Patent ID: 7451586
Filing Date: 2008-11-18
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
1. A mower for cutting grass, which comprises: (a) a traction unit having a prime mover, the traction unit being supported for rolling over the ground by a plurality of wheels at least one of which is a drive wheel for propelling the traction unit over the ground; (b) a hitch assembly extending forwardly from the traction unit and being pivotally coupled to the traction unit for rotation about a ground following pivot axis; (c) a carrier frame for carrying a cutting deck having at least one rotary blade for cutting grass, wherein the carrier frame is pivotally coupled to the hitch assembly for rotation relative to the hitch assembly about a fold pivot axis; (d) a latch pin received in a latch seat when the carrier frame is latched against folding relative to the hitch assembly about the fold pivot axis, the latch pin moving out of the latch seat to permit the carrier frame to be folded relative to the hitch assembly, wherein one of the latch pin and the latch seat is carried on the hitch assembly and the other of the latch pin and the latch seat is carried on the carrier frame; and (e) a fold latch for selectively permitting the carrier frame to fold or not relative to the hitch assembly about the fold pivot axis, wherein the fold latch comprises a pivotal latch carried on one of the hitch assembly and the carrier frame with the pivotal latch having a latched position in which the pivotal latch blocks movement of the latch pin out of the latch seat to prevent folding of the carrier frame relative to the hitch assembly and an unlatched position in which the pivotal latch is swung clear of the latch pin to permit movement of the latch pin out of the latch seat to permit folding of the carrier frame relative to the hitch assembly.