Patent ID: 7096970

Claim:
An earth working machine, comprising: a frame having a forward portion and a rearward portion; a motor connected to said frame; an earth working blade; said motor being drivingly connected to said earth working blade; an elongated handle connected to said frame, said handle including a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being of greater length than said second portion and configured for moving between a retracted position and an extended position; a hinge configured for allowing pivotal movement of said first portion of said handle between said retracted position and said extended position; said first portion of said handle being configured to be in a generally horizontal position upon said handle being in said retracted position; said first portion of said handle extending to a first height upon said first portion being in said extended position, and upon said first portion being in said retracted position, said first portion extending to a second height, said second height being substantially less than said first height, such that upon said first portion being in said retracted position, the effective height of said machine is significantly reduced; a lock for selectively locking said handle in said extended and retracted positions; an arm pivotally connected to said forward portion of said frame; at least one wheel connected to said arm; said arm being configured to be movable between a transport position wherein said earth working blade is generally above the surface of the soil and an earth working position wherein said earth working blade is engaged with the soil for working the soil; and a locking pin for selectively locking said arm in at least one of said transport and earth working positions.