CA2947317A1 - Wide mower with aligned decks - Google Patents
Wide mower with aligned decks Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2947317A1 CA2947317A1 CA2947317A CA2947317A CA2947317A1 CA 2947317 A1 CA2947317 A1 CA 2947317A1 CA 2947317 A CA2947317 A CA 2947317A CA 2947317 A CA2947317 A CA 2947317A CA 2947317 A1 CA2947317 A1 CA 2947317A1
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- Prior art keywords
- mower
- deck
- center
- decks
- blades
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- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D34/00—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters
- A01D34/01—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus
- A01D34/412—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters
- A01D34/63—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a vertical axis
- A01D34/64—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a vertical axis mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle
- A01D34/66—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a vertical axis mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle with two or more cutters
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
- A01B73/00—Means or arrangements to facilitate transportation of agricultural machines or implements, e.g. folding frames to reduce overall width
- A01B73/02—Folding frames
- A01B73/04—Folding frames foldable about a horizontal axis
- A01B73/044—Folding frames foldable about a horizontal axis the axis being oriented in a longitudinal direction
- A01B73/046—Folding frames foldable about a horizontal axis the axis being oriented in a longitudinal direction each folding frame part being foldable in itself
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Harvester Elements (AREA)
Abstract
A mower apparatus comprising a center mower deck, right and left inner wing mower decks and right and left outer wing mower and wheels support the decks for travel in an operating travel direction. A plurality of front mower blades is rotatably mounted under the center mower deck, the right and left inner wing mower decks, and the right and left outer mower decks such that front rotational axes of the front mower blades are aligned along a front mower line oriented perpendicular to the operating travel direction. A
plurality of rear mower blades is rotatably mounted under the center mower deck, the right and left inner wing mower decks, and the right and left outer mower decks such that rear rotational axes of the rear mower blades are aligned along a rear mower line oriented parallel to the front mower line, and a mower drive rotate the mower blades.
plurality of rear mower blades is rotatably mounted under the center mower deck, the right and left inner wing mower decks, and the right and left outer mower decks such that rear rotational axes of the rear mower blades are aligned along a rear mower line oriented parallel to the front mower line, and a mower drive rotate the mower blades.
Description
WIDE MOWER WITH ALIGNED DECKS
This disclosure relates to the field of mowing implements and in particular a wide mowing implement, and an electric drive mower drive system.
BACKGROUND
Rotary mowers are well known for use in road-side maintenance, agriculture, and general grounds maintenance activities. Rotary mowers comprise a substantially horizontally oriented deck with a blade rotatably attached to a bottom side of the deck by a shaft extending through the deck to a blade gear box on top of the deck. The blade typically comprises a rotating blade bar or blade pan with blade knives pivotally attached thereto.
A power shaft is connected to the input of the blade gear box to rotate the blade.
hi many situations it is desirable to have as wide a mower as possible, for example for mowing large areas such as airports, agricultural fields, and the like. Thus mowers have thus been developed that have a center deck and one or two wings pivotally attached to the center deck. See for example the three deck mower disclosed in United States Published Patent Application Number 20020189223 of Degelman et al. and the five deck mower disclosed in United States Patent Number 7,513,095 to the present inventor Hofmann.
Typically one or two blades are mounted under each deck, and the blades are driven by the power take off of the towing tractor through a series of gear boxes and drive shafts. It is also known to drive the blades with hydraulic motors as shown in United States Patent Number 4,442,658 to Cartner.
1835109v1 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure provides a mower apparatus that overcomes problems in the prior art.
In a first embodiment the present disclosure provides a mower apparatus comprising a center mower deck and right and left inner wing mower decks pivotally attached to corresponding right and left sides of the center mower deck about right and left inner wing pivot axes substantially aligned with an operating travel direction.
