MOWER PROPULSION APPARATUS INCLUDING A SPLIT TRANSAXLE

According to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a ride-on mower can include a main frame, a side member pivotally connected to the main frame, and a transaxle. The transaxle can include a pump portion that has a pump housing fixed on the main frame and a fluid displacement structure located in the pump housing. The transaxle can further include a motor portion including a motor housing and a fluid driven structure located in the motor housing. The motor housing can be separate from the pump housing, and the motor housing can be carried on and movable with the side member. Tubing can interconnect the pump portion and the motor portion.

BACKGROUND

The disclosed subject matter relates to a mower propulsion apparatus that includes a split transaxle. More particularly, the disclosed subject matter relates to a fluid power transaxle that includes a motor portion that is movable relative to a fixed pump portion.

Self-propelled lawnmowers can be configured for the user to walk behind the lawnmower, ride on the lawnmower, or ride on a sulky trailered to the lawnmower. A riding lawnmower (also referred to as ride-on lawnmower or a ride-on mower) can include three or more wheels and can be driven by at least one of the wheels. The wheels can be rigidly connected to the main frame. Alternatively, at least one of the wheels can be connected to the frame by a suspension member with or without a damper assembly connected to the suspension member and the main frame.

Self-propelled lawnmowers can include different types of propulsion systems such as but not limited to an internal combustion engine or all electric zero turn riding (ZTR) mowers that drive a geared transmission directly connected to the engine or connected by a belt and pulleys, or drives a continuously variable transmission that uses a belt and adjustable pulleys, or drives a hydrostatic transmission. The propulsion apparatus can drive one of the wheels, or more than one of the wheels of the lawnmower.

A hydrostatic transmission can use hydraulic pressure to drive at least one of the wheels of the lawnmower. The hydrostatic transmission can include a pump that supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic motor. The pressurized hydraulic fluid can act on fluid driven structure(s) of the motor to cause the motor to rotate the drive wheel(s) of the lawnmower and propel the lawnmower. The pump can be driven by the internal combustion engine or electric motor, etc.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are directed to a ride-on mower that can include a main frame, a side member pivotally connected to the main frame, and a transaxle. The transaxle can include a pump portion including a pump housing fixed on the main frame and a fluid displacement structure located in the pump housing, a motor portion including a motor housing and a fluid driven structure located in the motor housing, the motor housing being separate from the pump housing, and the motor housing being carried on and movable with the side member, and tubing interconnecting the pump portion and the motor portion.

Further embodiments are directed to a self-propelled lawnmower that can include a main frame, a power source attached to the main frame, a mower deck connected to the main frame and including at least one cutting chamber, at least one blade located in each cutting chamber, a plurality of wheels connected to the main frame, a suspension member connected to the main frame, the suspension member configured to move with respect to the main frame, and the suspension member configured to rotationally support at least one of the wheels, and a transaxle. The transaxle can be configured to selectively drive at least one of the wheels, and can include one of an operating pump and motor pump fixed on the main frame, an other of the operating pump and the motor pump fixed on the suspension member, such that the motor pump moves with respect to the operating pump when the suspension member moves relative to the main frame, and tubing interconnecting the operating pump and the motor pump. The motor pump could include or be replaced with an electric drive motor.

Additional embodiments are directed to a lawnmower that can include a main frame, a power source mounted on the main frame, a cutting chamber connected to the main frame, at least one blade located in the cutting chamber, a pair of suspension arms having a first end and extending to a second end, the first end is pivotally connected to the main frame such that each of the suspension arms pivots with respect to the main frame, a pair of dampers connected to the main frame, each of the dampers is connected to the second end of a respective one of the suspension arms, a pair of drive wheels rotatably supported by the suspension arms, and a first transaxle. The first transaxle can include, a pump portion including a pump housing fixed on the main frame and a fluid displacement structure located in the pump housing, a motor portion including a motor housing and a fluid driven structure located in the motor housing, the motor housing being spaced from the pump housing, the motor housing being carried on and moving with the respective one of the suspension arms, and the fluid driven structure being connected to and selectively driving a respective one of the drive wheels, and tubing interconnecting the pump portion and the motor portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A ride-on lawnmower can include at least one steerable wheel and at least one driven wheel. The steerable wheel can pivot relative to a frame of the lawnmower in order to change the direction of travel of the lawnmower when moving forward or backward.

