Lawn mower including an operator controlled discharge baffle

A lawn mower includes a discharge baffle assembly coupled to a cutting deck pan adjacent an opening. The discharge baffle assembly includes a discharge chute extending outwardly from the cutting deck pan. The discharge baffle assembly also includes a baffle plate movable within a gap between the discharge chute and the cutting deck pan. The baffle plate is movable between a first position, in which the baffle plate substantially covers the opening of the cutting deck pan, and a second position, in which the baffle plate is spaced apart from the opening of the cutting deck pan. The discharge baffle assembly further includes an actuator coupled to the baffle plate. The actuator is operable to move the baffle plate relative to the opening of the cutting deck pan.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to lawn mowers and, more particularly, to discharge baffle assemblies for lawn mowers.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a lawn mower including a frame, a prime mover supported by the frame, a plurality of ground engagement elements moveably coupled to the frame and driven by the prime mover to propel the lawn mower, and a cutting deck pan supported by the frame. The cutting deck pan defines an opening. The lawn mower also includes a cutting blade mounted below the cutting deck pan to cut vegetation under the cutting deck pan, and a discharge baffle assembly coupled to the cutting deck pan adjacent the opening. The discharge baffle assembly includes a discharge chute extending outwardly from the cutting deck pan. The discharge chute defines a passageway configured to direct cut vegetation out from the opening of the cutting deck pan. The discharge baffle assembly also includes a baffle plate movable within a gap between the discharge chute and the cutting deck pan. The baffle plate is movable between a first position, in which the baffle plate substantially covers the opening of the cutting deck pan, and a second position, in which the baffle plate is spaced apart from the opening of the cutting deck pan. The discharge baffle assembly further includes an actuator coupled to the baffle plate. The actuator is operable to move the baffle plate relative to the opening of the cutting deck pan.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a discharge baffle assembly for use with a lawn mower. The lawn mower includes a frame, a prime mover supported by the frame, a plurality of ground engagement elements moveably coupled to the frame and driven by the prime mover to propel the lawn mower, a cutting deck pan supported by the frame and defining an opening, and a cutting blade mounted below the cutting deck pan to cut vegetation under the cutting deck pan. The discharge baffle assembly includes a discharge frame configured to be coupled to the cutting deck pan adjacent the opening, and a discharge chute supported by the discharge frame and configured to extend outwardly from the cutting deck pan. The discharge chute defines a passageway configured to direct cut vegetation out from the opening of the cutting deck pan. The discharge baffle assembly also includes a baffle plate supported by the discharge frame and movable within a gap between the discharge chute and the discharge frame. The baffle plate is movable between a first position, in which the baffle plate is configured to substantially cover the opening of the cutting deck pan, and a second position, in which the baffle plate is configured to be spaced apart from the opening of the cutting deck pan. The discharge baffle assembly further includes an actuator coupled to the baffle plate. The actuator is operable to move the baffle plate relative to the opening of the cutting deck pan.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate a lawn mower110including a frame114, a seat118, a prime mover122, left and right driven ground engagement elements126,130, left and right passive ground engagement elements134,138, left and right control arms142,146, a deck assembly150, a deck lifting assembly154, and a discharge baffle assembly158. The terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right” will be used in this specification from the perspective of an operator seated on the lawn mower110during ordinary operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the ground engagement elements are wheel, although in other embodiments, the ground engagement elements may be tracks, treads, etc. Although the invention is described with reference to a ride-on lawn mower (in which the operator sits in the seat118during operation), the invention is applicable to other types of lawn mowers, including walk-behind lawn mowers (in which an operator stands and walks behind the mower during operation), stand-on lawn mowers (in which an operator stands on the mower during operation), tractors (in which a steering wheel is used instead of control arms), and autonomous mowers (which are self-steering mowers).

The frame114is supported by the driven wheels126,130and passive wheels134,138above the ground, and in turn supports the other components of the lawn mower110.

The prime mover122is supported by the frame114generally behind the seat118. The prime mover122is coupled to and drives the other components of the lawn mower110, such as the wheels126,130. In some embodiments, the prime mover122may be, for example, a gasoline powered internal combustion engine, but may alternatively be any other type of prime mover such as an electric motor, a hybrid gas/electric motor, a fuel cell, or any other suitable device operating on a suitable fuel.

