Patent Publication Number: US-9844181-B2

Title: Mower with attachment having a hopper and conveyor assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/547,590, filed on Nov. 19, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/097,760, filed Apr. 29, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,915,347; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention is related generally to outdoor power equipment and attachments for use therewith. More particularly, the present invention typically includes a hopper, conveyor belt assembly and hydraulic system typically powered by the engine of the outdoor power equipment. Specifically, the invention is related to such equipment which is configured to throw mulch or other particulate material from within the hopper while the equipment is driven along the ground. 
     2. Background Information 
     There is a wide variety of self-propelled outdoor power equipment, such as those used in the landscape, lawn and garden, forestry and utility equipment industries. These self-propelled units may be walk-behind units, stand-on units or sit-on units which typically include three or four wheels. By way of example, such self-propelled units may be in the form of lawnmowers, leaf blowers, snow blowers or throwers, fertilizer spreaders, topdressers, aerators, power brooms, garden tractors, utility vehicles and the like. Many of these units are within the category of lawn care equipment or turf care machines. Some of these units, such as power mowers, may have a zero turning radius whereby they are sometimes referred to as “zero turn” or “z turn” mowers or the like. Many of these units are configured for a single function, such as cutting grass, throwing snow or spreading fertilizer. However, other units may be configured to achieve more than one function, and may include attachments to that end. Many such attachments are configured to be towed or pushed by the self-propelled unit whereby such attachments typically include wheels. Caster or broadcast spreaders have been configured to mount on self-propelled units, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,502,771 and 6,637,678 both of which were granted to Wyne. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,218 granted to Metzler et al. is directed to a landscape edging attachment. Furthermore, topdressers include models utilizing a conveyor belt to deliver particulate material through a rotating brush for distribution onto the ground, as well as those which use a rapidly spinning bar having steel plates secured thereto which strike the particulate material for distribution thereof. In addition, one unit sold under the name “Dakota 410 Rear Conveyor” utilizes a hopper which feeds particulate material onto a rear conveyor belt external to the hopper such that the external conveyor belt feeds the material outwardly to the side of the self-propelled unit. One of the drawbacks to the rear conveyor is that the operator must look back over his or her shoulder while driving the self-propelled unit in order to ensure the proper distribution from the rear conveyor. The present invention addresses this and other needs in the art. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an embodiment may provide an apparatus comprising: a mower having a frame; a mower deck which is removably mountable on the frame in a mower deck mounting space; and an attachment which comprises a hopper and a conveyor belt, wherein the attachment is removably mountable on the frame so that the hopper and conveyor belt extend directly above the mower deck mounting space. 
     In another aspect, an embodiment may provide an apparatus comprising: a mower having a frame, an engine mounted on the frame and a rotatable first sheave driven by the engine; a mower deck which comprises a rotatable second sheave and is removably mountable on the frame; an attachment which comprises a hopper, a conveyor belt and a rotatable third sheave, wherein the attachment is removably mountable on the frame; and a drive belt; wherein when the mower deck is mounted on the frame, the drive belt is mounted on the first and second sheaves; and when the attachment is mounted on the frame, the drive belt is dismounted from the second sheave and is mounted on the first and third sheaves. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated of the best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of the outdoor power equipment unit of the present invention with the attachment secured thereon. 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the unit. 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view similar to  FIG. 1  showing the attachment removed from the front of the unit and a mower deck mounted on the frame. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged sectional view taken on line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  showing one of the rear mounting mechanisms. 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged sectional view taken on line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2  showing a portion of one of the front mounting mechanisms. 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevational view corresponding to the configuration in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a front elevational view of a portion of the unit showing an alternate front mounting mechanism. 
         FIG. 8  is similar to  FIG. 7  and shows another alternate front mounting mechanism. 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view looking forward and taken generally forward of the engine and rearward of the hopper to provide a rear elevational view of the hopper, conveyor assembly and front portion of the unit. 
         FIG. 9A  is an enlarged rear elevational view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 9B  is a sectional view taken on line  9 B- 9 B of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the portion of the unit shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom plan view of the portion of the unit shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  and shows the hydraulic pump and associated sheave in the mounted or tightened position with the drive belt mounted on the sheave. 
         FIG. 12  is similar to  FIG. 11  and shows the hydraulic pump and associated sheave in a loosened or dismounted position to allow the drive belt to be mounted or dismounted on the sheave. 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged sectional view showing the hydraulic pump in the same position as  FIG. 11  without the sheave and drive belt. 
         FIG. 14  is a sectional view taken on line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged sectional view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional view taken on line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 17  is a sectional view taken on line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged sectional view of the encircled portion of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged side elevational view of the control section of the unit. 
         FIG. 20  is a sectional view similar to  FIG. 16  with portions cut away showing revolving operation of the conveyor belt to discharge particulate material from within the hopper. 
         FIG. 21  is a front elevational view of the unit showing the extension portion of the conveyor belt assembly having moved from the extended operational position of  FIG. 20  to the retracted stored position. 
         FIG. 22  is similar to  FIG. 18  and shows the conveyor belt assembly in the retracted stored position. 
         FIG. 23  is a side elevational view of the unit depicting a discharge pipe connecting a mower deck to a hopper. 
         FIG. 24  is a front elevational view of the unit shown in  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  is a top view of the discharge pipe connected to the hopper and a screen member covering the top opening of the hopper. 
     
    
    
     Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The self-propelled outdoor power equipment unit of the present invention is shown generally at  1  in  FIGS. 1-3 . Unit  1  may include one or more functional assemblies that perform specific functions or tasks in addition to the self-propelled capability of the unit. For example, unit  1  may include a functional assembly in the form of a hopper and conveyor assembly  2 , a mower deck  4  ( FIGS. 3, 6 ) or both. Such functional assemblies may be configured for permanent attachment to the frame of the unit or removably mounted thereon. Removable functional assemblies may be configured for relatively slow removal or relatively rapid removal. The exemplary embodiment illustrates that assembly  2  and mower deck  4  are both configured to be quickly removed or attached to the frame of unit  1  as discussed further below. Unit  1  is configured to travel along the ground  6  while one or both of assembly  2  and mower deck  4  operates to perform its specific functions. Assembly  2  and mower deck  4  are also operable when unit  1  travel is stopped. 
     Unit  1  has a front  8  and a back  10  defining therebetween a longitudinal direction of the unit. Unit  1  further includes a left side  12  and a right side  14  which define therebetween an axial direction of the unit. Unit  1  includes a rigid frame  16  typically formed of metal and extending from adjacent front  8  to adjacent back  10 . Left and right powered or drive wheels  18  (only the right wheel shown) are rotatably mounted on frame  16  generally adjacent the back end  10 . Left and right non-powered or driven wheels  20  are rotatably mounted on frame  16  adjacent front end  8 . A typically fuel powered engine  22  is mounted on frame  16  generally adjacent the back end for powering rotation of drive wheels  18 . Wheels  18  and  20  are ground-engaging wheels which define the bottom of unit  1  and engage and roll on ground  6  to facilitate its travel in the forward (Arrow  23 ) and rearward directions as well as to the left and to the right. In the exemplary embodiment, unit  1  is configured as a zero turning radius machine although it may be configured with steering capabilities which provide for a wider turning range. Unit  1  includes a control assembly  24  mounted adjacent back  10  for controlling the various functions of unit  1 . 
     Unit  1  may be configured as a walk-behind unit or model, as illustrated in solid lines in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , or may be configured with an operator support platform  26  (dashed lines) which is shown here as a standing platform on which an operator of machine  1  stands during operation, although platform  26  may also represent a seat on which the operator sits during operation of the machine. Where unit  1  is a walk-behind model, the operator will walk behind or stand in an operator position  25  adjacent and directly behind the machine and behind the control assembly  24  with his or her hands on the appropriate controls of assembly  24 . Alternately, the operator position may be atop platform  26  or the seat represented thereby with appropriate controls just forward of the operator position. In any of these cases, assembly  2  is forward of the operator position whereby the operator faces forward, as illustrated at Arrow  27 , whereby the operator can see the operation of assembly  2  as unit  1  travels forward. This configuration eliminates the difficulty associated with a rear conveyor in which the operator must look rearwardly over his or her shoulder while driving the unit forward. 
     Frame  16  includes left and right substantially horizontal longitudinal beams or rails  28  (both shown in  FIG. 11 ) which are generally parallel although  FIG. 11  illustrates segments of rails  28  which are parallel and forward segments which taper forward and away from each other somewhat. Frame  16  further includes left and right front cylindrical caster mount sleeves  31  which are vertically oriented and hollow and thus define cylindrical passages or holes. Left and right sleeves  31  are secured to rails  28  adjacent their respective front ends adjacent front end  8  of unit  1 . Frame  16  further includes a front axial crossbar  30 , which is one of a plurality of substantially horizontal crossbars which extend between and are rigidly secured to rails  28 . Rails  28  define therebetween an open space  32  ( FIG. 11 ) which extends rearwardly from front crossbar  30  to adjacent the front of engine  22 . Space  32  serves as a through opening having top and bottom entrance openings  34  and  36  ( FIG. 3 ) such that portions of assembly  2  or other components may pass into and through space  32  from the top or bottom. Left and right forward mounting holes  38  ( FIG. 2 ) and rearward mounting holes  40  are formed in frame  16  and are used for mounting mower deck  4  on frame  16 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , forward holes  38  are also used in mounting attachment  2  on frame  16 . Holes  38  and  40  are typically through holes formed through a horizontal beam or plate, and in the exemplary embodiment forward holes  38  are formed through front crossbar  30 . 
