The Toro Company

Edric C Funk

Randall A Beihoffer

Matthew J Decker

Glenn Liubakka

Frank M Gangi

Arturo L Fontanes, Ii

Arturo L Fontanes Ii

Gerald Damgard

Michael R Stuber

An attachment for releasably coupling a conduit or duct on a mower to the grass bagger inlet of a grass bagger. The duct has a front end connected to a cutting deck carried on the mower and a rear end connected to the grass bagger inlet. The duct is flexible and includes a spiral rib on an outer diameter of the duct. The grass bagger inlet includes inwardly protruding tabs on an inner diameter of the grass bagger inlet. When the rear end of the duct is pushed into the grass bagger inlet, the tabs on the grass bagger inlet engage the spiral rib on the duct in a ratchet type engagement to releasably hold the duct in the grass bagger inlet.

Attachment for connecting a duct to a grass bagger of a mower

Jacking apparatus for use with ground maintenance vehicles and methods of using such apparatus are provided. In general, the jacking apparatus includes a jacking member which may pivotally couple to the frame of the vehicle. The jacking member is preferably positionable in a stored position, a jacking position, or a jacked position wherein the stored and jacking positions correspond to the vehicle being in an operating configuration while the jacked position corresponds to the vehicle being in an elevated, maintenance configuration. During operation, the driving power of the vehicle may be used to propel the vehicle up and onto the jacking member, thereby elevating a first portion of the vehicle relative to a second portion. Preferably, the apparatus further includes a latching device to permit latching of the jacking member in both the stored position and the jacked position.

On-board vehicle jacking apparatus and methods of using same

Jacking apparatus for use with ground maintenance vehicles and methods of using such apparatus. In general, the jacking apparatus includes a jacking member which may pivotally couple to the frame of the vehicle. The jacking member is preferably positionable in a stored position, a jacking position, or a jacked position wherein the stored and jacking positions correspond to the vehicle being in an operating configuration while the jacked position corresponds to the vehicle being in an elevated, maintenance configuration. During operation, the driving power of the vehicle may be used to propel the vehicle up and onto the jacking member, thereby elevating a first portion of the vehicle relative to a second portion. Preferably, the apparatus further includes a latching device to permit latching of the jacking member in both the stored position and the jacked position.

A mower comprises a frame having a cutting deck which is tiltable relative to the frame. The cutting deck has a substantially horizontal operating position and a generally upright transport or service position, the cutting deck tilting to move between the horizontal and upright positions. A blower is carried on the frame and a plenum connects the blower and the cutting deck. A grass discharge outlet on the cutting deck is telescopically inserted into the front of the plenum as the cutting deck is moved into its operating position. A guide pin is received in a slot having a V-shaped portion and a straight portion to correct misalignment between the cutting deck and the plenum as the two are telescoped together. The rear of the plenum can be manually attached to or released from the blower inlet without using tools.

Plenum for tiltable cutting deck

A twin stick control system for a movable unit such as a ZRT vehicle includes two control sticks placed side-by-side. Each control stick controls the operation of at least one drive wheel on each side of the vehicle. The control sticks are movable from their neutral position in a first range of motion without any interference from a spring restoring force tending to return them to neutral, thus allowing the control sticks to remain wherever the operator places them in the first range of motion. A cruise control system is located to abut against the control sticks at the conclusion of the first range of motion to define a cruise control speed setting. The sticks can still be advanced forwardly beyond the cruise control speed setting, but encounter a spring force when doing so which is directed to returning the sticks back to the cruise control speed setting.

Growing community of inventors

Blaine, MN, United States of America

Edric C Funk