Right and left outer wing mower decks are pivotally attached to corresponding right and left sides of the right and left inner wing mower decks about right and left outer wing pivot axes substantially aligned with the operating travel direction. A plurality of wheels is configured to support the center mower deck, the right and left inner wing mower decks, and the right and left outer mower decks for travel in the operating travel direction. A
plurality of front mower blades is rotatably mounted under the center mower deck, the right and left inner wing mower decks, and the right and left outer mower decks such that front rotational axes of the front mower blades are aligned along a front mower line oriented perpendicular to the operating travel direction. A plurality of rear mower blades is rotatably mounted under the center mower deck, the right and left inner wing mower decks, and the right and left outer mower decks such that rear rotational axes of the rear mower blades are aligned along a rear mower line oriented parallel to the front mower line, and a mower drive is operative to rotate the front and rear mower blades.
In a second embodiment the present disclosure provides a mower apparatus comprising a mower deck mounted on wheels for travel in an operating travel direction, and a mower blade rotatably mounted under the mower deck. An electrical generator is adapted for connection to a power take off of a towing tractor, and an electric motor is connected to the electrical generator and is operative to rotate the mower blade.
This disclosure relates to the field of mowing implements and in particular a wide mowing implement, and an electric drive mower drive system.
BACKGROUND
Rotary mowers are well known for use in road-side maintenance, agriculture, and general grounds maintenance activities. Rotary mowers comprise a substantially horizontally oriented deck with a blade rotatably attached to a bottom side of the deck by a shaft extending through the deck to a blade gear box on top of the deck. The blade typically comprises a rotating blade bar or blade pan with blade knives pivotally attached thereto.
A power shaft is connected to the input of the blade gear box to rotate the blade.
hi many situations it is desirable to have as wide a mower as possible, for example for mowing large areas such as airports, agricultural fields, and the like. Thus mowers have thus been developed that have a center deck and one or two wings pivotally attached to the center deck. See for example the three deck mower disclosed in United States Published Patent Application Number 20020189223 of Degelman et al. and the five deck mower disclosed in United States Patent Number 7,513,095 to the present inventor Hofmann.
Typically one or two blades are mounted under each deck, and the blades are driven by the power take off of the towing tractor through a series of gear boxes and drive shafts. It is also known to drive the blades with hydraulic motors as shown in United States Patent Number 4,442,658 to Cartner.
1835109v1 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure provides a mower apparatus that overcomes problems in the prior art.
In a first embodiment the present disclosure provides a mower apparatus comprising a center mower deck and right and left inner wing mower decks pivotally attached to corresponding right and left sides of the center mower deck about right and left inner wing pivot axes substantially aligned with an operating travel direction.
Right and left outer wing mower decks are pivotally attached to corresponding right and left sides of the right and left inner wing mower decks about right and left outer wing pivot axes substantially aligned with the operating travel direction. A plurality of wheels is configured to support the center mower deck, the right and left inner wing mower decks, and the right and left outer mower decks for travel in the operating travel direction. A
plurality of front mower blades is rotatably mounted under the center mower deck, the right and left inner wing mower decks, and the right and left outer mower decks such that front rotational axes of the front mower blades are aligned along a front mower line oriented perpendicular to the operating travel direction. A plurality of rear mower blades is rotatably mounted under the center mower deck, the right and left inner wing mower decks, and the right and left outer mower decks such that rear rotational axes of the rear mower blades are aligned along a rear mower line oriented parallel to the front mower line, and a mower drive is operative to rotate the front and rear mower blades.
In a second embodiment the present disclosure provides a mower apparatus comprising a mower deck mounted on wheels for travel in an operating travel direction, and a mower blade rotatably mounted under the mower deck. An electrical generator is adapted for connection to a power take off of a towing tractor, and an electric motor is connected to the electrical generator and is operative to rotate the mower blade.
2 1835109v1 The present disclosure provides a wide mower apparatus with a simple driveline that includes mechanical, electrical, and/or hydraulic elements. The mower apparatus is compact from front to rear reducing manufacturing costs, and enhancing maneuverability.
DESCRIPTION OF TIIE DRAWINGS
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective top view of an embodiment of the mower apparatus of the present disclosure with the wing decks in the operating position and connected to a towing tractor;
Fig. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective top view of the left side of the embodiment of Fig. 1 with drive tnechanism shields removed for illustration;
Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 with the wing decks in the transport position;
Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of a blade gear box of the embodiment of Fig.
