The Toro Company

Jeffrey T Drake

Kelly S Meemken

Gordon R Schmidt

Malachy P Fay

Gregory M Kostik

Chad L Moe

A gang reel mower comprises a frame that carries a plurality of variable speed, electrically powered reel cutting units. Cutting units having different reel diameters may be installed on the frame. Upon system power up, a mower controller on the frame automatically acquires information identifying the reel size of the cutting units then installed on the frame and uses the acquired reel size information to properly set the speed of the electric motors driving the cutting units to a desired value, such as that needed to maintain a desired clip. Thus, the cutting units can be changed in size with the mower controller automatically recognizing the change in a plug and play manner.

Auto configuration of electrically powered reel cutting units on a reel mower

A proportional counterbalance system comprises an electronic controller operatively connected to a proportional hydraulic control valve to substantially continuously and infinitely adjust the backpressure in a fluid return circuit from the lift and lower cylinders of a plurality of cutting units on a mower. The backpressure is infinitely adjusted within a band between a minimum and a maximum backpressure in concert with a varying input parameter to the controller to transfer desired amounts of weight of the cutting units from the ground to the traction vehicle of the mower to enhance traction as needed. A wide variety of input parameters can be used, including a selected operating condition of the mower, a selected environmental condition of the turf surface being mowed, the actual, real time location of the mower on the turf surface, altitude above sea level, and manual input from the operator.

Proportional counterbalance system for mower cutting units

A riding mower has a frame supported by a plurality of wheels including a pair of front drive wheels covered by front fenders. A plurality of cutting units are arranged in advance of the frame. The operator sits on a seat atop the frame at the front of the frame. The operator mounts and dismounts the seat from behind the front fenders and the front wheel and not from the front, access to the seat from the front being prevented by the placement of the cutting units. A pivotal armrest along one side of the seat normally blocks access to the seat from that side. However, the armrest can be pivoted to a raised position in which it clears the seat to allow the operator to reach the seat from that side of the seat. The armrest carries a lift and lower control for lifting and lowering the cutting units and a start/stop control for starting and stopping the operation of the cutting units, the operational controls moving with the armrest as the armrest moves between its lowered operational position and its raised position.

Mower with flip up armrest carrying operational controls and display

A mower has at least one powered cutting unit for mowing grass. A switch is provided for permitting operation of the cutting unit or for preventing operation of the cutting unit depending upon the state of the switch. The switch is linked in some fashion, e.g. mechanically or electronically, to the traction drive system of the unit. The ground speed of the mower is limited to a mowing speed when the switch is placed into the state in which operation of the cutting unit is permitted. When the switch is placed into the state in which operation of the cutting unit is prevented, the ground speed of the mower is not limited to the mowing speed but can attain a higher transport speed.

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Richfield, MN, United States of America

Jeffrey T Drake