Patent ID: 8079605

Claim:
A self-propelled mower comprising: a mower frame including a rear portion; a mover configured to move the mower frame; and a stand-on rider platform including a rider support portion, the platform pivotally connected relative to the rear portion of the mower frame only on opposite sides of the mower frame and configured to maintain an inner portion of the platform at a spaced distance from a location of the pivotal connection, wherein the platform is pivotally movable between: a first position in which the inner portion of the platform is releasably supported relative to the rear portion of the frame to prevent pivotal movement of the platform downward beyond the generally horizontal orientation, and in which the rider support portion extends in a generally horizontal orientation outwardly from the rear portion of the frame and is spaced above a ground surface to support a rider standing in an elevated position during ride-on operation of the mower, and wherein in the first position, at least one vibration-absorbing element is interposed between the inner portion of the platform and the location of pivotal connection of the platform relative to the rear portion of the frame; and a second position in which the inner portion of the platform is spaced apart from a location at which the inner portion of the platform is supported relative to the rear portion of the frame when the platform is in the first position and in which the rider support portion extends in a generally upright position adjacent the rear portion of the frame to enable walk-behind operation of the mower, wherein a location of pivotal connection of the platform relative to the rear portion of mower frame is spaced apart from, and independent of, a location at which the inner portion of the platform is releasably supported in thegenerally horizontal orientation relative to the rear portion of the mower frame.