1;
Fig. 6 is a schematic top view of the relationship of the adjacent front and rear blade gear boxes and attached drive members;
DESCRIPTION OF TIIE DRAWINGS
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective top view of an embodiment of the mower apparatus of the present disclosure with the wing decks in the operating position and connected to a towing tractor;
Fig. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective top view of the left side of the embodiment of Fig. 1 with drive tnechanism shields removed for illustration;
Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 with the wing decks in the transport position;
Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of a blade gear box of the embodiment of Fig.
1;
Fig. 6 is a schematic top view of the relationship of the adjacent front and rear blade gear boxes and attached drive members;
3 1835109v1 Fig. 7 is a schematic top view of an alternate mower drive comprising an electrical generator and electric motors;
Fig. 8 is a schematic top view of an alternate mower drive comprising a hydraulic pump and hydraulic motors.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
Figs. 1 - 4 schematically illustrate an embodiment of a mower apparatus 1 of the present disclosure comprising a center mower deck 3 and right and left inner wing mower decks 5R, 5L pivotally attached to corresponding right and left sides of the center mower deck 3 about right and left inner wing pivot axes IPA substantially aligned with an operating travel direction T. Right and left outer wing mower decks 7R, 7L are pivotally attached to conesponding right and left sides of the right and left inner wing mower decks 5 about right and left outer wing pivot axes OPA substantially aligned with the operating travel direction T and parallel to the inner wing pivot axes IPA.
A plurality of wheels 9 is configured to support the center mower deck 3, the right and left inner wing mower decks 5, and the right and left outer mower decks 7 for travel in the operating travel direction T.
As seen in Fig. 2, a plurality of front mower blades 11 is rotatably mounted under the center mower deck 3, the right and left inner wing mower decks 5, and the right and left outer mower decks 7 such that front rotational axes FRA of the front mower blades 11 are aligned along a front mower line FML oriented perpendicular to the operating travel direction T. Similarly a plurality of rear mower blades 13 is rotatably mounted under the center mower deck 3, the right and left inner wing mower decks 5, and the right and left outer mower decks 7 such that rear rotational axes RRA of the rear mower blades 13 are
Fig. 8 is a schematic top view of an alternate mower drive comprising a hydraulic pump and hydraulic motors.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
Figs. 1 - 4 schematically illustrate an embodiment of a mower apparatus 1 of the present disclosure comprising a center mower deck 3 and right and left inner wing mower decks 5R, 5L pivotally attached to corresponding right and left sides of the center mower deck 3 about right and left inner wing pivot axes IPA substantially aligned with an operating travel direction T. Right and left outer wing mower decks 7R, 7L are pivotally attached to conesponding right and left sides of the right and left inner wing mower decks 5 about right and left outer wing pivot axes OPA substantially aligned with the operating travel direction T and parallel to the inner wing pivot axes IPA.
A plurality of wheels 9 is configured to support the center mower deck 3, the right and left inner wing mower decks 5, and the right and left outer mower decks 7 for travel in the operating travel direction T.
As seen in Fig. 2, a plurality of front mower blades 11 is rotatably mounted under the center mower deck 3, the right and left inner wing mower decks 5, and the right and left outer mower decks 7 such that front rotational axes FRA of the front mower blades 11 are aligned along a front mower line FML oriented perpendicular to the operating travel direction T. Similarly a plurality of rear mower blades 13 is rotatably mounted under the center mower deck 3, the right and left inner wing mower decks 5, and the right and left outer mower decks 7 such that rear rotational axes RRA of the rear mower blades 13 are
4 1835109v1 aligned along a rear mower line RML oriented parallel to the front mower line FML. A
mower drive 15 is operative to rotate the front and rear mower blades 11, 13.
In the illustrated apparatus 1 two center front mower blades 11C are mounted under the center mower deck 3, two inner front mower blades 11X are mounted under each of the right and left inner wing mower decks 5, and one outer front mower blade 11Y
is mounted under each of the right and left inner wing mower decks 7.