The left and right driven wheels126,130are rotatably coupled to the frame114behind the deck assembly150and interconnected with the prime mover122. In some embodiments, the wheels126,130are driven by the prime mover122through a power transmission and suitable hydraulic pumps and motors. The hydraulic pumps and motors are manipulated with the left and right control arms142,146, with the left control arm142controlling the direction and speed of rotation of the left driven wheel126, and the right control arm146controlling the direction and speed of rotation of the right driven wheel130. The wheels126,130propel the lawn mower110in a direction of travel (e.g., forward or reverse).

The left and right passive wheels134,138are coupled to the frame114in front of the deck assembly150. The passive wheels134,138are not driven by the prime mover122(or any other motors), but are free to rotate relative to the frame114. In the illustrated embodiment, the passive wheels134,138are caster wheels.

The control arms142,146are pivotally coupled to the frame114adjacent the seat118and interconnected with the transmissions of the drive wheels126,130. The control arms142,146are independently movable to control the drive speed and direction of the wheels126,130. The illustrated lawn mower110may be referred to as a zero-turn-radius lawn mower or ZTR lawn mower because when one of the control arms142,146is pressed full forward and the other control arm142,146is pulled full rearward, the lawn mower110will move in a very tight radius owing to one wheel rotating forward and the other rotating backwards. A ZTR lawn mower steers through the speed and direction difference of the two driven wheels126,130.

The deck assembly150includes a cutting deck pan162and multiple cutting blades166(FIG. 5; only one is shown). The cutting deck pan162is supported under the frame114between the driven wheels126,130and the passive wheels134,138. In other embodiments, the cutting deck pan162may be supported in front of the frame114, behind the frame114, or at other positions relative to the frame114. The cutting blades166(FIG. 5) are mounted below the cutting deck pan162and are interconnected with the prime mover122(e.g., via a drive belt and sheaves). The prime mover122drives rotation of the cutting blades166to cut vegetation (e.g., grass) under the cutting deck pan162.

The deck lifting assembly154is coupled between the frame114and the cutting deck pan162to adjust a height (e.g., raise and lower) of the cutting deck pan162relative to the frame114. In the illustrated embodiment, the deck lifting assembly154includes a foot pedal170in the operator zone, which is defined as the region accessible by an operator of the lawn mower110during ordinary operation. The foot pedal170is interconnected with the deck lifting assembly154, such that pivotal movement of the foot pedal170(e.g., under the influence of the operator's leg and foot) actuates the deck lifting assembly154to raise and lower the cutting deck pan162. In other embodiments, other types of deck lift actuators (e.g., a hand lever) may be employed in place of or in addition to the foot pedal170to raise and lower the cutting deck pan162.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the discharge baffle assembly158is coupled to and extends outwardly from an opening172of the cutting deck pan162. The opening172defines a passageway from an area under the cutting deck pan162to an area outside of the cutting deck pan162. The discharge baffle assembly158has a width that is wider than a width of the opening172. This means that the discharge baffle assembly158encompasses the opening172when coupled to the cutting deck pan162.

FIGS. 3-4illustrate the discharge baffle assembly158that includes a discharge frame174, a baffle plate178, a discharge chute182, and an actuator186. The discharge frame174is a rigid member and is substantially rectangular in shape. The discharge frame174has a first surface190and a second surface194. The first surface190and the second surface194are oriented parallel to each other. The discharge frame174has an aperture through which a mounting post198extends. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting post198is cylindrical in shape.

FIG. 5shows an enlarged view of the cutting deck pan162proximate the opening172. When the discharge baffle assembly158couples to the lawn mower110, the mounting post198(FIG. 3) is received in a mounting aperture199of the cutting deck pan162. The mounting post198fits within the mounting aperture199such that the first surface190rests on an upper surface201of the cutting deck pan162, opposite the cutting blade166. The discharge baffle assembly158also includes two baffle brackets350. When the discharge baffle assembly158rests on the upper surface201, the baffle brackets350fit on either side of a deck bracket352. The deck bracket352is arranged in a deck slot and is welded onto the cutting deck pan162. A cotter pin356couples the two baffle brackets350to the deck bracket352to provide a means of releasably securing the discharge baffle assembly158to the cutting deck pan162.