An alternate embodiment of a ride-on lawnmower can include a pair of independently driven wheels such as tires, tracks, or other known ground driving mechanisms. An operator can control the direction of travel by controlling the direction in which each drive wheel is driven. For example, to travel forward along a straight path, the operator can cause both drive wheels to be driven in the same rotational direction and at the same rotational speed. The operator can steer the lawnmower by causing one of the drive wheels to rotate faster in the same direction as compared to another one of the wheels. Further, the operator can cause the lawnmower to spin about a yaw axis by causing one of the drive wheels to rotate in a first rotational direction and the other of the drive wheels to rotate in a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction. This type of ride-on lawnmower can be referred to as a zero turn radius (“ZTR”) lawnmower or as a zero turn lawnmower.

In order to improve operator comfort, the drive wheel(s) can be suspended from a frame of the lawnmower with a suspension assembly that includes at least one moveable linkage and a damper such as a shock absorber, spring, spring with damper, strut, etc. The drive wheel(s) can be supported by a common suspension member. Alternate embodiments can include a suspension assembly for each drive wheel such that each drive wheel can move independently of the other drive wheel. The drive wheels can be configured as a rim with rubber tire located thereon. Alternatively, the drive wheels can be configured as a drive rim (or drive gear) that work in cooperation with at least one other drive rim or drive gear with a track fitted thereabout, such as are known in other tracked vehicles such as snowmobiles, bulldozers, etc.

Exemplary embodiments of a ride-on lawnmower can include a hydrostatic transmission (HST) or drive motors. The lawnmower with steerable wheels can include a single HST that drives at least one wheel. The ZTR lawnmower can include a pair of HST's or drive motors, one for each drive wheel. Each HST or drive motor can include an input pulley that is driven by a belt that is driven by an output pulley connected to a source of torque such as an internal combustion engine, electric motor, hybrid motor or other known power source. The source of torque can also be referred to as a power source.

The hydrostatic transmission(s) can be mounted on the suspension member(s) such that the HST moves with the suspension member. As a result, the input pulley of the HST can move relative to the output pulley. This relative movement can stretch and/or twist the belt and can cause the belt to disengage from one or both of the pulleys. This relative movement can cause extra wear on the drive belt that can adversely impact the operational life of the drive belt, and can also cause damage to the HST itself due to harsh movements during operation.

FIG. 1illustrates an embodiment of a ride-on lawnmower10made in accordance with principles of the disclosed subject matter. The lawnmower10can include a suspension assembly and an HST layout that can provide an advantageous comfort level for the operator while mitigating or avoiding the undesirable wear on the drive belt, HST, and transaxle components. The suspension assembly and HST layout can also reduce the frequency at which the belt disengages from one or both the HST input pulley and the power source output pulley as compared to the conventional layout in which the HST input pulley moves with the suspension assembly. In particular, the HST can be formed as a split transaxle in which an operating pump501is attached to a main frame12of the lawnmower10, and a motor pump401is attached to a suspension assembly30. The suspension assembly30can pivot or otherwise be moveable with respect to the main frame12to provide a level of damping to the ride characteristics of the lawnmower10.

The lawnmower10can include the main frame12, a mower deck14, a seat16, a pair of drive wheels18L,18R, a pair of caster wheels20L,20R, a pair of control levers22,24, a pair of front forks26L,26R, a pair of suspension assemblies28,30and a power source32. The left drive wheel18L is omitted fromFIG. 1and the left suspension assembly28is obstructed from view inFIG. 1. The right drive wheel18R is shown in phantom inFIG. 1in order to more clearly illustrate the right suspension assembly30.FIG. 2shows both drive wheels18L,18R in phantom.FIGS. 2, 7 and 8show both suspension assemblies28,30.

