Patent ID: 7669873
Filing Date: 2010-03-02
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, the traction unit including a plurality of wheels at least one of which is a drive wheel for propelling the traction unit over the ground, the traction unit also including a seat for carrying a seated operator; (b) a carrier frame operatively coupled to the traction unit for carrying a cutting deck having at least one rotary blade for cutting grass, wherein at least a portion of the carrier frame overlies at least a portion of a front edge of the cutting deck with the seat on the traction unit being located behind the portion of the front edge of the cutting deck; (c) a step surface provided on the overlying portion of the carrier frame to help an operator mount or dismount from the traction unit by stepping onto the carrier frame, wherein the step surface is located to block the operator's view from the seat to the portion of the front edge of the cutting deck; and (d) a viewport in the step surface to allow the operator to see the portion of the front edge of the cutting deck while seated on the seat.