     In addition to powering the rotation of drive wheels  18 , engine  22  has a drive shaft  42  and a sheave  44  secured to and rotatable with drive shaft  42  about a vertical axis. A closed loop drive belt  46  is revolvably mounted on and engages sheave  44  as well as a sheave  48  of mower deck  4  ( FIG. 3 ) when deck  4  is mounted on frame  16 . Sheave  48  is secured to another shaft  50  and is rotatable therewith about a vertical axis passing through shaft  50 . Mower deck  4  includes one or more mower blades  52  which rotate about a respective vertical axis and are rotatably driven by the rotation of sheave  48  and axle  50 . Although a single mower blade  52  may be used on certain models, it is common for commercial mowers to include two or three blades  52  which are offset from one another such that one of the blades  52  is secured to shaft  50  while the other blade or blades are secured to respective shafts having respective sheaves which are driven by another drive belt, as is well known in the art. Mower deck  4  includes a rigid heavy duty housing  54  on which the mower blades are rotatably mounted and on which several ground engaging mower deck wheels  56  are rotatably mounted to facilitate maintaining the lower deck and blades at the proper height during operation. Deck  4  further includes a discharge chute  58  typically pivotally mounted on housing  4  and extending outwardly to the side through which grass clippings and the like are discharged during the mowing process. In the exemplary embodiment, unit  1  without assembly  2  is configured as a lawnmower with which the operator cuts grass of ground  6  with blades  52 . 
     A mounting assembly is provided for mounting mower deck  4  on frame  16 . In the exemplary embodiment, this mounting assembly includes left and right front rods  60  and left and right rear rods  62  (only the right rod shown) typically pivotally mounted on housing  54  and extend vertically upwardly therefrom when deck  4  is mounted on frame  16 . Cotter pins  64  or the like are used to secure rods  60  and  62  on frame  16  in a standard fashion and thus serve as stops which engage the top of the corresponding beam or other portion of frame  16  through which holes  38  and  40  are formed to limit the downward movement of deck  4  relative to frame  16 . Rods  60  and  62  are respectively slidably received within holes  38  and  40  such that rods  60  and  62  may slide upwardly and downwardly within said holes to allow for some vertical adjustment of deck  4  during operation. The mounting of deck  4  on frame  16  thus is relatively simple, and involves the insertion of rods  60  and  62  upwardly through holes  38  and  40  respectively and the insertion of cotter pins  64  through respective holes formed adjacent the top of rods  60  and  62 . Belt  46  is also mounted around sheaves  44  and  48  when deck  4  is mounted on frame  16 . The removal of deck  4  from frame  16  thus involves the opposite steps, namely removing belt  46  from sheave  48 , removing cotter pins  64  and lowering rods  60  and  62  downwardly out of holes  38  and  40 . 
     Lower deck  4  is mounted within a lower deck mounting space  66  which is defined by the configuration of deck  4  when mounted on frame  16  and is typically entirely lower than rails  28 . When lower deck  4  is removed from frame  16 , space  66  is thus an open space. Deck  4  and space  66  extend longitudinally as viewed from beside from adjacent rear drive wheels  18  to adjacent front driven wheels  20 , and in the axial direction from adjacent the left wheels  18  and  20  to adjacent the right wheels  18  and  20 . In the exemplary embodiment, deck  4  extends outwardly to the left beyond the left wheels  18  and  20  and left longitudinal rail  28  and outwardly to the right beyond the right wheels  18  and  20  and right longitudinal rail  28 . A substantial portion of deck  4  and space  66  is directly below space  32  with portions also directly below rails  28  and crossbar  30 . Deck  4  and space  66  are for the most part forward of engine  22  and rear wheels  18  and mostly rearward of front wheels  20 . 
     Control assembly  24  includes a control panel mounted on handle bars or other supporting structure secured to frame  16 . A plurality of controls is mounted on the control panel, including a drive wheel control  68 , a conveyor belt control  70 , a conveyor extension control  72  and a throttle  74 . Although only one is shown, the drive wheel control typically includes a left and right drive wheel control  68  for respectively controlling the driving rotation of the left and right drive wheels  18 . A gear shift, ignition switch and other controls may be mounted on the control panel although they are not shown in the figures. Throttle  74  controls the speed or RPMs of engine  22  and consequently the speed of rotation or RPMs of shaft  42  and sheave  44 , which in the exemplary embodiment is directly proportional to the RPMs of engine  22 . The rotation of sheave  48 ,  50  and blade or blades  52  is thus also directly proportional to the speed or RPMs of engine  22 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, wheels  20  are caster wheels which are thus respectively part of left and right caster wheel assemblies. Each of the caster wheel assemblies includes a pivot  76 , a caster wheel bracket  70  which is rigidly secured to and extends downwardly from pivot  76  and an axle  80  about which each wheel  20  is rotatably mounted. More particularly, pivot  76  typically includes a substantially cylindrical rod which is rotatably received within caster mount sleeve  31  of frame  16  whereby the entire caster wheel assembly is rotatable about a vertical axis X 1  passing through pivot  76 . Caster wheel bracket  78  is a generally inverted U-shaped structure having a generally horizontal upper portion and a pair of spaced legs extending downwardly therefrom whereby axle  80  extends between the legs of the bracket so that each wheel  20  is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis. 
     In accordance with the invention, assembly  2  is mounted on frame  16 , and in the exemplary embodiment is removably mounted thereon forward of rear wheels  18 , engine  22 , control assembly  24  and the operator position shown at  25  or atop the seat or platform  26 .  FIGS. 1 and 2  show the attached or mounted position of assembly  2  while  FIGS. 3 and 6  show a dismounted or detached position of assembly  2 . The primary components of assembly  2  are a rigid hopper  82  formed primarily of metal and a conveyor assembly or conveyor belt assembly  84  which is secured to hopper  82  adjacent its lower end for discharging mulch or other particulate material from within hopper  82 . Assembly  2  includes left and right rear mounting mechanisms  86  which are respectively mounted along the bottom of hopper  82  respectively adjacent the left and right ends thereof. Left and right front mounting mechanisms  88  are also provided for mounting assembly  2  on frame  16 . When assembly  2  is mounted on frame  16 , hopper  82  is fixed relative to the frame  16 . 
     Each rear mounting mechanism  86  ( FIG. 4 ) includes a rigid tubular mounting block  90  which is rigidly secured to and extends downwardly from the bottom of hopper  82 . Mechanism  86  further includes a rigid inverted U-shaped mounting bracket  92  which is rigidly secured to and extends downwardly from block  90  and includes a pair of spaced downwardly extending legs  94 . A rigid L-shaped mounting member  96  has a horizontal first leg  98  and a second leg  100  which is secured to the outer end of leg  98  and extends perpendicularly therefrom. A rigid pin  102  passes through a hole formed in leg  98  and extends radially outwardly therefrom. A pair of rigid pins  104  (only one shown) are secured to the mounting bracket  92  and extend downwardly about midway between legs  94 . A coil spring  106  encircles a portion of leg  98  and extends from the outer leg  94  to pin  102 . Arrow A in  FIG. 4  illustrates that mounting member  96  is movable horizontally inwardly and outwardly between a securing or mounting position shown in solid lines and an unsecured position shown in dashed lines. More particularly, each of legs  94  defines a hole through which leg  98  passes whereby leg  98  is slidable inwardly and outwardly and also rotatable (Arrow B) within said holes. 
     In the secured position, the inner portion of leg  98  is positioned directly below the corresponding rail  28  and serves as a stop which engages the bottom of rail  28  to prevent upward movement of assembly  2 , thereby mounting assembly  2  on frame  16 . When assembly  2  is mounted on rail  16 , the bottom of hopper  18  is seated on the top of rails  28  and blocks  90  and/or the inner leg  94  is closely adjacent or abuts the respective rail to minimize or eliminate axial side to side movement of hopper  82 . In the unsecured position of mounting member  96 , leg  98  is withdrawn to the degree that it is no longer directly beneath rail  28  whereby a sufficient upper force allows assembly  2  to be lifted upwardly off of frame  16 . For convenience, the rotation of member  96  when pin  102  moves beyond pins  104  with spring  106  compressed allows pin  102  to engage pins  104  whereby pin  102  and pins  104  serve as retaining members to retain the locking member  96  in the unsecured position. Spring  106  biases mounting member  96  to the secured position when pins  102  and  104  do not engage one another. In the unsecured position, spring  106  biases pin  102  against retaining pins  104  within the notch formed in each pin  104 . When assembly  2  is used as a retrofit attachment, the mounting mechanism  86  thus provides a mounting mechanism which does not require any alteration of the frame  16  or other portions of unit  1  which would void the manufacturer&#39;s warranty on the original unit. Thus, no holes need to be drilled in the frame or other portions of unit  1  in order to attach assembly  2  to frame  16 . In addition, rear mounting mechanism  86  provides the ability to rapidly mount or dismount assembly  2  on frame  16 . 
