Patent ID: 6497086
Filing Date: 2002-12-24
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
A rotary cutting deck for a mower, which comprises:(a) a cutting deck having at least one rotary cutting element rotating about a substantially vertical axis in a substantially horizontal cutting plane when the cutting deck and rotary cutting element are in operation, the cutting deck when coupled to the mower having two corners that are closest to the mower and two corners that are furthest from the mower; (b) a plurality of spaced support wheels carried adjacent at least the two corners of the cutting deck that are furthest from the mower; and (c) a corner suspension connected to at least one of the two corners of the deck that are closest to the mower, wherein the corner suspension comprises at least one upwardly biased connecting link attached to the at least one corner of the cutting deck, the bias on the connecting link being sufficient to elevate the at least one corner of the cutting deck above the ground without using a support wheel adjacent the at least one corner, wherein the connecting link extends substantially vertically and has a lower end and an upper end, wherein the lower end of the connecting link is connected to the cutting deck, wherein the upper end of the connecting link is connected to a spring, and wherein the spring acts between the connecting link and a support arm extending between the mower and the cutting deck, the support arm being pivotally connected at opposite ends to the mower and to the cutting deck.