Patent ID: 7093414

Claim:
A pull-behind mower for cutting ground vegetation, said mower configured to be pulled behind a vehicle and powered independently of the vehicle, said mower comprising: a frame presenting a fore end and an aft end: a hitch coupled to the fore end and configured to releasably couple the frame to the vehicle in a manner that permits pivoting of the frame relative to the vehicle; a pair of laterally spaced wheels coupled to the aft end and adapted to rollingly support the frame on the ground; a mowing deck operable to cut vegetation when positioned proximate the ground; a support arm comprising a frame-side section rotatably coupled to the frame and a deck-side section rigidly coupled to the deck, said frame-side and deck-side sections being hingedly intercoupled; a motor rigidly coupled to the frame and drivingly connected to the deck, so as to power the deck independently of the vehicle; and a drive train for transferring power from the motor to the deck, said drive train including a first rotatable drive shaft, a second rotatable drive shaft, and a U-joint coupled between the first and second drive shafts.