     Each front mounting mechanism  88  ( FIG. 5 ) includes a mounting member in the form of a rigid vertical rod  108  which is rigidly secured via a mounting bracket to the front of the lower portion of hopper  82  and extends downwardly below the bottom of the hopper to a bottom terminal end. Rod  108  is disposed within hole  38  when assembly  2  is attached to frame  16 . Thus, rod  60  for mounting lower deck  4  must be removed from hole  38  in order to insert rod  108  into hole  38 . Mechanism  88  further includes a rigid cylindrical sleeve  110  defining a vertical through passage or hole  112  which receives rod  108 . The top of sleeve  110  abuts or is closely adjacent a downwardly facing surface of crossbar  30  at the bottom of hole  38  in the secured position to prevent upward movement of rod  108  out of hole  38 . Mechanism  108  further includes a threaded member including a thread shaft  114  and an enlarged head  116  such that shaft  114  threadedly engages a threaded hole  118  extending from the outer surface of sleeve  110  to the inner surface which defines hole  112 . Head  116  is typically knurled to facilitate the rotational threading of threaded member into or out of hole  118  by simple manual engagement without the use of tools. The rotation of the threaded member is illustrated at Arrow C in  FIG. 5 . 
     Thus, assembly  2  is attached to frame  16  by inserting each rod  108  downwardly through a respective hole  38 , then sliding sleeve  110  upwardly from the bottom terminal end of rod  108  until the top of sleeve  110  abuts or is closely adjacent the downwardly facing surface of crossbar  30 . At this point, the threaded member is rotated by the threaded engagement between shaft  114  and threaded hole  118  causes the tip of the shaft to engage the outer surface of rod  108  in order to secure sleeve  110  on rod  108 . Detachment of assembly  2  thus involves the reverse procedure in which the threaded member is unscrewed so that sleeve  110  can be slid downwardly off of rod  108  and rod  108  may be lifted upwardly out of hole  38 . As with the rear mounting mechanism  86 , front mounting mechanism  88  thus allows for the mounting and dismounting of assembly  2  on frame  16  without voiding a manufacturer&#39;s warranty by drilling holes in the original unit or otherwise damaging the unit. Conveniently for temporary storage purposes, each sleeve  110  and the corresponding threaded member may be mounted atop an upper end of the corresponding rod  108  by sliding the sleeve over the upper end and tightening the screw to secure sleeve on rod  108 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Although rod  108  is inserted through the same holes  38  which are used to mount the mower deck via rods  60 , other suitable mounting mechanisms may be used. 
     In accordance with the invention, assembly  2  is mounted on frame  16 , and in the exemplary embodiment is removably mounted thereon. The front mounting mechanisms  88  are particularly configured for mounting assembly  2  on the frame of a particular manufacturer&#39;s unit when the mower deck  4  is removed therefrom.  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate two alternate front mounting mechanisms which are respectively configured for two other specific configurations of different manufacturers or models of the unit. More particularly,  FIG. 7  illustrates an alternate front mounting mechanism which includes a mounting member in the form of a rigid typically metal cylindrical sleeve  120  defining a vertical cylindrical passage or hole  122  wherein sleeve  120  is secured to hopper  82  adjacent the bottom thereof between a pair of rigid metal vertical mounting plates  124  of a mounting bracket whereby sleeve  120  is rigidly secured to hopper  82 . In the mounted or attached position of assembly  2 , caster mount sleeve  31  is received within passage  122  of hopper mount sleeve  120 . Arrow D in  FIG. 7  shows the upward and downward movement of assembly  2  including sleeve  122  such that vertical upward movement thereof causes sleeve  120  to slide off of sleeve  31  to dismount assembly  2  and downward vertical movement causes sleeve  120  to slide downwardly over sleeve  31  to slidably receive sleeve  31  within hole  122  of sleeve  120 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the rear mounting mechanism  86  is the same. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates that the frame of the unit includes a rigid front horizontal metal plate  126  which is generally adjacent and extends between front wheels  120 . A manufacturer&#39;s through hole  128  is formed in plate  126  extending from its top to its bottom. For the present purposes, a manufacturer&#39;s hole is defined herein as being a hole formed by the original manufacturer wherein the hole may have been used for purposes of manufacturing or assembling the unit, but is not used in the final product. Thus, no portion of the original manufacturer&#39;s unit extends through hole  128 . Where applicant&#39;s assembly  2  is a retrofit attachment, the configuration in  FIG. 8  is intended to utilize the manufacturer&#39;s hole  128  and thereby once again avoid voiding the manufacturer&#39;s warranty by drilling additional holes or otherwise damaging the original unit. The alternate front mounting mechanism shown in  FIG. 8  includes a rigid mounting bracket  130  which is rigidly secured to the lower portion of hopper  82  and extends downwardly therefrom to a bottom end from which an externally threaded rod or shaft  132  extends downwardly. Shaft  132  is inserted downwardly through hole  128  with the bottom of bracket  130  seated atop plate  126  and with an internally threaded member in the form of a wing nut  134  threaded onto shaft  132  to abut the bottom of plate  126 , thereby securing assembly  2  on the frame and prevent its upward movement therefrom. Preferably, wing nut  134  includes relatively large wings which may be manually engaged for easy rotation of the wing nut (Arrow E) to tighten and loosen the nut on shaft  132  without the use of tools. Again, the configuration of  FIG. 8  retains the rear mounting mechanism  86 . Advantageously, the use of rear mounting mechanism  86  with any of the front mounting mechanisms discussed above allows attachment  2  to be rapidly attached to or removed from frame  16 . 
     Hopper  82  is now described with primary reference to  FIGS. 1-3, 6 and 9-11 . Hopper  82  includes front and back side walls  136  and  138 , and left and right side walls  140  and  142  defining there within an interior chamber  144  having a top entrance opening  146 . Front side wall  136  includes an upper vertical segment  148  and an angled lower segment  150  which is secured to and angles rearwardly and downwardly from the bottom of vertical segment  148 . Back side wall  138  includes a vertical upper segment  152  and an angled lower segment  154  which is secured to and angles downwardly and forward from the bottom of vertical upper segment  152 . Left side wall  140  is substantially vertical and is secured to and extends between the left ends of front and back side walls  136  and  138 . Right side wall  142  is also substantially vertical and is secured to and extends between the right ends of front and back side walls  136  and  138 . Vertical upper segment  152  includes a vertical extension  155  which extends upwardly beyond the tops of front side wall  136  and left and right side walls  140  and  142 . Extension  155  thus adds additional height to help prevent mulch or particulate material being loaded into the interior chamber of hopper  82  from being thrown onto engine  22  and other components rearward of extension  155 . 
     A rectangular exit opening  156  is formed in right side wall  142  to allow mulch or other particulate material to exit there through from within interior chamber  144 . A flat vertical rectangular gate  158  is movably mounted on right side wall  142  in order to alter the size of exit opening  156  as desired. More particularly, side wall  142  includes a pair of vertical channels  160  which face one another and bound exit opening  156  so that the front and rear edges of gate  158  are slidably received within the front and rear channels  160  respectively such that gate  158  is manually vertically slidable up and down as indicated at Arrow F in  FIG. 1 . Channels  160 , the bottom of gate  158  and the top of the conveyor belt of assembly  84  thus define therebetween exit opening  156 , the size of which is thus adjustable by moving gate  158  upwardly or downwardly. A plurality of height adjustment holes  162  are formed in gate  158  and are vertically aligned and vertically spaced from one another. A securing mechanism including a rod  164  ( FIGS. 10, 14, 16 ) is removably insertable into a selected one of holes  162  to secure gate  158  at the desired height. Rod  164  may be a threaded rod which threadedly engages holes  162  if they are internally threaded or may for instance be a spring biased rod which is biased to be inserted into holes  162 . 
     With primary reference to  FIG. 2 , a front entrance opening  166  is formed in upper segment  148  of front side wall  136  and extends downwardly from a horizontal top  168  of side wall  136 . Entrance opening  166  has a horizontal top  170  at the same height as top  168 , a horizontal bottom  172 , a left side  174  adjacent left side wall  140  and a right side  176  intermediate left and right side walls  140  and  142 . A substantially flat door  178  is movably mounted on upper segment of hopper  82  and has a shape which is approximately the same as that of entrance opening  166 . Door  178  has a horizontal top  180 , a horizontal bottom  182 , a left side  184  and a right side  186 . Door  178  is mounted adjacent bottom  182  by a hinge  188  whereby door  178  is pivotally movable about a horizontal axially extending axis X 2  between a closed position shown in  FIG. 2  and an open position shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 1 . In the closed position, top  180  is substantially coincident with top  170 , bottom  182  is substantially coincident with bottom  172 , left side  184  is substantially coincident with left side  174  and right side  186  is substantially coincident with right side  176  whereby door  178  in the closed position entirely covers entrance opening  166 . Top  168  of front side wall  136 , top  170  of entrance opening  166  and top  180  of door  178  when door  178  is closed are all at a height H 1 . Bottom  172  of entrance opening  166  is at a height H 2  which is lower than height H 1  so that when door  178  is pivoted to flip to its open position ( FIG. 1 ), door  178  hangs downwardly from hinge  188  so that bottom  182  of the door serves as the top of the door in the open position while top  180  serves as the bottom of the door. It is noted that entrance opening  166  opens upwardly at top  170  when door  178  is in the opened position whereby assembly  2  is free of structure extending along the top of opening  166  from its left side to its right side when door  178  is open. Thus, when door  178  is opened, entrance opening  166  provides access to the interior chamber at a height which is lower than height H 1 , thereby facilitating the loading of mulch or other particulate material into the hopper through entrance opening or doorway  166 . When door  178  is closed, filling the hopper from the front must be achieved by moving the particulate material over top  168  or top  180  and thus above height H 1  in order to enter interior chamber  144 . 
