Patent ID: 6698173
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
A vegetation maintenance device comprising:a) a housing unit; b) an engine connected with the housing unit; c) a member powered by the engine, the member effecting maintenance of vegetation; d) a handlebar extending from the housing unit so as to allow an operator to grasp the device, the handlebar being adjustable to a plurality of positions including at least an operating position and a non-operating position, movement of the handlebar towards the rear of the housing unit defines an operating position in which the engine and the member powered thereby are operational and movement of the handlebar towards the front defines the non-operating position in which the engine and the member powered thereby are not operational; e) an actuator for controlling operation of the engine and the member powered thereby; f) a locking mechanism for retaining the handlebar in a predetermined position when the actuator permits operation of the engine and the member powered thereby; and g) wheels to engage the ground and a braking mechanism connected with the handlebar to contact the wheels to restrict movement thereof when the handlebar is in its non-operating position.