Zero-turn radius lawnmower with suspension system

US10093179B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Briggs & Stratton, LLC · US

Inventors

• Mark J. Melone · Rome, US
• James F. Marshall · Port St. Lucie, US
• Richard Smith · Morrisville, US
• Mark Lynch · Munnsville, US
• Travis Rasch · Hartford, US
• Erik R. Slegelis · Port Washington, US
• Steven J. Weber · Germantown, US
• Denis Oswald · Hartford, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 18, 2017
• Grant date: Oct 9, 2018
• Expiry date: Jul 18, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60G2300/084
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Some embodiments include a transaxle drive system for ride-on equipment with a plurality of transaxle assemblies supported by a suspended subframe, and a frame supported on a pair of front wheels at one end that is coupled to and pivotably suspends the subframe. Some embodiments include a power source with a drive pulley supported by the frame at an opposite end. Some embodiments include a belt coupling the drive pulley to a driven pulley of the transaxle assemblies. In some embodiments, the plurality of transaxle assemblies can be driven from the drive pulley by at least a portion of the belt. Further, in some embodiments, the plurality of transaxle assemblies include a first and second transaxle assembly each coupled to a separate rear wheel. The first and second transaxle assemblies are suspended from the subframe, and can be pivoted together about the frame, and the at least one drive pulley.