One center rear mower blade 13C is mounted under the center mower deck 3, two inner rear mower blades 13X are mounted under each of the right and left inner wing mower decks 5, and two outer rear mower blades 13Y are mounted under each of the right and left inner wing mower decks 7. The front rotational axes FRA are spaced along the front mower line at a spacing distance SD, and the rear rotational axes RRA are spaced along the front mower line at the same spacing distance SD, and each front rotational axis FRA
is laterally located mid-way between corresponding rear rotational axes RRA.
The fore and aft separation between the adjacent front and rear mower blades 11, 13 allows the mower blades 11, 13 to overlap to ensure all plant material in the path of the apparatus 1 is cut. The lateral distance between the front and rear rotational axes is SD/2, which distance is less than the blade diameter BD of the mower blades.
As shown in Fig. 3, in the illustrated apparatus 1 the mower drive 15 comprises a blade gear box 17 mounted on top of the corresponding deck 3, 5, 7 above each mower blade 11, 13 with, as shown in Fig. 5, a downward extending vertical shaft 19 that provides the rotational axis RA for the corresponding mower blade 11, 13, and a horizontal shaft 21.
As shown in Fig. 6, rear horizontal shafts 21R of the rear blade gear boxes 17R providing rear rotational axes RRA extend forward in the operating travel direction T, and front
mower drive 15 is operative to rotate the front and rear mower blades 11, 13.
In the illustrated apparatus 1 two center front mower blades 11C are mounted under the center mower deck 3, two inner front mower blades 11X are mounted under each of the right and left inner wing mower decks 5, and one outer front mower blade 11Y
is mounted under each of the right and left inner wing mower decks 7.
One center rear mower blade 13C is mounted under the center mower deck 3, two inner rear mower blades 13X are mounted under each of the right and left inner wing mower decks 5, and two outer rear mower blades 13Y are mounted under each of the right and left inner wing mower decks 7. The front rotational axes FRA are spaced along the front mower line at a spacing distance SD, and the rear rotational axes RRA are spaced along the front mower line at the same spacing distance SD, and each front rotational axis FRA
is laterally located mid-way between corresponding rear rotational axes RRA.
The fore and aft separation between the adjacent front and rear mower blades 11, 13 allows the mower blades 11, 13 to overlap to ensure all plant material in the path of the apparatus 1 is cut. The lateral distance between the front and rear rotational axes is SD/2, which distance is less than the blade diameter BD of the mower blades.
As shown in Fig. 3, in the illustrated apparatus 1 the mower drive 15 comprises a blade gear box 17 mounted on top of the corresponding deck 3, 5, 7 above each mower blade 11, 13 with, as shown in Fig. 5, a downward extending vertical shaft 19 that provides the rotational axis RA for the corresponding mower blade 11, 13, and a horizontal shaft 21.
As shown in Fig. 6, rear horizontal shafts 21R of the rear blade gear boxes 17R providing rear rotational axes RRA extend forward in the operating travel direction T, and front
5 1835109v1 horizontal shafts 21F of front blade gear boxes17F providing front rotational axes FRA
extend rearward in the opposite direction.
A rear drive member 23R, typically as illustrated a belt pulley, is attached to each rear horizontal shaft 21R and a front drive member 23F is attached to each front horizontal shaft 21F such that each rear drive member 23R is substantially aligned with the front drive member 23F of an adjacent front gear box 17F, and connected thereto by a flexible drive element 25 such as a belt. Sprockets and chains could be used as well instead of the belt pulleys and belts.
In the apparatus 1 the mower drive 15 comprises a main driveshaft 27 adapted at a front end thereof for connection to a power take off of a towing tractor, and connected at a rear end thereof to a center deck gear box 29 mounted on the center deck 3. The center deck gear box 29 is then connected by a center drive system to rotate the mower blades 11, 13 under the center mower deck 3. In the apparatus 1 center drive system comprises a center driveshaft 31 connecting the center deck gear box 29 to the rear blade gear box 17R on the center rear mower blade 13C, and in turn the drive member 23R on horizontal shaft 21R of the rear blade gear box 17R is connected by belts 25 to the two front blades 11C
under the center deck 3.