     A securing mechanism is provided to secure door  178  in the closed position and includes a first latch  190  and second latch  192  ( FIG. 10 ). First latch  190  is a channel-shaped member which receives a portion of door  178  along top  180  thereof. First latch  190  is pivotally mounted at pivot  194  on front side wall  136  adjacent top  168  and top  170  and side  176  of entrance opening  166 . Second latch  192  is movably mounted on the inside of door  178  adjacent the left side  184  such that latch  192  is removably insertable into a hole (not shown) formed in left side wall  140  adjacent the top and front thereof. A coil spring  196  ( FIG. 10 ) biases latch  192  to the secured position. The configuration of the securing mechanism provided by latch  192  is the same as or similar to rear mounting mechanism  86 . 
     Hopper  82  includes a conveyor assembly housing  198  which is secured to the lower portions of side walls  136 ,  138 ,  140  and  142  and extends downwardly therefrom. Referring primarily to  FIG. 14 , housing  198  in the exemplary embodiment is formed from the single sheet of metal which is then bent to provide a bottom wall  200 , a front side wall  202  which is secured to and extends upwardly from the front of bottom wall  200 , and a back side wall  204  which is secured to and extends upwardly from the rear end of bottom wall  200 . Walls  200 ,  202  and  204  define there within an interior chamber  206  which opens upwardly to communicate with interior chamber  144  whereby chambers  144  and  206  form a single chamber. 
     Front side wall  202  includes a lower vertical segment  208  which is secured to the front end of bottom wall  200  and extends upwardly therefrom, and an angled upper segment  210  which is secured to the top of segment  208  and angles upwardly and forward therefrom parallel to angled segment  150  to an upper terminal end. Back side wall  204  also includes a lower vertical segment  212  secured to the back end of bottom wall  200  extending upwardly therefrom, and an angled upper segment  214  which angles upwardly and rearwardly parallel to angled segment  154  to an upper terminal end. Angled segment  210  adjacent its upper terminal end is secured to a spacer  216  which is secured to angled segment  150  in a position spaced upwardly of its lower terminal end so that angled segments  210  and  150  are spaced from one another to define therebetween a front channel  218 . Similarly, angled segment  214  adjacent its upper terminal end is secured to another spacer  216  which is secured to angle segment  154  whereby angled segments  214  and  154  are spaced from one another to define there within a rear channel  220 . Channels  218  and  220  will be discussed further below. Housing  198  is thus rigidly secured to front and back side walls  136  and  138  by spacers  216 , which are typically welded to the angled segments or otherwise rigidly secured thereto and extend from left side wall  140  to right side wall  142 . Angled segments  210  and  214  are also rigidly secured at their left ends to left side wall  140  and that their right ends to right side wall  142 . Housing  198  thus extends from adjacent left side wall  140  to adjacent right side wall  142  whereby channels  218  and  220  likewise extend from adjacent side wall  140  to adjacent side wall  142 . 
     Bottom wall  200  includes a recessed wall  222  which is spaced upwardly from the bottom of the housing with a front foot  224  extending downwardly from the front of wall  222  and a back foot  226  extending downwardly from the back of wall  222 . Front foot  224  is secured to the bottom of vertical segment  208  while back foot  226  is secured to the bottom of segment  212 . Feet  224  and  226  define the bottom of housing  198  and the bottom of hopper  82 , which is seated on the top upwardly facing surfaces of rails  28 . Several longitudinal parallel strengthening ribs  230  are disposed within recess  228  and axially spaced from one another, as best seen in  FIG. 11 . Each rib  230  typically has a tubular form and is rigidly secured to recessed wall  222  and feet  224  and  226 . In the exemplary embodiment, when assembly  2  is mounted on frame  16 , all or nearly all of hopper  82  is positioned directly above lower deck mounting space  66  (or mower deck  4  if also mounted on frame  16 ), including the various side walls of hopper  82 , gate  158 , door  178  and housing  198 . 
     Conveyor assembly  84  is now described in greater detail with primary reference to  FIG. 16 . Assembly  84  includes a conveyor belt support assembly which includes a first section  232  and a second or extension section  234 . A flexible conveyor belt  236  is revolvably mounted on the conveyor assembly around sections  232  and  234 . Section  232  includes a plurality of rigid parallel longitudinal support ribs  238  which are axially spaced from one another within interior chamber  206  of housing  198 . Ribs  238  extend between and are rigidly secured to the upper portion of vertical segments  208  and  212  of housing  198 . Ribs  238  thus substantially strengthen housing  198  and provide support for belt  236 . First section  232  further includes a rotatable idler roller  240  spaced to the left of ribs  238 . Roller  240  is disposed in chamber  206  and is rotatably mounted on a roller carriage  242  having front and rear plates which are slidably received within carriage openings  244  formed respectively in vertical segment  208  of front wall  202  ( FIG. 2 ) and vertical segment  212  of back side wall  204  adjacent left side wall  140  ( FIGS. 9, 16 ). More particularly, carriage  242  is horizontally slidable back and forth to the right and to the left as indicated at Arrow H in  FIGS. 2 and 9 . Front and rear springs  246  are provided respectively along openings  244  with their outer ends engaging the front and rear portions of carriage  242  respectively and their inner ends engaging housing  198  of hopper  82  or another fixed structure such as one of ribs  238  of first section  232 . Springs  246  thus bias carriage  242  and roller  240  axially in a direction away from the opposite end of the conveyor belt support structure and opposite end of the conveyor belt. In this case, springs  246  bias carriage  242  and roller  240  to the left away from ribs  238 . 
     First section  232  further includes axially elongated front and rear conveyor belt support planks  248  which are seated atop ribs  238  and on which conveyor belt  236  is supported. Planks  248  are typically formed of a plastic material which reduces friction between conveyor belt  236  and planks  248  during the sliding engagement therebetween when belt  236  is revolved. Each flat horizontal plank  248  has a left end which is adjacent carriage  242  and roller  240  and extends therefrom to an opposed right end which is adjacent and outward to the right of right side wall  142  of hopper  82 . Thus, the right portion of each plank  48  extends outwardly beyond interior chambers  144  and  206 . Planks  248  are longitudinally spaced from one another a short distance to define therebetween an axially elongated straight slot  250  extending from the left end to the right end of planks  248 . 
     The second or extension section  234  is now described in greater detail with continued reference to  FIG. 16  and additional reference to  FIGS. 2 and 9-12 . Section  234  includes front and back parallel axial beams  252  and  254 , and several longitudinal support ribs  256  which are axially spaced from one another. Ribs  256  extend between and are rigidly secured to beams  252  and  254 , thereby providing a rigid structure which is pivotally mounted on first section  232  to pivot about a longitudinal horizontal axis X 3  ( FIG. 10 ) passing through a pivot  258 . Pivot  258  and axis X 3  are thus adjacent and to the right of side wall  142  external to interior chambers  144  and  206 . Pivot  258  is also adjacent the right end of first section  232  opposite the end from which roller  240  is mounted, and adjacent the inner or left end of second section  234  opposite the outer end thereof adjacent which another roller  260  is rotatably mounted on beams  252  and  254 . Rollers  240  and  260  rotate about respective horizontal parallel longitudinally extending axes parallel to axis X 3  ( FIG. 10 ). Pivot  258  is mounted on pivot mounts  259  ( FIG. 11 ) which are secured to and extend outwardly from vertical segments  208  and  212  of housing  198 . 
     Second section  234  further includes a pair of flat horizontal axially elongated support planks  262  which are typically formed of the same material as and arranged in the same manner as planks  248  of first section  232  such that planks  262  are seated atop support ribs  256  and have top surfaces which the bottom of the conveyor belt slidably engages during operation. The front and rear support planks  262  are aligned with the front and rear planks  248  as viewed from the right or left side whereby the straight front planks  248  and  262  together form a flat horizontal axially elongated straight support extending from adjacent driven roller  240  to adjacent drive roller  260 . Similarly, the straight rear planks  248  and  262  form a flat horizontal axially elongated straight support from adjacent lower  240  to adjacent lower  260 . Support planks  262  are longitudinally spaced from one another a short distance in the same manner as planks  248  to define therebetween a straight axially elongated slot  264  ( FIG. 14 ) which is aligned with slot  250  whereby slots  250  and  264  form a single straight slot extending in the axial direction from adjacent roller  240  to adjacent roller  260 . As best seen in  FIG. 18 , each plank  262  has an inner beveled end  266  and each plank  248  has an outer beveled end  268  disposed outwardly of interior chambers  144  and  206  external to and to the right of right side wall  142 . In the extended operational position of extension section  234  and conveyor assembly  84  shown in  FIGS. 16 and 18 , beveled edges  266  and  268  are positioned adjacent and outwardly beyond pivot  258 . In this position, beveled ends  266  and  268  abut one another and have a mating configuration. In this position, beveled edges  266  and  268  angle axially outwardly and downwardly away from the hopper from their respective top surfaces to their respective bottom surfaces. 