Returning toFIGS. 3-4, the discharge frame174also has a plurality of mounting brackets202A-C. The illustrated mounting brackets202A-C are welded onto and oriented orthogonally to the second surface194of the discharge frame174. In other embodiments, the mounting brackets202A-C may be separate pieces that are secured (e.g., welded) to the discharge frame174.

The baffle plate178is movably coupled to the discharge frame174. In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle plate178has a first section210and a second section214coupled together. Both of the first section210and the second section214are substantially rectangular in shape. Each section210,214is formed of a rigid material, such as sheet metal. In other embodiments, the sections210,214may be formed of other materials. The first section210has a top surface218and a bottom surface222(FIG. 8) opposite the top surface218. The first section210also has a first edge226and a second edge230opposite the first edge226. The first edge226and the second edge230are orthogonal to the top surface218and the bottom surface222. The first section210further includes a first pair of projections234extending from the top surface218to below the bottom surface222.

The second section214has a front or outwardly-facing surface246, a rear or inwardly-facing surface250(FIG. 8) opposite the front surface246. The second section214also has a second pair of projections254. The second pair of projections254extend from the front surface246to behind the rear surface250so that the projections254are perpendicular to the front surface246and the rear surface250. The second section214also has a third projection258that is substantially parallel (e.g., approximately 10° off parallel) to the second projections254, and perpendicular to the front surface246and the rear surface250.

The first projections234align with the second projections254and are coupled together with fasteners236so that the first section210and the second section214can pivot relative to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners236are bolts, but may be other types of fasteners in alternative embodiments. In this arrangement, the rear surface250of the second section214is adjacent the second edge230of the first section210. In this configuration, the first section210and the second section214are substantially perpendicular to each other.

The baffle plate178couples to the discharge frame174by aligning the first projections234with the mounting bracket202A and the mounting bracket202B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first section210has a width less than a width between mounting bracket202A and mounting bracket202B. The first section210is pivotably coupled to the mounting brackets202A,202B by fasteners235. In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners235are bolts, but may be other types of fasteners in alternative embodiments. The first section210is oriented between the mounting brackets202A,202B so that the bottom surface222is adjacent and parallel to the second surface194of the discharge frame174. The rear surface250of the second section214is adjacent and perpendicular to the first surface190and the second surface194of the discharge frame174.

The discharge chute182includes a chute support266and a chute cover270. The chute support266has a base274, a first extension278, and a second extension282. The first extension278and the second extension282extend from opposite ends of the base274toward the discharge frame174such that the chute support266is generally U-shaped. The base274has a first surface276(FIG. 8) and a second surface277opposite the first surface276. The first extension278and the second extension282are perpendicular to the first surface190and the second surface194. The base274has a width greater than a width between the mounting bracket202A and the mounting bracket202C. The first extension278couples to the mounting bracket202A, and the second extension282couples to the mounting bracket202C. The base274is oriented such that the first extension278and the second extension282extend upward from the second surface277of the base274. In other embodiments, the base274is oriented such that the first extension278and the second extension282extend downward towards the second surface194of the discharge frame174. A first fastener286(e.g., a screw, a bolt, or a similar member) couples the first extension member278together with the mounting bracket202A. A second fastener290(e.g., a screw, a bolt, or a similar member) couples the second extension member282and the mounting bracket202C. The fasteners286,290pivotably couple the base274to the discharge frame174.

The chute cover270is formed from a flexible material, such as rubber. In the illustrated embodiment a portion of the chute cover270is sandwiched between the base274of the chute support266and a mounting support292. Fasteners293couple the mounting support292and the chute cover270to the base274, and the chute cover270extends away from the discharge frame174. The mounting support292is a relatively rigid member that helps maintain the shape of the chute cover270.

The actuator186is coupled to the second section214of the baffle plate178. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator186includes an elongated rod. More specifically, the actuator186is a push-pull rod that is manually actuated to move the baffle plate178between the first and second positions. In other embodiments, the actuator186may include an electric motor, an air or hydraulic actuator, a spring mechanism, a solenoid, or other suitable mechanisms for moving the baffle plate178. The rod186has a handle302at a first end and an eyelet306at a second end. The eyelet306and the third projection258aligned so that a fastener310(e.g., a bolt, a screw, a pin, etc.) can pass between the two members and couple the second section214to the actuator186.