The center deck gear box 29 is also connected by right and left drive systems to rotate the mower blades 11, 13 under the corresponding right and left inner and outer wing mower decks 5, 7. In the illustrated apparatus 1 the center deck gear box 29 is connected to right and left inner deck gear boxes 33R, 33L which in turn are connected to blade gear boxes 17 of the mower blades 11, 13 under the corresponding right and left inner wing mower decks 5. The inner deck gear boxes 33R, 33L are also connected to corresponding right and left outer deck gear boxes 35R, 35L which in turn are connected to blade gear boxes 17 of the mower blades 11, 13 under the corresponding right and left outer wing mower decks 7.
extend rearward in the opposite direction.
A rear drive member 23R, typically as illustrated a belt pulley, is attached to each rear horizontal shaft 21R and a front drive member 23F is attached to each front horizontal shaft 21F such that each rear drive member 23R is substantially aligned with the front drive member 23F of an adjacent front gear box 17F, and connected thereto by a flexible drive element 25 such as a belt. Sprockets and chains could be used as well instead of the belt pulleys and belts.
In the apparatus 1 the mower drive 15 comprises a main driveshaft 27 adapted at a front end thereof for connection to a power take off of a towing tractor, and connected at a rear end thereof to a center deck gear box 29 mounted on the center deck 3. The center deck gear box 29 is then connected by a center drive system to rotate the mower blades 11, 13 under the center mower deck 3. In the apparatus 1 center drive system comprises a center driveshaft 31 connecting the center deck gear box 29 to the rear blade gear box 17R on the center rear mower blade 13C, and in turn the drive member 23R on horizontal shaft 21R of the rear blade gear box 17R is connected by belts 25 to the two front blades 11C
under the center deck 3.
The center deck gear box 29 is also connected by right and left drive systems to rotate the mower blades 11, 13 under the corresponding right and left inner and outer wing mower decks 5, 7. In the illustrated apparatus 1 the center deck gear box 29 is connected to right and left inner deck gear boxes 33R, 33L which in turn are connected to blade gear boxes 17 of the mower blades 11, 13 under the corresponding right and left inner wing mower decks 5. The inner deck gear boxes 33R, 33L are also connected to corresponding right and left outer deck gear boxes 35R, 35L which in turn are connected to blade gear boxes 17 of the mower blades 11, 13 under the corresponding right and left outer wing mower decks 7.
6 1835109v1 The outer deck gear boxes 35 are located on the outer wing pivot axes OPA so the outer wings 7 can pivot to follow ground contours, and to move to the transport position of Fig.
4.
Fig. 7 schematically illustrates an alternate mower drive 15' comprising an electrical generator 37 mounted on the center mower deck 3 and adapted for connection by a driveshaft 39 to a power take off of a towing tractor, and a plurality of electric motors 41 connected to the electrical generator 37 and operative to rotate the front and rear mower blades 11, 13. While a combination of electric motors, gear boxes, driveshafts, belts etc.
could be used, the illustrated mower drive 15' is simplified and comprises a plurality of electric motors 41 where each electric motor 41 is connected to one mower blade 11, 13.
Fig. 8 schematically illustrates an alternate mower drive 15" comprising a hydraulic putnp 43 mounted on the center mower deck 3 and adapted for connection by a driveshaft 45 to a power take off of a towing tractor, and a plurality of hydraulic motors 47 connected to the hydraulic pump 43 and operative to rotate the front and rear mower blades 11, 13. While a combination of hydraulic motors, gear boxes, driveshafts, belts etc. could be used, the illustrated mower drive 15 is simplified and comprises a plurality of hydraulic motors 47 where each hydraulic motor 47 is connected to one mower blade 11, 13.
The present disclosure provides a wide mower apparatus 1 with a simple driveline that includes mechanical, electrical, and/or hydraulic elements. The mower apparatus 1 is compact from front to rear reducing manufacturing costs, and enhancing maneuverability.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
4.
