frame for extending up from the support surface and support on the support surface by, spaced apart, a front wheel and a rear wheel at, respectively the front portion and the rear portion of the machine; a mower platform supported between the left and right frames; an operator station for an operator of the machine carried on the platform for movement up and down with the platform; the mower platform being adjustable up and down with respect to the support surface; and a plurality of mower decks mounted on the platform for movement up and down with the platform, the plurality of mower decks being spaced apart in the direction of the left and right frames so that as the machine moves in the direction of the front portion the mower decks pass over and trim the top of the multiple rows of nursery plants. 28. The self propelled mowing machine of claim 27, comprising controls adjacent the operator station for control of the up and down movement of the platform. 29. The self propelled mowing machine of claim 28, wherein the operator station comprises a seat for the operator. 30. The self propelled mowing machine of claim 27, comprising at least one collection bag for collecting the trimmings from the mower decks. 31. The self propelled mowing machine of claim 30, wherein there is a separate collection bag for each mower deck. 32. The self propelled mowing machine of claim 27, comprising a motor for driving at least one of the wheel supporting each of the frames. 33. The self propelled mowing machine of claim 32, wherein the motor is mounted on the platform. 34. The self propelled mower of claim 27, comprising a motor for driving the mower decks. 35. The self propelled mower of claim 34, wherein the motor is mounted on the platform. 36. The self propelled mowing machine of claim 27, comprising a motor mounted on the platform for driving at least one of the wheels on each of the frames and for driving the mowers decks. 37. The self propelled mowing machine of claim 36, wherein the at least one motor is a hydraulic motor. 38. The self propelled mowing machine of claim 27, wherein the platform is located in between the wheels at the front and rear of the machine and between the left and right frames. 39. A self propelled mowing machine for trimming the tops of multiple rows of nursery plants on a support surface, comprising: a left frame for extending up from the support surface and supported on the support surface by, spaced apart, a front wheel and a rear wheel at, respectively, a front portion and a rear portion of the machine; a right frame vertically extending from the support surface by, spaced apart, a front wheel and a rear wheel at, respectively, the front portion and the rear portion of the machine; a mower platform supported between the left and right frames, the mower platform being adjustable up and down with respect to the support surface; an operator station for an operator of the machine carried on the platform for movement up and down with the platform; and at least one mower mounted on the platform for movement up and down with the platform, the at least one mower forming an elongated cutting plane in a direction between the left and right frames as the machine moves in the direction of the front portion of the machine, to thereby trim the top of a plurality of the nursery plants. 40. The self propelled mowing machine of claim 39, comprising on the platform controls for the operator for control of the up and down movement of the platform. 41. The self propelled mowing machine of claim 39, comprising on the platform controls for the operator for control of movement of the self propelled mowing machine along the support surface. ble, vertically adjustable, hydraulicly driven, ganged mowing machine for trimming nursery products. The machine generally includes a horizontal platform that supports a staggered array of mower decks. Each mower deck is driven by a hydraulic motor operatively connected to a mower blade for trimming the nursery products. The platform is slideably connected to right and left vertically stationary frames such that the platform is vertically adjustable with respect to the ground, via a hydraulic cylinder interconnecting the platform and each frame. Each vertical frame includes an independently controllable hydraulically driven traction drive motor operably connected to a drive wheel for propelling the machine. The mowing machine also includes a prime mover. The prime mover drives a number of hydraulic pumps. At least one of the hydraulic pumps drives the hydraulic motors which drive the mower blades. At least one pump drives the traction motors mounted on the vertical frames, and at least one pump drives the hydraulic cylinders for vertically adjusting the platform. The mowing machine also includes a seat for a driver, and controls for operating the gas engine, traction motors, and for engaging the mowers. The mowing machine is self-braking.