Patent ID: 7331167
Filing Date: 2008-02-19
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
1. An improved riding mower of the type comprising a frame that is self propelled by a traction drive system capable of providing a variable ground speed, a cutting unit for mowing grass which cutting unit is coupled to the frame, the traction drive system including an accelerator that is selectively movable by the operator of the riding mower to control a forward ground speed of the riding mower, the accelerator having a path of travel between a neutral position in which the forward ground speed of the riding mower is zero and a position of maximum advancement in which the forward ground speed of the riding mower is at an absolute maximum forward ground speed, wherein the improvement relates to an interlock system which comprises: (a) an accelerator stop movably carried on the frame of the riding mower and movable between an operating position in which the accelerator stop is interposed into the path of travel of the accelerator and a non-operating position in which the accelerator stop is clear of the path of travel of the accelerator, the accelerator stop in the operating position being located to limit advancement of the accelerator to something short of the maximum advancement position to limit the forward ground speed of the riding mower to a mowing speed that is above zero but less than the absolute maximum forward ground speed; and (b) a switch adjacent the accelerator stop with the switch being responsive to and changing state as a result of the movement of the accelerator stop as the accelerator stop moves between the operating and non-operating positions of the accelerator stop, wherein the switch has an operating state when the accelerator stop is in the operating position and a non-operating state when the accelerator stop is in the non-operating position, the switch enabling operation of the cutting unit when the switch is in the operating state and disabling operation of the cutting unit when the switch is in the non-operating state.