Patent ID: 7775740
Filing Date: 2010-08-17
Classification: E04F

Abstract:
1. A steering system for a riding power trowel, the trowel having at least one rotor assembly including a rotatable shaft and a plurality of blades, the rotor assembly being tiltable to steer the power trowel comprising: at least one handle that can be manipulated by an operator, the handle having an operating stroke ranging from a neutral position in which the shaft of the rotor extends at least substantially vertically to a maximum stroke position in which the shaft of the rotor assembly is tilted a maximum possible amount; a steering linkage that connects the at least one handle to a rotor assembly and that tilts the rotor assembly upon handle manipulation; and a steering assist mechanism that includes a biasing element which imposes a preload on the steering linkage and which, upon movement of the steering linkage, releases potential energy to reduce handle actuation forces required to move the handle to a particular position and to retain the handle in the particular position, wherein the steering assist mechanism reduces handle retention forces, required to maintain the handle in a particular position after moving the handle to that position, to less than about 20 lbs throughout the operating stroke of the handle.