Referring toFIG. 1, the main frame12can support the seat16, the control levers22,24and the power source32. The mower deck14can be suspended from the main frame12. Each of the drive wheels18L,18R can be connected to the main frame12by a respective suspension assembly28,30. The main frame12can pivotally support the front forks26L,26R, and the front forks26L,26R can rotatably support the caster wheels20L,20R.

The mower deck14can be referred to as a deck, a deck assembly, a blade deck, a cutter housing, or a cutter housing assembly. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2collectively, the mower deck14can include a housing34that houses a plurality of blade assemblies36. The housing34can include a plurality of cutting chambers40,42,44, a discharge opening46with discharge chute guard38. A plurality of wheel assemblies48can keep the mower deck14at a constant height above the ground over which the lawnmower10traverses. Each of the blade assemblies36can include one blade or a pair of blades rotationally offset with respect to one another. The discharge chute guard38can be pivotally mounted to the housing34adjacent to and above the discharge opening46.

Referring toFIG. 2, the power source32can include a power-take-off (“PTO”) output pulley50and a drive output pulley52. In the present exemplary embodiment, the output pulleys50,52are coaxial along a power source axis PSA. The mower deck14can include a plurality of driven pulleys that are rotationally connected to a respective one of the blade assemblies36. The driven pulleys can be rotatably mounted on the top of the mower deck14and are typically obstructed from view inFIG. 2. However, for convenience,FIG. 2shows the various pulleys and belts53,54, in solid line format. The mower deck14can include a blade drive belt54that is connected to the PTO output pulley50and each of the driven pulleys. The mower deck14can include a plurality of idler pulleys56,58,60and a tension arm62. A mount plate570is shown which is attached to the frame12of the lawnmower10via welds, fasteners or combinations thereof. The mount plate570provides a platform to which operating pumps501(which form a part of a split transaxle) can be connected to the frame12of the lawnmower10via fasteners504. In particular, the mount plate570can be attached to a cross frame122portion of frame12, and the power source32can be attached to a power source frame121portion of frame12.

The power source32can be an internal combustion engine, an electric motor or a hybrid of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The power source configured as an internal combustion engine or a hybrid power source can have the engine output power source axis PSA oriented in the vertical direction V of the lawnmower10.

The drive output pulley52can have a propulsion belt53connected thereto that turns various idler pulleys as well as a power input pulley503connected to the operating pump501of a split transaxle (401,501) power system. A separate transaxle (401,501) can be connected to each of the wheels18L and18R to drive each wheel in a forward or reverse direction depending on input from the control levers22,24located adjacent the lawnmower's seat16. The propulsion belt53can be configured to provide a constant rotational input to the input pulley503of each transaxle. Thus, both the speed and the direction of rotation of each wheel18L,18R are controlled by the control levers22,24. The control levers22,24can be connected to a respective swashplate in an operating pump501of each respective split transaxle (or to an other mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical mechanism that can control speed and rotational direction in a transaxle).

FIGS. 3-5show in greater detail how the split transaxle (401,501) can be connected to the lawnmower10.FIG. 3depicts an exemplary right suspension assembly30of the lawnmower10. It should be understood that the left suspension assembly28can identically mirror the right suspension assembly30, and therefore a detailed description of the left suspension assembly28is not included herein. The suspension assembly30can include an arm307that extends from a pivot outer collar302at a first end to a motor mount308located at an opposite end of the arm307. The pivot outer collar302is connected to the frame12of the lawnmower10in a manner such that the arm307can pivot about a rotational pivot axis PA of the pivot outer collar302. The motor mount308located at the opposite end of the arm307is connected to the frame12via a damper330. Thus, the rotation of the suspension assembly30about the pivot outer collar302can be controlled, limited or otherwise dampened by the damper330. The damper330can be a shock absorber, a strut, a simple spring or rubber block, or any other known device for cushioning or damping the movement of arm307relative to the frame12which in effect dampens the forces transmitted from the wheel18R as it travels over the ground to an operator of the lawnmower seated on the frame12.

