Electric drive mower with motor generator set

Abstract

Provided is an electric drive riding greens mower. The mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a motor generator set and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The motor generator set provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The motor generator set includes an internal combustion motor which provides the mechanical energy to an electric generator which provides electrical energy in response to the received mechanical energy. Further, the mower may include a hydraulic system for operation of reel lift assemblies and the steering mechanism. Hydraulic pressure is supplied by a hydraulic pump powered by one of an electrical motor receiving electrical energy from the generator or directly from the internal combustion engine. The hydraulic motor outputs hydraulic fluid at a pressure sufficient to operate the reel lift and steering mechanisms. Further, the frame member includes a housing which encloses devices which generally operate at substantial noise levels. The housing includes interior and exterior linings which provide passive noise abatement. Within the housing, an active noise abatement system detects and determines ambient noise within the housing and generates output signals which effectively cancel the noise generated within the housing. Such noise abatement assists in providing quiet operation of the mower.