     Conveyor belt  236  is now described in greater detail with primary reference to  FIGS. 14 and 16 . Belt  236  includes a flat sheet  270  which is the primary component of the belt and which has front and back parallel edges  272  and  274  extending in the axial direction from adjacent roller  240  to roller  260 . Sheet  270  has an outer surface  276  and an inner surface  278 . The upper portion of sheet  270  which extends from the top of roller  240  to the top of roller  260  is substantially flat such that outer surface  276  thereof serves as its top surface which is substantially horizontal and faces upwardly in the extended position of the conveyor assembly. The inner surface  278  of this upper portion of belt  236  serves as its bottom downwardly facing surface which is seated atop planks  248  and  262  and slidably engages the same during the revolving movement of the belt. The lower portion of sheet  270  which extends from the bottom of roller  240  to the bottom of roller  260  is also substantially horizontal whereby the inner surface  278  thereof serves its top upwardly facing surface and the outer surface  276  thereof serves as its bottom downwardly facing surface. Belt  236  further includes longitudinally elongated blades  280  which are secured to outer surface  276  and extend outwardly therefrom whereby blades  280  extend upwardly from the upper section of sheet  270  and downwardly from the lower section of sheet  270 . Blades  280  do not extend all the way across sheet  270 , but rather have opposed ends which are adjacent and spaced longitudinally inwardly respectively from front and back edges  272  and  274 . The upper terminal edges of blades  80  are substantially horizontal. 
     Belt  236  further includes a tongue  282  which is secured to inner surface  278  and extends outwardly therefrom in the direction opposite blades  280  midway between front and back edges  272  to  274 . Tongue  282  extends axially all the way around the belt and is configured for a mating engagement within a groove  284  formed in each of rollers  240  and  260 . Groove  284  thus divides each of rollers  240  and  260  into first and second cylindrical segments  286  and  288  having the same diameter with groove  284  therebetween. The use of tongue  282  within grooves  284  of the rollers thus eliminates or substantially minimizes the longitudinal movement of conveyor belt  236  during its revolving movement. It is noted that the conveyor belt may be formed with a groove while the rollers are formed with a tongue which is inserted in the groove of the belt to provide a similar effect. Inner surface  278  of sheet  270  engages the cylindrical outer surfaces of segments  286  and  288  of each roller  240  and  260 . The outer surfaces of segments  286  and  288  of roller  260  are typically knurled or otherwise roughened to increase the frictional engagement with the inner surface  278  inasmuch as roller  260  is the drive roller of the assembly, whereas roller  240  is a driven roller driven by belt  236 . A hydraulic motor  290  is secured to rear axial beam  254  adjacent its outer end and has a rotatable drive shaft  292  rotationally connected to drive roller  260  in order to drive rotation of roller  260 . Motor  290  is thus carried by section  234  and is part of a hydraulic system described in greater detail further below. 
     With primary reference now to  FIGS. 2 and 10 , front and rear chute walls  294  are mounted on and extend between side wall  142  and respective axial beams  252  and  254  of extension section  234 . More particularly, chute walls  294  are, in the extended position of extension  234 , substantially flat, vertical and lie substantially within respective vertical parallel planes which extend in the axial direction. In the extended position, chute walls  294  are thus parallel and respectively forward and rearward of and adjacent exit opening  156 . Chute walls  294  have bottom edges  296  which are respectively secured to beams  252  and  254  by respective mounting brackets  298 . Chute walls  294  also have respective inner edges  300  which are secured to side wall  142  by respective mounting brackets  302 . Each chute wall  294  has an angled upper edge  304  which angles axially outwardly and downwardly from the inner end to the outer end of chute wall  294  and thus from adjacent side wall  142  and the top of bracket  302  to adjacent the outer end of the respective beam  252  or  254  and the outer end of the respective mounting bracket  298 . Chute walls  294  are triangular as viewed in the longitudinal direction in the extended position. The upper section of conveyor belt  236  of extension  234  and chute walls  294  together form a chute  306  which extends axially outwardly away from side wall  142  and exit opening  156  whereby chute  306  is configured for carrying mulch or other particulate material axially outwardly away from exit opening  156  and interior chamber  144 . Each chute wall  294  in the exemplary embodiment is formed of a flexible material, typically rubber or another elastomer. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 and 16 , a flexible flap  308  is provided within interior chamber  144  adjacent its left end and thus opposite from exit opening  156 . Flap  308  has an upper edge  310  which is secured to left side wall  140  such that flap  308  hangs downwardly therefrom to a terminal lower edge  312  which is seated atop conveyor belt  236  adjacent and above roller  240 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , flap  308  has front and rear edges  314  and  316  which respectively angle upwardly and outwardly from lower edge  312  to upper edge  310  and are respectively closely adjacent or abut angle segments  150  and  154  of hopper  82 . Flap  308  is typically formed of a rubber or other elastomer. Flap  308  adjacent lower end  312  slidably engages conveyor belt  236  during operation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 and 14-16 , front and rear axially elongated sealing strips  318  and  320  are respectively disposed within front and rear channels  218  and  220 . Strips  318  and  320  are typically substantially rigid and formed of a plastic material which is similar to or the same as that of planks  248  and  262 . In one embodiment, this material is high density polyethylene (HDPE) although other suitable plastic or other materials may be used. Each of the sealing strips has a left end  322  adjacent left side wall  140  and adjacent the left ends of the respective channels  218  and  220 . The strips also have respective right ends  324  adjacent right side wall  142  and the rights ends of the respective channels  218  and  220 . Each strip  318  and  320  has top and bottom edges  326  and  328  which are substantially horizontal as viewed in the longitudinal direction and extend from left end  322  to right end  324 . Each of the strips has an inner surface  330  and an outer surface  332 . Inner surfaces  330  face upwardly and bound interior chamber  144  while outer surfaces  332  face generally downwardly away from interior chamber  144 . Each of strips  318  and  320  is substantially flat and positioned at an angle whereby inner and outer surfaces  330  and  332  are angled relative to horizontal. 
     As viewed in the axial direction and as best shown in  FIG. 15 , rear strip  320  is angled upwardly and rearwardly whereby parallel inner and outer surfaces  330  and  332  likewise angle upwardly and rearwardly whereby surface  330  faces upwardly and forward and surface  332  faces downwardly and rearward. Rear strip  320  is slidably mounted within channel  220  generally upwardly and downwardly (Arrow J) at an angle parallel to surfaces  330 ,  332  and to angled segments  154  and  214 . Surface  330  thus slidably engages segment  154  and surface  332  slidably engages segment  214  during the sliding movement of strip  320 . Typically, strip  320  is angled upwardly at about a 45-degree angle and bottom edge  328  is also beveled at about a 45-degree angle such that bottom edge  328  is substantially horizontal and seated atop the upper surface  276  of sheet  270  of belt  236  whereby there is a sliding engagement between bottom edge  328  and surface  276  adjacent back edge  274  during revolving movement of belt  236 . Springs  334  such as coil springs may be positioned within channel  220  with an upper end of the spring engaging the lower edge of spacer  26  and the lower end of the spring engaging the top edge  326  of member  320 , thereby biasing strip  320  downwardly toward and against belt  236 . Otherwise, strips move downwardly along their respective angles under force of gravity. 
     Front sealing strip  318  is substantially a mirror image of rear strip  320  and operates in the same manner although strip  318  is angled in the opposite direction from strip  320 . Thus, inner and outer surfaces  330  and  332  of strip  318  angle upwardly and forward so that surface  330  faces upwardly and rearward and bounds chamber  144  while surface  332  thereof faces downwardly and forward away from chamber  144 . Surfaces  330  and  332  of front seal  318  respectively slidably engage angled segments  150  and  210 . Beveled bottom edge  328  of front strip  318  slidably engages surface  276  of belt  236  adjacent front edge  272 . Sealing strips  318  and  320  thus provide a sealing engagement with surface  276  of conveyor belt  236 . This sealing engagement thus substantially eliminates or minimizes the degree of leakage of particles from particulate material within the interior chamber of hopper  82  from moving from within the hopper between belts  236  and strips  318  and  320  such that such debris or particles would move outwardly beyond the edges  272  and  274  of conveyor belt  236 , thereby preventing or minimizing such debris or particles from entering chamber  206  of housing  198  and contacting the various components below the upper horizontal section of conveyor belt  236 , such as planks  248  and  262  pivot  258 , rollers  240  and  260  and the corresponding axles and bearings associated therewith. 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 2 , a linear actuator  336  is provided for moving the extension portion of conveyor belt assembly  84  between an extended position shown in  FIG. 2  and a retracted position shown in  FIG. 21 . In the exemplary embodiment, actuator  336  is a piston-cylinder combination wherein the cylinder is pivotally mounted at a pivot  338  on hopper  82  via a mounting bracket secured to the hopper. The piston of actuator  336  is pivotally mounted at pivot  340  to the extension section of assembly  84  via a mounting bracket secured to axial beam  252 . An electric motor  342  is mounted on the cylinder for powering the actuation of actuator  336 , more particularly to extend and retract the piston thereof to facilitate pivotal movement of the extension of assembly  84 . Electric motor  342  is in electrical communication with switch  72  and a battery of engine  22 , which provides electric power for operation of motor  342 . The extension portion of the conveyor assembly is outside the hopper and extends away therefrom. The extension portion of the conveyor assembly is selectively angled relative to horizontal configured effect arcuate movement of yard clippings as the clippings are discharged away from the extension portion. 