As show inFIGS. 4 and 5, the entire transaxle (401,501) that drives the wheel18R is not located solely on the frame12or solely on the suspension assembly30. Instead, in the depicted embodiment the transaxle can be split and includes a motor pump401located on the suspension assembly30and an operating pump501located on the frame12. The motor pump401is in fluid connection with the operating pump501via an output line421and a return line422that allows hydraulic fluid to be pumped from the operating pump501to run the motor pump401and then return to the operating pump501.

The operating pump501can include a cooling fan502that is connected to a drive shaft that includes power input pulley503. The input pulley503is driven by the propulsion drive belt53which is connected to the drive output pulley52connected to the output shaft of the power source32. Thus, the input pulley503can be driven at a constant speed by the power source32of the lawnmower10. The input pulley503drives fluid displacement structures located within the housing of the operating pump501, such that the fluid displacement structures rotate about an operating pump axis MA and move fluid into/out of the operating pump501via output and return lines421,422. The speed and direction at which fluid travels within the operating pump501and motor pump401determines the speed and direction of rotation of the wheel18R. Thus, control lever24can be connected to a mechanism, for example a swash plate located in the operating pump501, that causes fluid within the pump501to change speed and/or direction.

The fluid arriving at the motor pump401via output line421drives fluid driven structures located within the housing of the motor pump401, such that the fluid driven structures rotate about a motor pump axis MPA which results in rotation of the wheel shaft412and wheel hub410. The wheel shaft412rotates about a wheel axis WA that can be coaxial with the motor pump axis MPA or about a wheel axis that is spaced from or at an angle with respect to the motor pump axis MPA.

The output line421and return line422can be connected to the operating pump501by an operating pump adapter550that can be configured as an attachment block. The output lines421,422can each be configured as a hose and can include a hose connector551that connects the output line421,422in fluid communication with the operating pump adapter550. If desired, the operating pump adapter550can be rotatably attached to the housing of the operating pump501such that if/when the output line421and return line422move with respect to the operating pump501the connection juncture between the lines421,422and the housing of pump501will not significantly bend or be subject to adverse wear conditions. Similarly, output line421and return line422can be connected to the motor pump401by a motor pump adapter450that can be configured as an attachment block. The output lines421,422can each include a hose connector451that connects each output line421,422in fluid communication with the motor pump adapter450. If desired, the motor pump adapter450can be rotatably attached to the housing of the motor pump401such that if/when the output line421and return line422move with respect to the motor pump401the connection junctures between the lines421,422and motor pump401will not significantly bend or be subject to adverse wear conditions. One or both of the motor pump adapter450and operating pump adapter550can be configured to rotate about an axis that is parallel with the wheel axis WA and pivot axis PA. Thus, the attachment adapters450,550can rotate in a manner that prevents the rotational movement of the suspension assembly30to impart force onto the connection between each line421,422and its respective attachment structure connected to the housings of the motor pump401and operating pump501, respectively.

The motor pump401can be attached to the motor mount308portion of the suspension assembly30via fasteners314that extend through mount holes309located in the motor mount308. The motor pump401can be operatively connected to an output such as wheel shaft412that in turn is connected to a wheel hub410. Thus, when operating pump501drives the motor pump401, the wheel shaft412is driven resulting in rotation of the wheel hub410and wheel18R. The wheel shaft412can extend through a wheel hub throughway310in the motor mount308. The wheel18R can be connected to the wheel hub410via threaded attachment posts411extending from a face of the wheel hub410.