Referring again toFIGS. 1 and 2, the rod186extends from the baffle plate178towards the seat118so that that handle302is proximate the seat118. A support bracket304couples to the frame114proximate the seat118. The support bracket304defines an aperture305(FIG. 3) through which the rod186passes. While using the lawn mower110, an operator seated in the seat118can reach the handle302. This allows the operator to engage the rod186without leaving the seat118.

FIG. 6illustrates a top view of the discharge baffle assembly158with the baffle plate178and the discharge chute182in a first or lowered position. The base274and the chute cover270are coupled to the discharge frame174to create a gap294between an edge of the chute cover270and the second edge230of the discharge frame174. The gap294extends the length of the base274and is an elongated narrow slot. The gap294is substantially rectangular in shape so that the gap294has a similar shape to a profile of the second section214of the baffle plate178. This enables the second section214to move within the gap294. In the illustrated embodiment, a small portion of the mounting support292also extends into the gap294. The mounting support292, in addition to a spring322(FIG. 8), helps keep the second section214positioned over the opening172(FIG. 5) of the cutting deck pan162. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring322is a torsion spring.

FIG. 7illustrates a side view of the discharge baffle assembly158with the baffle plate178and the discharge chute182in the lowered position. In the lowered position, the second section214extends out of the gap294(FIG. 6). This enables the baffle plate178to move out of the gap294and into the raised position (FIG. 9).

FIG. 8illustrates a cross-sectional view of the discharge baffle assembly158. The spring322is coupled between the first section210and the second section214of the baffle plate178. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring322is wrapped around a pin326. As shown inFIG. 4, the spring322has two coils. The pin326couples to a plurality of spring projections330adjacent the second section214. The spring322biases the second section214towards the discharge frame174. When the baffle plate178is in a first position, the spring322keeps the second section214adjacent the discharge frame174. In addition, the spring322holds the second section214relatively tightly against the cutting deck pan162to reduce vibration and chatter. This arrangement also helps reduce the possibility of debris blowing through gaps between the cutting deck pan162and the baffle plate178. Furthermore, if the baffle plate178contacts an obstacle while in the first position, the second section214can temporarily swing out to clear the obstacle, then be biased back against the cutting deck pan162by the spring322. When the baffle plate178moves to the second position (FIG. 9), the spring322biases the second section214so the second section214contacts the discharge frame174as the second section214moves. As such, the cutting deck pan162can act as a scraper to clean debris off of the rear surface250of the second section214.

The baffle plate178and the discharge chute182are each moveable with respect to the discharge frame174. In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle plate178and the discharge chute182rotate independently from each other. The baffle plate178is rotatable about the fasteners235, and the discharge chute182is rotatable about the fasteners286. Additionally, the first section210and the second section214of the baffle plate178are rotatable with respect to one another about the fasteners236through the first projections234and the second projections254.

Referring back toFIG. 3the baffle plate178is illustrated in a first or lowered, position, and the discharge chute182is illustrated in a first or lowered position. In the lowered positions, the baffle plate178and the discharge chute182are oriented in positions in which they were assembled. With respect to the baffle plate178, the first section210is oriented parallel to and adjacent the second surface194(FIG. 8) of the discharge frame174, and the second section214is oriented perpendicular to the second surface194of the discharge frame174. With respect to the base274of the discharge chute182, the first surface276(FIG. 8) and the second surface277are parallel to the second surface194of the discharge frame174. In this position, the second section214of the baffle plate178is positioned over the opening172(FIG. 5) of the cutting deck pan162.

