Patent ID: 7467677
Filing Date: 2008-12-23
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
1. A mechanism for controlling the movement of a zero turning radius power mower, wherein said zero turning radius power mower comprises a mower deck powered by at least one pair of drive wheels, the mechanism comprising: a) a control arm movable in a forward direction and a rearward direction, and pivotable in a clockwise direction and in a counterclockwise direction; b) a first-hydraulic pump operably connected to a first drive wheel; c) a first control linkage connecting said control arm to said first hydraulic pump, wherein said first control linkage causes said first hydraulic pump to power said first drive wheel forward when said control arm is moved in a forward direction, and wherein said first control linkage causes said first hydraulic pump to power said first drive wheel forward when said control arm is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction, and wherein said first control linkage causes said first hydraulic pump to power said first drive wheel rearward when said control arm is moved in a rearward direction, and wherein said first control linkage causes said first hydraulic pump to power said first drive wheel rearward when said control arm is pivoted in a clockwise direction; d) a second hydraulic pump operably connected to said second drive wheel; e) a second control linkage connecting said control arm to said second hydraulic pump wherein said second control linkage causes said second hydraulic pump to power said second drive wheel forward when said control arm is moved in a forward direction, and wherein said second control linkage causes said second hydraulic pump to power said second drive wheel forward when said control arm is pivoted in a clockwise direction, and wherein said second control linkage causes said second hydraulic pump to power said second drive wheel rearward when said control arm is moved in a rearward direction, and wherein said second control linkage causes said second hydraulic pump to power said second drive wheel rearward when said control arm is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction; and f) a control arm linkage block to connect said control arm to said first control linkage and to said second control linkage at a proper height, wherein a said mechanism further includes a trim speed control mechanism mounted horizontally above said control arm handle.