FIG. 6is a schematic of a possible exemplary schematic relationship between the motor pump401and output pump501. The operating pump501can include a variable displacement pump/motor557that is connected to the motor pump401via output line421. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-5, the motor pump401can be non-variable such that adjustment of the operating pump501causes speed and directional change to occur at wheel18R. However, inFIG. 6, it is contemplated that the motor pump401can also include a variable displacement pump/motor457that is connected back to the operating pump501via return line422to create a closed hydraulic circuit between the motor pump401and operating pump501. Thus, an operator could control either or both of the variable displacement pumps457,557to ultimately control the speed and direction of rotation of the wheel18R. Furthermore, the operating pump501could be non-variable while the motor pump401is a variable displacement pump such that only the motor pump401is controllable to change the direction and speed of the wheel18R.

FIG. 7is an enlarged view of a portion ofFIG. 2with the pump mount plate570removed to expose the rear suspension assemblies28,30and the split transaxles (401,501).FIG. 8is a partial bottom perspective view of a rear portion of the lawnmower10also with the pump mount plate570removed to expose the rear suspension assemblies28,30and the transaxles (401,501). The separation or split between the motor pump401and operation pump501and their relative connections to the suspension assemblies28,30and frame12are clearly shown in these views. In particular, bolt303connects the suspension assembly30to the frame12in a manner such that the arm307can rotate about a pivot axis PA that extends along the longitudinal axis of the bolt303. The damper330that connects an opposite end of the suspension assembly30to the frame12includes an upper mount bracket331that is located at a top end of the damper330to secure the suspension assembly30to the frame12in a manner in which the suspension assembly30can move with respect to the frame12of the lawnmower10. The motor pump401can be connected to the suspension assembly30at motor mount308via fasteners314and/or welds, friction fitting, or other known attachment structure, method, or material. Thus, the motor pump401can move with the motion of the wheel hub410and wheel18L, relative to the frame12. The damper330can be provided between the motor mount308and frame12to dampen the relative motion between the wheel hub410, motor pump401and frame12.

By contrast, the operating pump501can be attached to the frame12via fasteners514connected to the mount plate570such that the operating pump501does not move with respect to the frame12of the lawnmower10. In other words, the suspension assembly30(or28) is configured such that the motor pump401(fixedly connected to the suspension assembly30) is moveable with respect to the operating pump501(fixedly connected to the frame12). Relatively flexible hosing can be used for the output line421and return line422to provide a fluid connection between the operating pump501and motor pump401such that the above-noted relative motion can occur between the operating pump501and motor pump401. Although the relative motion is shown as a rotational motion about pivot axis PA, it is contemplated that the disclosed split transaxle can be used with different types of suspension assemblies. For example, it is possible to use a suspension assembly in which linear movement occurs between the operating pump501and motor pump401(when the lawnmower10traverses a bump or other obstacle), or in which a more complex non-linear movement occurs between the operating pump501and motor pump401(when the lawnmower10traverse a bump or other obstacle).

FIGS. 9 and 10are perspective views of an outer side and an inner side, respectively, of suspension assembly30. The suspension assembly30can include a pivot outer collar302located at a first distal end of a longitudinal axis of the suspension assembly30. A motor mount308can be located at a second (opposite) distal end of the longitudinal axis of the suspension assembly30. The collar302can include a bolt303that has a longitudinal axis that coincides with the pivot axis PA of the collar302. Thus, the suspension assembly is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of bolt303(and pivot axis PA). As shown in detail inFIG. 11, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line11-11ofFIG. 9, a nut304can be used to secure the bolt303to an opening in the frame12. The collar can include a bushing305sandwiched between the pivot outer collar302and pivot inner collar306to allow for smooth rotation about the bolt303. If necessary, a bearing, such as a roller bearing, can also or alternatively be provided within the pivot outer collar302.