     With primary reference to  FIGS. 9, 9A and 13 , the hydraulic system of attachment  2  is now described. As previously noted, the hydraulic system includes the hydraulic motor  290 . The hydraulic system is self-contained and in the exemplary embodiment is mounted entirely on attachment  2  whereby the hydraulic system is removable from the frame  16  with attachment  2 . The hydraulic system also includes a hydraulic pump  344  ( FIG. 13 ) which is mounted below the bottom of housing  198  of hopper  82 . The hydraulic system further includes a hydraulic tank or reservoir  346  rigidly mounted on housing  198  of hopper  82 . Reservoir  346  defines an interior chamber  347  for containing hydraulic fluid  349  which is pumped throughout the system. Pump  344  has a pump outlet  348  and a pump inlet  350 . Hydraulic motor  290  has a motor outlet  352  and a motor inlet  354 . A hydraulic feed line  356  is connected at its upstream end to pump outlet  348  and at its downstream end to motor inlet  354 . A return line  358  is connected at its upstream end to motor outlet  352  and at its downstream end to pump inlet  350 . Feed line  356  includes a first or upstream segment  360  and a second or downstream segment  362 . Return line  358  includes a first or upstream segment  364  and a second or downstream segment  366 . The hydraulic system further includes a T-connector  368 , a relief valve  370 , a conduit  372  and an exchange connector  374 . Exchange connector  374  includes a convergence chamber wall  376  which defines a convergence chamber  378 , an exchange leg  380  which defines an exchange passage  382 , an input leg  384  which defines an input passage  386  and an output leg  388  which defines an output passage  390 . First segment  360  at its upstream end is connected to outlet  348  and at its downstream end to an inlet of T-connector  368 . Downstream segment  362  is connected at its upstream end to an outlet of T-connector  368  and at its downstream end to motor inlet  354 . First segment  364  at its upstream end is connected to motor outlet  352  and at its downstream end to input leg  384  of connector  374 . Second segment  366  at its upstream end is connected to output leg  388  of connector  374  and at its downstream end to inlet  350  of pump  344 . In the exemplary embodiment, segments  360 ,  362 ,  364  and  366  are flexible hoses while T-connector  368  and exchange connector  374  are typically rigid structures which are usually formed of metal. T-connector  368  includes an outlet which is connected to and in fluid communication with relief valve  370 . Conduit  372  extends between and is connected to relief valve  370  and hydraulic tank  346  to provide fluid communication therebetween. Relief valve  370  is configured to release hydraulic fluid in the case of an overpressure situation within the hydraulic system whereby hydraulic fluid typically does not flow between connector  368  and reservoir  346  via valve  370  under normal operating circumstances. 
     In typical hydraulic systems, the reservoir has an inlet and a separate outlet such that under normal operations, hydraulic fluid is pumped into the reservoir via the inlet and out of the reservoir via the outlet. The hydraulic system of the present invention is configured to avoid this type of configuration and operation, and substantially minimizes the amount of hydraulic fluid needed within the system. To that effect, the present hydraulic system includes exchange connector  374 . Connector  374  is positioned adjacent and below reservoir  346  such that exchange leg  380  is connected to and extends between chamber wall  376  and the bottom wall of reservoir  346  whereby exchange passage  382  provides fluid communication between convergence chamber  378  and interior chamber  347  of tank  346 . Input leg  384  is connected to and extends upstream from chamber wall  376  such that input passage  386  is in fluid communication with and extends upstream from convergence chamber  378 . Output leg  388  is connected to and extends downstream from chamber wall  376  such that output passage  390  is in fluid communication with and extends in the downstream direction from convergence chamber  378 . In the exemplary embodiment, each of legs  384  and  388  extends perpendicular to exchange leg  380  whereby each of passages  386  and  390  also extend perpendicular to exchange passage  382 . Input and output legs  384  and  388  define therebetween an obtuse fluid exchange angle K ( FIG. 13 ) such that hydraulic fluid which enters the input leg from segment  364  is exchanged with hydraulic fluid in interior chamber  347  of the reservoir  346  via exchange passage  382 . Angle K typically falls within the range of about 165 to 175 degrees, usually within the range of about 168 to 173 degrees, and in the exemplary embodiment is in the range of about 170 to 171 degrees. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 13 , the feed flow direction of the hydraulic fluid flow in the hydraulic feed lines from pump  344  to motor  290  is shown at Arrows FF whereas the return flow direction of hydraulic fluid flow in the return lines is illustrated at Arrows FR.  FIG. 13  also shows at Arrow FD 1  the fluid flow direction of hydraulic fluid within input passage  386  and immediately upstream thereof, and at Arrow FD 2  the fluid flow direction of hydraulic fluid within output passage  390  and immediately downstream thereof. Fluid direction FD 1  and FD 2  also define therebetween obtuse angle K. It has been shown that the fluid flow associated with the fluid exchange angle K causes fluid exchange between chamber  347  of reservoir  346  and convergence chamber  378 . More particularly,  FIG. 9A  illustrates such an exchange at Arrows FE 1  and FE 2 , wherein Arrow FE 1  indicates fluid flowing from chamber  378  into chamber  347  and Arrow FE 2  illustrates fluid flowing from chamber  347  into chamber  378 . Although this fluid exchange occurs, the predominant flow of hydraulic fluid nonetheless is directly through input passage  384 , chamber  376  and output passage  390 . Although the fluid dynamics have not been specifically investigated, it may be that the fluid flow due to angle K creates a vortex leading to the above-noted fluid exchange. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9 and 9B , reservoir  346  is described in greater detail. Reservoir  346 , all of which is directly above space  66  when assembly  2  is mounted on frame  16 , includes a top wall  392 , a bottom wall  394 , a left end wall  396 , a right end wall  398 , a front wall  400  and a back wall  402 . A fill tube  404  is mounted on the reservoir adjacent top wall  392  with a closure cap  406  provided which may be removed in order to fill the tank with hydraulic fluid and secured thereon in order to provide a seal between the interior chamber and external atmosphere in order to provide a closed hydraulic system. Each of the above-noted walls of reservoir  346  is typically substantially flat and made of metal. Preferably, the metal of which the walls are formed is aluminum or an alloy formed primarily of aluminum. As shown in  FIG. 9B , front wall  400  abuts vertical segment  212  of back side wall  204  of housing  198 . Preferably, the outer or front surface of wall  400  is in substantially continuous contact from top to bottom and from the left end to the right end with the outer or rear surface of vertical segment  212  in order to provide the greatest degree of contact between wall  400  of reservoir and segment  212  of hopper  82 . Wall  400  and segment  212  are thereby in thermal communication with one another in order to provide substantial thermal exchange therebetween. Thus, when hydraulic fluid  349  is heated during its work when pumped through the hydraulic system by pump  344  through motor  290 , hopper  82  serves as a heat sink such that heat from hydraulic fluid is transmitted through wall  400  to segment  212  so that this heat may be dissipated relatively rapidly through the various walls of hopper  82 . Hopper  82  serves as a good heat sink in that wall  400  of reservoir  346  and the various walls of hopper  82  are formed of good thermal conductors. More particularly, like the walls of reservoir  346 , the various walls of hopper  82  are formed of metal and preferably of aluminum or an aluminum alloy which is primarily aluminum. These thermally conductive metal walls of hopper  82  include front and back side walls  136  and  138 , left and right side walls  140  and  142 , bottom wall  200  and front and back side walls  202  and  204  of housing  198 , and spacers  216 . 
     With primary reference to  FIG. 13 , hydraulic pump  344  includes a rotatable drive shaft  408  upon which a sheave  410  ( FIGS. 11-12 ) is securely mounted to rotate with shaft  408 . In the exemplary embodiment, sheave  410  is configured for use with sheave  44  ( FIG. 1 ) and belt  46  such that engine  22  powers the rotation of drive sheave  44  to cause rotation of sheave  410  and shaft  408  via belt  46 , thereby causing pump  344  to pump the hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic system. Pump  344  is secured to a pump mounting bracket  412  which is pivotally mounted to pivot about a vertical axis passing through a pivot  414  which is mounted on housing  198  via a pivot mounting bracket  416  secured to vertical segment  208  of front side wall  202 . A lever  418  is secured to bracket  412  adjacent pivot  414  and extends away from pivot  414  in a direction opposite that of bracket  412 . A spring  420  is mounted on pump  344  via a first connector  422  at one end of the spring and on the hopper via a second connector  424  to which the other end of the spring is connected. More particularly, first connector  422  is mounted on the pump housing and second connector  424  is secured to one of ribs  230 . 
