Patent ID: 6272818
Filing Date: 2001-08-14
Classification: A01D,G01F

Abstract:
A fill indicator mechanism on a mower vehicle having a mower deck within which grass is cut, a chute through which grass clippings are directed from the mower deck, and a container into which the clippings from the chute are directed, said fill indicator mechanism further comprising:a lever member positionable within said container, said lever being pivotable downwardly in response to contact with grass clippings accumulating within said container,a switch to which the lever member is operatively coupled, said switch being actuatable as the lever member pivots in response to contact with grass clippings within said container to thereby indicate to an operator that the container is approaching a filled condition, andat least a portion of said lever member contacts clippings within the container said portion being downwardly curved and having a relatively thin wide portion which contacts clippings within the container proximate the outer end of the lever and a narrow portion which also contacts clippings within the container positioned between the wide portion and the axis of pivot of the lever, said wide and narrow portions being swingably adjustable by an operator to a plurality of positions to alter an amount of downward force from clippings required to pivot the lever member.