The arm307and motor mount308can be formed from a stamped metal part such that sufficient rigidity is provided to the suspension assembly30. A wheel hub throughway310can be located in the motor mount308and can be surrounded by mount holes309such that fasteners314can pass therethrough to attach the motor pump401and wheel hub410to the motor mount308. When assembled, the wheel shaft412of the wheel hub410passes through the throughway310of the motor mount308. The stamped metal can be curved to form a lower mount bend312that can be connected to the damper330via fastener332. A removable mount bracket301can be located opposite the mount bend312to form a bracket through which the fastener332extends and connects the damper330to the motor mount308of the suspension assembly30. Fasteners313can extend through the bend312and fixedly connect the removeable mount bracket301to the motor mount308. An upper mount bracket331and fastener333can be located at an opposite end of a longitudinal axis of the damper330to connect the upper end of the damper330to the frame12of the lawnmower10. Fasteners313,333and mount brackets301,331can be configured to allow for some amount of rotation about the longitudinal axis of the fasteners313,333which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the damper330.

While certain embodiments of the invention are described above, it should be understood that the invention can be embodied and configured in many different ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For example, while the arm307and motor mount308are depicted as being manufactured using stamped metal parts, the structures can be formed using various other materials and methods. For example, the arm307and motor mount308can be made using injection molding, casting, blow molding, extrusion, and other methods for forming structural components. The materials can be metal, metal compounds, plastics, ceramics, and even paper based product materials. The geometrical configuration for the arm307, motor mount308, and collar302can vary widely depending on the particular application. For example, the arm307and motor mount308can be I-beam or A-arm shaped, can be simple planar components (instead of the three-dimensional box configurations shown in the drawings), can be curved, straight along their entire length or other configuration that may be necessary to fit the dimensional and strength requirements for a particular application. There may also be several arms and several pivots mounted longitudinally or laterally that allow for various positions for the drive wheel18L or18L. Although the embodiments depicted in the drawings show the suspension arms307in the form of a trailing arm type suspension assembly, the suspension members can be formed in various other manners and still fall within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, suspension members can be spaced out to the side instead of rearward such as in an A-arm suspension member configuration. The suspension members can also be configured as double wishbone type suspension elements, sliding pillar elements, lateral arms, dual trailing arms, swing arms, forward extending arms, or other known independent suspension member structures and still fall within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter. Three-link, and four-link suspension components are also contemplated for use as suspension members in the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 12shows a front view of another embodiment of a suspension assembly made in accordance with principles of the disclosed subject matter. This embodiment depicts one common type of a side extending suspension assembly700in which an A-arm701is rotatably attached at one end to vehicle frame12via attachment structure76. At an opposite end, the A-arm701is attached to a knuckle702via an upper mount72and damper73for the knuckle mount. The attachment structure76can allow the A-arm701to rotate about an axis that is substantially or completely parallel with a longitudinal axis (or forward driving axis) of the vehicle (lawnmower10). By contrast, the trailing arm307shown inFIG. 3rotates about a pivot axis PA at connection bolt303that is substantially or completely perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA (or forward drive axis) of the vehicle (lawnmower10).

The knuckle702includes a wheel hub410connected thereto that allows wheel18L to rotate about an axis that is substantially or completely perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (or forward driving axis) of the vehicle (lawnmower10). The wheel hub410can include a plurality of attachment posts411for connecting the wheel18L to the wheel hub410. The lower portion of the knuckle702can be connected to two laterally extending support members: middle suspension bar77; and lower suspension bar78. The middle suspension bar77can be rotatably connected at its distal end to the knuckle702via middle mount75that allows for rotation about an axis that is at a slight angle with respect to the longitudinal axis (forward driving axis) of the lawnmower10. The middle suspension bar77can be rotatably connected at its proximal end to the vehicle frame12via a frame mount707that allows for rotation about an axis that is at a slight angle with respect to the longitudinal axis (forward driving axis) of the lawnmower10. The lower suspension bar78can be rotatably connected at its distal end to the knuckle702via middle mount74that allows for rotation about an axis that is at a slight angle with respect to the longitudinal axis (forward driving axis) of the lawnmower10. The lower suspension bar78can be rotatably connected at its proximal end to the vehicle frame12via a frame mount708that allows for rotation about an axis that is at a slight angle with respect to the longitudinal axis (forward driving axis) of the lawnmower10. A damper30is shown as connected to the A-arm at an end close to the wheel mount structure and knuckle702. However, the damper30could also be connected to the knuckle702itself or to other structural members of the suspension assembly.

