Tracked implement with pivotal front and trailing idlers and powered rear drive member
US7520348B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 3, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 21, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01D42/08
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to a mower and a tracked implement that convert from one to the other by coupling a mower unit or a tracked unit to a common drive unit. The drive unit is thus used in both products to provide cost savings in the purchase of the equipment. In the tracked unit, a cab for enclosing the operator's station is part of the tracked unit and gets mounted to the drive unit when the tracked unit is coupled to the drive unit. A pair of idlers rotate on pivot axes that are fixed relative to a pivotal idler support that carries the idlers. The pivot point for the idler support is chosen to prevent track elongation when the tracked unit climbs obstructions such as a curb. In the mower unit, a relatively heavy cutting deck is used and spring biased weight transfer arms transfer some of the deck weight to the mower frame.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.