FIG. 9illustrates the baffle plate178in a second or raised position, while the discharge chute182is in the lowered position. To achieve the raised position, the rod186is pulled towards the seat118(FIG. 2). This provides a force to the second section214of the baffle plate178, which causes the first section210and the second section214to move with respect to one another and the discharge frame174. When the force is provided to the baffle plate178, the second section translates out of the gap294and pivots about an axis through the fasteners236on the second pair of projections254. The movement of the second section214engages the first section210along the same axis where the second projections254also couple to the first projections234(FIG. 4). This causes the first section210to pivot about an axis through the fasteners235on the mounting bracket202A and the mounting bracket202B. Both the first section210and the second section214pivot in a first pivot direction314oriented towards the seat118(FIG. 2). Additionally, the second section214pivots with respect to the first section210in a second pivot direction318opposite the first pivot direction314. These two pivot directions cause the first section210and the second section214to jack-knife with respect to one another. The second section214rotates over the discharge frame174and forms an oblique angle with the first section210in this position. While moving, the second section214can contact an edge of the discharge frame because of the bias of the spring322. In this position, the second section214is spaced apart from the opening172of the cutting deck pan162(FIG. 2). Moving the baffle plate178to the raised position reduces the potential energy stored in the spring322. This means that as the baffle plate178moves into the raised position, a spring force attempting to pull the second section214toward the first section210decreases. Additionally, since the second section214contacts the discharge frame174, a frictional force opposes the movement of the second section214relative to the discharge frame174. The force of gravity alone cannot counteract the decrease in spring potential energy and the frictional force between the second section214and discharge frame174. This means that the baffle plate178will remain in the raised position until the rod186is pushed away from the seat118with a force that exceeds the spring force and frictional force. The spring322also biases the second section214toward the first section210to inhibit the baffle plate178from returning to the lowered position by the force of gravity alone.

FIG. 10illustrates the baffle plate178in the lowered position, and the discharge chute182in a second or raised position. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge chute182is actuated by manual actuation. In other embodiments, the discharge chute182can be actuated by another means (e.g. mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or any similar means). While an actuation force is applied to the discharge chute182, the base274(FIG. 4) and the chute cover270pivot together about the fasteners286on the mounting bracket202A and the mounting bracket202C. The discharge chute182pivots in the first pivot direction314further than 90 degrees. That is, the discharge chute182pivots over vertical so that the discharge chute182leans toward the rod186. Once in the raised position, the discharge chute182will not return to the lowered position unless a second actuation force is provided to the discharge chute182. This inhibits the discharge chute182from returning to the lowered position by the force of gravity alone.

FIG. 11illustrates the baffle plate178in the raised position, and the discharge chute182in the raised position. The gap294(FIG. 6) allows the baffle plate178and the discharge chute182to actuate independently and at the same time. The gap294(FIG. 6) provides clearance between the baffle plate178and the discharge chute182in order to limit interference from either the baffle plate178or the discharge chute182when the other moves. But the gap294also allows the baffle plate178and the discharge chute182to actuate at the same time by pivoting the second section214over the discharge frame174. The discharge chute182is still able to pivot further than 90 degrees while the baffle plate178is in the raised position. This allows the baffle plate178and the discharge chute182to be actuated (e.g., raised) at the same time while also the baffle plate178and the discharge chute182to be actuated independently from one another.

FIGS. 12-16illustrate a discharge baffle assembly558that is substantially similar to discharge baffle assembly158. Similar features include the same reference number, plus “400”. Only differences between the discharge baffle assembly558and the discharge baffle assembly158will be described below.

As shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, an actuator586is coupled to the second section614of the baffle plate578. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator586is an electric motor assembly. More specifically, the actuator586is a worm gear output of an output shaft766coupled to a motor (e.g., a DC motor) to move the baffle plate578between the first and second positions.

FIGS. 13 and 14illustrate the actuator586including a motor can762housing the DC motor and a gear box764. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor can762houses a DC motor, which may be powered by a battery or an alternator of the lawn mower110. The DC motor is coupled to a first end767of the output shaft766. The DC motor is configured to drive the rotation of the output shaft766. A bushing770surrounds the output shaft766and is configured to assist in rotational movement.

The gear box764is coupled to a mounting plate774by fasteners778(e.g., threaded screws). The mounting plate774is rigidly connected to the discharge frame574, and in the illustrated embodiment, extends orthogonally from the second surface594. A second or output end768of the output shaft766extends through an opening786of the mounting plate774.