In this exemplary embodiment, the motor pump401can be directly connected to the knuckle702to drive the wheel hub410and rotate the tire18L. The motor pump401will thus move with the knuckle702and wheel18L as they traverse ground obstacles. The motor pump401can be connected via output line421and return line422to operating pump501which is attached to the vehicle frame12. Thus, the operating pump501and motor pump401form a split transaxle, with the operating pump501and its associated weight and geometrical limitations removed and spaced from the knuckle702. Of course, as noted above, other types of side extending suspensions are contemplated for use with this type of split transaxle that would fall within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter, such as dual A-arm configurations, 3-link, and 4-link suspensions, as well as other known side extending suspensions. The split transaxle configuration of the presently disclosed subject matter could even be included in a lawnmower10that does not have a suspension system, and in which the wheels18L and18R are directly connected to the frame12itself. In this case, the operating pump501can be located somewhere more convenient on the frame12than at the wheel18L.

In another embodiment, the housing for the motor pump401itself can be directly fastened to or welded to the arm307to form the suspension assembly30. The damper330can also be welded to or fastened directly to the motor pump401. Any of the fasteners disclosed herein can be replaced with other known attachment structures such as rivets, welds, adhesives, clamps, etc.

Exemplary embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover any location for the split transaxle, provided one of the motor pump401and operating pump501is located on any portion of the suspension assembly30that is moveable with respect to the remainder of the lawnmower10(e.g., the frame12or components that are fixedly attached to the frame such that the components do not move relative to the frame12), and the other of the motor pump401and operating pump501is fixedly attached to the remainder of the lawnmower10. Thus, although the drawings show the motor pump401located at an end of the suspension assembly30located adjacent damper330, the motor pump401could be located anywhere along the arm307or immediately adjacent to the collar302. The lines421,422(which can be hydraulic lines or power supply cables) extending between the motor pump401and operating pump501(which can be a hydraulic pump motor in the case of hydraulic lines or an electric motor in the case of power supply cables) can be made from various materials and configured in various shapes depending on application. For example, the lines421,422could run within the arm307and through collar302in a protected environment and then through a protected conduit attached to the frame12, if necessary. The lines421,422can be construed of various materials, including plastic or polymeric material hoses, reinforced hoses (reinforced with metal webbing, tungsten, plastic webbing, carbon fiber, etc.), and other known hydraulic line materials. When lines421,422are configured as power cables, the cables can be made from any commonly known or not yet know material for a power supply cable, such as steel, copper, aluminum or other known conductive metals or materials.

While the operating pump501is shown as being driven by a propulsion drive belt53that is connected to power source32, the operating pump501can be powered in other ways and still be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the belt53can be replaced with a gear train connected to a power take off of the power source32. Alternatively, a direct drive motor (electric, internal combustion, or hybrid motor) can be provided at each of the operating pumps501to power each operating pump501. Further, the power source32can have a single operating pump501attached thereto that then has two pairs of lines421,422extending therefrom to a respective left and right motor pump401located on the left and right suspension assembly28,30, respectively. Thus, a single operating pump501could be used in certain applications to power both left and right side motor pumps401.

Although the propulsion belt53and blade drive belt54are depicted as oriented to rotate in a horizontal plane such that each of the pulleys52,56,58,503rotate about a vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis PA and wheel axis WA (and parallel with the power source axis PSA and operating pump axis MA), the orientation can be different for one or both of the belts53,54and pulleys52,54,56,58,503.

While the subject matter has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the invention.