Patent ID: 8528915
Filing Date: 2013-09-10
Classification: B62B,B62D

Abstract:
1. A method of supporting a rider behind a self-propelled mower, the method comprising: mounting, via a pivot mechanism, at least one support arm of a platform relative to a rear portion of the self-propelled mower to enable positioning the platform in a generally upright storage position to operate the mower in a walk-behind mode or positioning the platform in a generally horizontal position to operate the mower in a ride-on mode in which a user stands on the platform behind the mower; providing the walk-behind mode of operation of the mower via releasably maintaining the platform in a generally upright position adjacent to, and relative to, the rear portion of the mower via a hands-free releasable engagement of a position-maintaining mechanism relative to the rear portion of the mower, and including arranging the position-maintaining mechanism to be located on at least one of the rear portion of the mower and the at least one support arm; and providing the ride-on mode of operation of the mower, when the position-maintaining mechanism is disengaged, via preventing downward pivotal movement of the platform beyond a generally horizontal position by releasably supporting the platform relative to the rear portion of the mower frame, and including arranging a location of the releasable support of the platform to be spaced apart from, and independent of, the pivot mechanism; and switching between the walk-behind mode and the ride-on mode via selectively pivotally moving the platform, via a single-handed manipulation of an outer end of the platform, between the releasably securable generally upright position and the generally horizontal position.