The actuator586further includes a first link790and a second link794. In the illustrated embodiment, each link790,794has an elongated body with a first hole798at one end of the body and a second hole802at another end of the body. A portion of the first link790extends through the opening786of the mounting plate774, allowing the first hole798of the first link790to receive and engage the output end768of the output shaft766. The first hole798of the second link794is aligned with the third projection658so that a fastener710(e.g., a bolt, a screw, a pin, etc.) can pass between the two members and couple the second section614to the second link794. The second holes802of both links790,794are also aligned so that a fastener806(e.g., a bolt, a screw, a pin, etc.) can pass between the two members and couple the links790,794together, thereby coupling the second section614to the actuator586.

Referring back toFIG. 12, the baffle plate578is illustrated in the lowered position. The third projection658is spaced furthest from the output shaft766while the baffle plate578is in the lowered position. The first link790and the second link794are arranged substantially linearly in order to extend the greatest distance and allow the second section614to be positioned through the gap694.

FIG. 15illustrates the baffle plate578in a partially raised position. To achieve the partially raised position, the motor is actuated by a control (e.g., a button, a joystick, a switch—none shown) proximate the seat118(FIG. 1). This provides electrical current to the motor, causing the motor to rotate. Rotation of the motor drives the output shaft766. A spline810(FIG. 13) is coupled to the output end768of the output shaft766. The first link790is fixed relative to the output shaft766, and rotation of the spline810on the output shaft766drives the first link790. In the illustrated embodiment, the output shaft766and the first link790rotate in the first pivot direction714. Rotation of the first link790causes the second link794to move (e.g., rotate and translate) toward the opening786of the mounting plate774. The movement of the second link794provides a force to the baffle plate578, and the second section614translates partially out of the gap694and pivots in the first pivot direction714. In the illustrated embodiment, the first link790and the second link794are oblique with respect to one another in the partially raised position. The partially raised position is an intermediate position between the lowered position (FIG. 13) and fully raised position (FIG. 16). In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle plate578is not intended to remain in the intermediate position, but instead simply pass through as it travels to the raised or lowered positions.

FIG. 16illustrates the baffle plate578in the raised position. In some embodiments, the user continuously actuates the control in order to bring the baffle plate578to the raised position; while in other embodiments, the user briefly actuates the control to raise the baffle plate578. The first link790continues to rotate in the first pivot direction714, and drive the movement of the second link794and the baffle plate578. This moves the second section614fully out of the gap694. The first and second links790,794are substantially parallel in the raised position. In the illustrated embodiment, both the gears of the actuator586and the spring722may retain the baffle plate578in the raised position. The baffle plate578does not return to the lowered position until the user actuates the control again (continuously or briefly).

Referring back toFIGS. 1 and 2, during operation, the blade166cuts up vegetation underneath the cutting deck pan162. Once the vegetation is cut, the vegetation is directed out from under the cutting deck pan162through the opening172. The baffle plate178of the discharge baffle assembly158blocks the cut vegetation from passing through the opening172.

In the lowered position (FIG. 1), the second section214of the baffle plate178covers the opening172. The second section214substantially covers the opening172and cut vegetation remains in an area underneath the cutting deck pan162. When the rod186is pulled and the baffle plate178moves into the second position, the second section214moves away from the opening172(FIG. 2). This allows the cut vegetation to pass through the opening172. The discharge chute182directs the vegetation in a direction that extends outwardly from the opening172. While in the lowered position, the chute cover270blocks the cut vegetation from exiting the cutting deck pan162.

The illustrated embodiment allows the operator of the lawn mower110to selectively cover the opening172while sitting in the seat118. This allows the operator to cover the opening172with the baffle plate178and avoid directing cut vegetation onto undesirable locations (e.g., flower beds, a driveway, etc.). When the operator moves the baffle plate178into the raised position, the bias of the spring322forces the second section214to rub against the second edge230. The rubbing between the second section214and the second edge230removes some of the cut vegetation stuck to the second section214. The position of the actuator186relative to the operator's seat118also enables the operator to move the baffle plate178without having to get up from the seat118.

The actuation of the discharge chute182allows for more convenient transportation or storage of the lawn mower110. Moving the discharge chute182to the second position reduces a width of the lawn mower110. This allows the lawn mower110to fit into a smaller space (e.g., a truck bed, a trailer, a garage, etc.).