Deere & Company

Paul Robert Heide

David Lawrence Phillips

Jennifer Lynn Jaramillo

David A Straka

Michael Joseph Buchheit

Brent Gordon Rinholm

Bradley P Aldridge

Richard F Percy

Clint W Lampley

A hydraulic leak detection system includes a leak detection switch responsive to a level of hydraulic fluid in a tank used by a hydraulic mowing circuit and a lift and lower circuit of a grass mowing machine. The system includes a controller that activates a warning indicator if the leak detection switch indicates the level of hydraulic fluid in the tank is low, but allows the hydraulic mowing circuit and the lift and lower circuit to continue operating until the lift and lower circuit reaches a fully raised position. A solenoid valve may control the level of hydraulic fluid in the tank based on temperature of the hydraulic fluid.

Mower hydraulic leak detection system

An end of cut speed control system includes a vehicle controller that commands a traction drive system to a reduced ground speed based on the setting of a control to a preset end of cut mode ground speed as a percentage of the mow mode ground speed. The vehicle controller changes the speed from the mow mode to the end of cut mode when a proximity sensor indicates the cutting units are raised to a cross cut position.

End of cut speed control system

A cutting unit mounting device includes a ball through which a yoke extends laterally. The yoke is attached to the cutting unit, and the ball is pivotably mounted in a ball housing attached to a lift arm. A releasable lock pin engages and secures the ball within the ball housing in a mowing position or a service position. The ball housing has stops to limit the pivoting of the ball and yoke with respect to the ball housing. A releasable lock pin engages notches in the ball to engage and secure the ball in the mowing position or service position with respect to the ball housing.

Cutting unit mounting device

A ball joint assembly for attaching a cutting unit to a yoke includes a two piece ball positioned around the yoke, and a ball housing attached to the end of a lift arm and mounted over the two piece ball and securing the two piece ball to the yoke. The ball housing may have stops limiting angular movement of the two piece ball and the yoke with respect to the ball housing.

Growing community of inventors

Cary, NC, United States of America

Paul Robert Heide