     Pivot  424  is offset from drive shaft  408  (which rotates about a vertical axis) whereby pump  344 , shaft  408 , sheave  410 , bracket  412  and lever  418  are pivotable about the vertical axis of pivot  414  between an engaged position ( FIGS. 1 and 11 ) in which belt  46  engages and wraps around sheave  410  and sheave  44  and a disengaged position in which belt  46  is disengaged from sheave  410  to facilitate the mounting and dismounting of belt  46  from sheave  410 . To facilitate the mounting and dismounting of belt  46 , the user may apply a force as shown at Arrow L in  FIG. 12  to lever  418  to pivot the pump assembly about pivot  414  (Arrow M) from the engaged position to the disengaged position. Spring  420  biases the pump assembly to the engaged position of  FIG. 11 , whereby the force on the handle or lever  418  must overcome the spring bias of spring  420  to move the assembly from the engaged position to the disengaged position. Because the pump itself is pivotally mounted about pivot  414 , flexible hoses forming segments  360  and  366  of the hydraulic lines flex during the movement between the engaged and disengaged positions as illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
     When assembly  2  is mounted on frame  16 , a majority of the conveyor belt support assembly and conveyor belt  236  are positioned directly above mower deck mounting space  66  including all of section  232  and the inner portion of section  234 , as well as pivot  258 . Thus, all of ribs  238  and planks  248  are entirely directly above space  66 , as are sealing strips  318  and  320 . During the mounting of assembly  2  on frame  16 , assembly  2  is lowered into position atop frame  16  such that sheave  410  moves downwardly through space  32  via the top and bottom entrance openings  34  and  36  thereof ( FIG. 3 ) from a position above rails  28  and space  32  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6  to the mounted position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  whereby in the exemplary embodiment, sheave  410  is adjacent or within the same space occupied by sheave  48  when deck  4  is mounted on frame  16 . When assembly  2  is mounted on frame  16 , sheave  410  is thus adjacent or within space  66  while the other components of the hydraulic pump assembly are within or adjacent and directly above space  66 , including bracket  412 , pivot  414  and lever  418 . Portions of the hydraulic pump assembly may also be within space  32  when assembly  2  is mounted on frame  16 . During the dismounting or detaching of assembly  2  from frame  16 , sheave  410  and the various components of the hydraulic pump assembly just described move upwardly from their mounted positions from adjacent space  66  upwardly through space  32  via entrance openings  34  and  36  to a position upwardly of rails  28  and space  32 . 
     The operation of assembly  2  is now described with primary reference to  FIGS. 19-22 . As noted previously, assembly  2  may be operated while unit  1  is moving or when its travel is stopped. After the operator has turned on engine  22 , he or she may push button  70  (Arrow N in  FIG. 19 ) to initiate the operation of hydraulic pump  344 , which is driven by the rotation of shaft  408  and sheave  410 , and thus is powered by engine  22  via sheave  44  ( FIG. 1 ), belt  46  and sheave  410 . More particularly, the manipulation of button  70  is used to cause a clutch (not shown) of engine  22  to engage in order to drive rotation of shaft  408  in sheave  410 . The operation of pump  344  thus pumps hydraulic fluid through the feed line to hydraulic motor  290  to drive rotation of roller  260  (Arrow  0  in  FIG. 20 ) and thereby drive the revolving movement of conveyor belt  236 . The horizontal axial movement of the bottom section of conveyor belt  236  is shown at Arrow P in  FIG. 20 . Arrows Q in  FIG. 20  illustrate the horizontal axial movement of the top section of the conveyor belt as well as the horizontal axial movement of mulch or other particulate material  426  along the top section of the conveyor belt to discharge material  426  from within chamber  144  through exit opening  156  onto the extension section of the conveyor assembly within chute  306 , and Arrows R illustrate material  426  being discharged or thrown outwardly from the end of the extension of the conveyor assembly so that the particulate material  426  falls to the ground. Conveyor belt  36  is thus operated when the conveyor assembly is in the extended operational position of  FIG. 20 , during which time sections  232  and  234  are fixed relative to frame  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , clutch  74  may be moved back and forth (Arrow S) to increase or decrease the speed or RPMs of engine  22  and the corresponding speed of rotation of shaft  42 , sheave  44  ( FIG. 1 ), sheave  410  and shaft  408 , whereby pump  344  pumps fluid at a slower or faster rate to consequently decrease or increase the rotation of roller  260  and the revolving speed of conveyor belt  236 . Throttle  74  may be operated to decrease the revolving speed of conveyor belt  236  to the degree that particulate material  426  essentially falls straight downwardly from adjacent the end of the extension of the conveyor assembly and may likewise be increased to thrown or shoot particulate material  426  outwardly beyond the end of the chute up to, for instance, a distance of about three to three and a half feet in the exemplary embodiment. Throttle  74  may thus also be positioned to throw material  426  to any desired distance within this range. Thus, while the conveyor assembly is in the extended position shown in  FIG. 20 , unit  1  may be driven or operated to travel as desired (primarily forward) while simultaneously throwing the particulate material  426  in desired locations. This is particularly useful for throwing mulch onto garden beds and the like. Gate  158  may be manually moved upwardly or downwardly and secured in position as desired to set the desired size of exit opening  156  suited to a given scenario. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the top portion of conveyor belt  236  moves in a single horizontal axial direction (Arrows P) so that material  426  likewise moves in this single direction along the top of the conveyor belt, thereby allowing better control of the material  426  as opposed to a broadcast spreader or other spreading devices which are configured for a widespread distribution. Material  426  is thus thrown directly off the end of conveyor  236  adjacent roller  260 , the outer end of chute  306  and the outer end of section  234  whereby material moves directly from the conveyor belt through the air and onto the ground without additional manipulation by additional components after exiting the conveyor belt. Although the Figures illustrate that hopper  82  is formed with the exit opening  156  on the right side and the extension  234  extending outwardly to the right in order to discharge material  426  to the right, hopper  82  may easily be configured in the opposite manner such that material  426  is thrown to the left side. Thus, the conveyor assembly is configured to discharge material  426  in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of forward travel of unit  1 . In either case, assembly  2  is configured to discharge material  426  from within hopper  82  with only a single conveyor belt  236 , thus providing a simple and low cost configuration. 
     When the user no longer desires to discharge particulate material  426  from within hopper  82 , the extension section of conveyor assembly  84  may be moved from the substantially horizontal extended operational position shown in  FIG. 20  to the retracted stored position shown in  FIG. 21 . To achieve this, the operator may flip switch  72  (Arrow T in  FIG. 19 ) from the neutral position shown in solid lines to one of the positions shown in dashed lines, thereby typically closing an electrical circuit to operate motor  342  to retract the piston of actuator  336  (Arrow U in  FIG. 21 ) and thereby retract the extension section of the assembly by pivotal movement (Arrow V) about pivot  258  and the horizontal axis thereof. The outer end of the extension of the conveyor assembly  84 , including roller  260  and motor  290 , thus pivot upwardly and inwardly toward hopper  82  from the extended position to the retracted position. The extension section pivots from the extended to the retracted position at least 45, 50 or 55 degrees, typically at least 60 or 65 degrees and usually within the range of about 60 to 90 degrees. 
     Chute walls  294  fold up to a folded position in response to this retracting movement of the extension of assembly  84 . As the extension of assembly  84  pivots upwardly toward the retracted position, conveyor belt  236  loosens around the support assembly whereby springs  246  expand and force carriage  242  with roller  240  away from the opposite end of the assembly adjacent roller  260  and away from exit opening  256  and the opposite side of hopper  82  (Arrow W). To reverse this process, the operator may simply flip switch  72  into the other of the dashed line positions shown in  FIG. 19  to operate motor  342  to extend the piston in a direction opposite Arrow U and thereby cause the extension section to pivot downwardly in the direction opposite Arrow V to move the extension from the retracted position of  FIG. 21  to the extended position of  FIG. 20 . Thus, chute walls  294  unfold and straighten into their unfolded substantially flat vertical positions in response to the movement of the extension section from the retracted position to the extended position. When the extension of conveyor assembly  84  is moved from the retracted stored position to the extended operational position, belt  236  tightens and presses against roller  240 , thereby moving roller  240  and carriage  242  against the spring bias of springs  246  such that springs  246  are compressed. Thus, springs  246  maintains conveyor belt  236  in a sufficiently tightened position in the extended position of the extension of conveyor assembly  84 . It is noted that in the retracted stored position of the conveyor assembly, conveyor belt  236  is not revolvable and thus is inoperable due to the slackness of belt  236 . 
     The retraction of the extension section thus provides a narrower axial profile of assembly  2  and of unit  1 . This is illustrated by the comparison of  FIGS. 2 and 21 . More particularly, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the left side  12  of assembly  2 , hopper  82  and unit  1  and the extended right side  14  defined by the outer end of the extension of assembly  84  define therebetween an axial horizontal width W 1  of assembly  2  and unit  1 . In the retracted position of  FIG. 21 , left side  12  and a retracted left side  14 A defined by the outer end of the extension of assembly  84  define therebetween an axial horizontal width W 2  of assembly  2  and unit  1  which is substantially less than width W 1 . Width W 2  is typically within a range of about 60 or 65% to about 85% of W 1  and usually in a range of about 65 or 70% to about 75, 80, or 85%. 
       FIGS. 18 and 22  respectively illustrate the conveyor assembly adjacent pivot  258  in the extended position and the retracted position. As previously discussed, beveled ends  266  and  268  are closely adjacent or abut one another in the extended position. In addition, planks  248  and  262  are parallel with their top surfaces substantially coplanar and their bottom surfaces substantially coplanar. In the retracted position of  FIG. 22 , end  266  is separated and spaced from end  268  such that end  266  is higher than and axially inwardly to the left of end  268  and thus higher than and to the left of its position in the extended position of  FIG. 18 . In addition, planks  262  move from a substantially horizontal position in the extended position to an upwardly extending position which is closer to vertical than to horizontal in the retracted position such that the top and bottom surfaces of planks  262  are no longer coplanar with the top and bottom surfaces of planks  248  respectively, but rather angled upwardly and axially outwardly relative thereto.  FIG. 18  also shows that the conveyor belt upper and lower sections are in their entirety substantially horizontal in the extended position whereas in the retracted position, the upper and lower segments of conveyor belt  236  within hopper  82  remain substantially horizontal and the corresponding sections of the extension portion extend upwardly while portions of the conveyor belt therebetween are curved adjacent pivot  258 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 23  through  FIG. 25 , another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus or an outdoor power equipment unit  1  includes a mower having a frame, a front end  8  and a rear end  10  defining a longitudinal direction therebetween, a left side  12  and a right side  14  defining an axial direction therebetween. The apparatus  1  further comprises a mower deck  4  mounted on the frame in a mounting space, wherein the mower deck  4  includes a discharge chute  502  for discharging yard clippings. This embodiment further includes a hopper  82  including a conveyor assembly  84  and the hopper  82  removeably mounted on the frame above the mounting space. Furthermore, the unit  1  includes a discharge pipe  500  coupling the discharge chute  502  of the mower deck  4  to hopper  82 . The discharge pipe  500  is connected to the discharge chute  502  at a pipe intake end  501  and connected to the hopper  2  at pipe outlet end  503 . The discharge pipe  500  defines therein a discharge pathway  520  extending from the pipe intake end  501  to the pipe outlet end  503  and the yard clippings are configured to move along the pathway  520  into the interior chamber  144  of hopper  82 . 
     Discharge pipe  500  may comprise a pipe first section  506 , a pipe second section  508 , a pipe third section  510 , a pipe fourth section  512 , a pipe fifth section  514 , a pipe sixth section  516 , and a pipe seventh section  518 . 
     Pipe first section  506  defines intake end  501  and is connected to chute  502  of mower deck  4 . Discharge chute  502  defines an exit opening  504  that is complementary shaped with a first end  526 . First end  526  may releasably connect to chute  502  as is common with other lawn mower discharge chutes. Pipe first section  506  has a first elbow bend  528  of approximately 90° directing the contents flowing through pipe first section  506  to change directions from a generally axial direction to a generally longitudinal direction when viewed from above. A second end  544  of pipe first section  506  connects with a first end  546  of pipe second section  508  continuing the fluid communication and defining pathway  520  therein. A portion of pipe second section  508  defines a first portion  520 A of pathway  520 . First portion  520 A of pathway  520  extends longitudinally and vertically at the same time. In the shown embodiment, first portion  520 A extends longitudinally in the rearward direction or rearwardly and vertically in the upward direction or upwardly. Pipe second section  508  extends in a generally linear manner from first end  546  to second end  548 . The term generally linear with respect to the pipe sections refers to a tubular member that is free of an elbow bend forming a standard hollow cylinder of uniform diameter moving from first end  546  to second end  548 . 
     Pipe third section  510  includes a first end  550  and a second end  552 . Pipe third section  510  is a hollow tubular member having a second elbow bend  554  configured to alter the direction of pathway  520 . Second elbow bend  554  changes the flow path of pathway  520  from a generally longitudinal direction to a generally axial direction. Second elbow bend  554  includes an elbow bend angle in a range from about 30° to about 60° and in one particular embodiment is about 45°. As depicted in  FIG. 23 , second portion  520 B of pathway  520  extends generally from pipe third section  510  through pipe fourth section  512  in an axial and vertical manner. 
     A first end  556  of pipe fourth section  512  connects with second end  552  of pipe third section  510  and is spaced opposite a second end  558 . Similar to the other pipe sections, pipe fourth section  512  is a diametrically uniform tubular member extending in the axial direction and may vertically elevate from first end  556  to second end  558 . As will be described in detail below, additional pipe sections extend beyond pipe fourth section  512  to couple pathway  520  with interior chamber  144 . However, it is entirely possible that pipe fourth section  512  connect directly to hopper  82  allowing yard clippings to dump into interior chamber  144  as one having ordinary skill in the art would easily understand to vary the overall shape of discharge pipe  500  to fit the components such as motors and controls on the outdoor power equipment unit  1 . 
     Pipe fourth section  512  includes a first end  560  spaced opposite a second end  562  having a 90° elbow bend  564 . Pipe fourth section  512  is a generally tubular member configured to alter the flow of pathway  520  from a generally axial direction to a generally longitudinal direction along elbow bend  564 . Second portion  520 C of pathway  520  generally begins adjacent second end  562  of pipe fifth section  514 . 
     Pipe fifth section  514  includes a first end  566  spaced opposite a second end  568 . First end  566  is connected to second end  562  and pipe sixth section  516  extends in a diametrically uniform manner in the longitudinal direction towards second end  568 . Pipe sixth section  516  defines a third portion  520 C therethrough. Pipe seventh section  518  includes a first end  570  and second end  572  and includes a 90° elbow bend  574  therebetween. First end  570  connects with second end  568  of pipe sixth section  516 . Pipe seventh section  518  defines a fourth portion  520 D of pathway  520  altering the airflow moving through pipe seventh section  518  from a generally longitudinal direction to a generally vertical downward direction. The second end  572  defines an opening allowing yard clippings and air currents moving through discharge pipe  500  along the discharge pathway  520  to exit and be deposited into the interior chamber  144  of hopper  82 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 25 , a screen cover  530  includes a first frame  532 , screen material  534 , and a second frame  536 . First frame  532  is depicted as a generally rectangular member shaped complimentary to top opening  146  of hopper  82 . However, it is clearly to be understood that frame  532  may be shaped in any manner sufficient to allow screen material  534  carried by frame  532  to cover all or a significant portion of opening  146 . In some exemplary embodiments, frame  532  may removeably attach hopper  82  via a frictional interference fit with the plurality of sidewalls defining hopper  82 , allowing easy removal by operator. Alternatively, some embodiments may include hinges or other connecting members allowing frame  532  to pivot between the open and closed positions and may be selectively locked into place by a plurality of locks or retaining members as one having ordinary skill in the art would understand. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 25 , an imaginary cut-away line  540  depicts that the components of hopper  82 , as well as conveyor system  84 , extend beneath screen material  534  carried by frame  532  and it is to be understood that these components cooperate with screen material  534  such that when yard clippings carried by air current moving along pathway  520  are discharged into interior chamber  144  of hopper  82 , the yard clippings are retained within the chamber as the air current flows through screen material  534 . Screen material  534  defines a plurality of apertures sized to allow air current to flow therethrough while preventing yard clippings from exiting the top opening  146  of hopper  82 . Yard clippings are then retained within interior chamber  144 . Thereafter, the yard clippings may be discharged via conveyor system  84  from hopper  82  to a site location desired by a user in the aforementioned manner described above with respect to all aspects of conveyer system  84 . 
     Second frame  536  is a generally circular member that connects second end  572  of seventh pipe section  518  of discharge pipe  500  to screen member  530 . Second frame  536  may be integrally formed with screen  534 . Additionally, in alternative embodiments, second frame member  536  may be distinct from screen  534  and attached thereto via known mechanical, chemical, or non-mechanical and non-chemical connection manners. As stated above, in some instances when pipe fourth section  512  connects to hopper  82  through one of the side walls of the hopper, there may not be a need for second frame  536  as one having ordinary skill in the art would understand. In this instance, screen  534  is a substantially planar member free of an opening defined by second frame  536 . Further, second frame  536  is depicted as positioned adjacent the center of screen  534 . However, it is to be clearly understood that second frame  536  may be formed in any location in screen  534  as one having ordinary skill in the art would understand. In another particular embodiment, second frame  536  couples pipe outlet  503  of discharge pipe  500  to any one of the following: the first frame  532  supporting the screen  534 , or directly to the screen  534  or to one of the walls defining hopper  82 . Screen  534  is positioned at a single height disposed generally relative to the ground. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary summary, the present invention provides a self-propelled unit including a functional assembly or attachment which may be permanently secured to the unit or removably attached. In the exemplary embodiment, the assembly comprises a hopper and conveyor assembly for respectively containing particulate material and discharging particulate material from within the hopper whereby the unit is configured for throwing mulch or other particulate material in a controlled manner as desired onto garden beds or elsewhere. The attachment of the present invention may be rapidly mounted on or detached from the frame of a self-propelled unit, no tools are required to affect this mounting or dismounting, and no warranty-voiding alteration is required to the original unit on which the attachment may be mounted as a retrofit attachment. Inasmuch as assembly  2  is configured to be mounted atop the frame of the self-propelled unit as opposed to being towed thereby, assembly  2  is in the exemplary embodiment free of ground engaging wheels or a hitch member for hitching to a hitch member of a self-propelled unit for towing. Although the unit may be configured to simultaneously carry mower deck  4  and assembly  2 , mower deck  4  is typically removed from frame  16  when assembly  2  is mounted thereon to reduce the weight of the unit. Mower decks of the type shown in the Figures often weigh on the order of about 350 pounds. In the exemplary embodiment, assembly  2  has a weight of about 150 pounds. 
     In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. 
     Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.