Fig. 7 schematically illustrates an alternate mower drive 15' comprising an electrical generator 37 mounted on the center mower deck 3 and adapted for connection by a driveshaft 39 to a power take off of a towing tractor, and a plurality of electric motors 41 connected to the electrical generator 37 and operative to rotate the front and rear mower blades 11, 13. While a combination of electric motors, gear boxes, driveshafts, belts etc.
could be used, the illustrated mower drive 15' is simplified and comprises a plurality of electric motors 41 where each electric motor 41 is connected to one mower blade 11, 13.
Fig. 8 schematically illustrates an alternate mower drive 15" comprising a hydraulic putnp 43 mounted on the center mower deck 3 and adapted for connection by a driveshaft 45 to a power take off of a towing tractor, and a plurality of hydraulic motors 47 connected to the hydraulic pump 43 and operative to rotate the front and rear mower blades 11, 13. While a combination of hydraulic motors, gear boxes, driveshafts, belts etc. could be used, the illustrated mower drive 15 is simplified and comprises a plurality of hydraulic motors 47 where each hydraulic motor 47 is connected to one mower blade 11, 13.
The present disclosure provides a wide mower apparatus 1 with a simple driveline that includes mechanical, electrical, and/or hydraulic elements. The mower apparatus 1 is compact from front to rear reducing manufacturing costs, and enhancing maneuverability.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
7 1835109v1 shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
8 1835109v1
Claims (12)
1. A mower apparatus comprising a center mower deck and right and left inner wing mower decks pivotally attached to corresponding right and left sides of the center mower deck about right and left inner wing pivot axes substantially aligned with an operating travel direction;
right and left outer wing mower decks pivotally attached to corresponding right and left sides of the right and left inner wing mower decks about right and left outer wing pivot axes substantially aligned with the operating travel direction;
a plurality of wheels configured to support the center mower deck, the right and left inner wing mower decks, and the right and left outer mower decks for travel in the operating travel direction;
a plurality of front mower blades rotatably mounted under the center mower deck, the right and left inner wing mower decks, and the right and left outer mower decks such that front rotational axes of the front mower blades are aligned along a front mower line oriented perpendicular to the operating travel direction;
a plurality of rear mower blades rotatably mounted under the center mower deck, the right and left inner wing mower decks, and the right and left outer mower decks such that rear rotational axes of the rear mower blades are aligned along a rear mower line oriented parallel to the front mower line, and a mower drive operative to rotate the front and rear mower blades
right and left outer wing mower decks pivotally attached to corresponding right and left sides of the right and left inner wing mower decks about right and left outer wing pivot axes substantially aligned with the operating travel direction;
a plurality of wheels configured to support the center mower deck, the right and left inner wing mower decks, and the right and left outer mower decks for travel in the operating travel direction;
a plurality of front mower blades rotatably mounted under the center mower deck, the right and left inner wing mower decks, and the right and left outer mower decks such that front rotational axes of the front mower blades are aligned along a front mower line oriented perpendicular to the operating travel direction;
a plurality of rear mower blades rotatably mounted under the center mower deck, the right and left inner wing mower decks, and the right and left outer mower decks such that rear rotational axes of the rear mower blades are aligned along a rear mower line oriented parallel to the front mower line, and a mower drive operative to rotate the front and rear mower blades
2. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising;
two center front mower blades mounted under the center mower deck, two inner front mower blades mounted under each of the right and left inner wing mower decks, and one outer front mower blade mounted under each of the right and left inner wing mower decks;
one center rear mower blade mounted under the center mower deck, two inner rear mower blades mounted under each of the right and left inner wing mower decks, and two outer rear mower blades mounted under each of the right and left inner wing mower decks; and wherein the front rotational axes are spaced along the front mower line at a spacing distance, and the rear rotational axes are spaced along the front mower line at the spacing distance, and each front rotational axis is laterally located mid-way.between corresponding rear rotational axes.
two center front mower blades mounted under the center mower deck, two inner front mower blades mounted under each of the right and left inner wing mower decks, and one outer front mower blade mounted under each of the right and left inner wing mower decks;
one center rear mower blade mounted under the center mower deck, two inner rear mower blades mounted under each of the right and left inner wing mower decks, and two outer rear mower blades mounted under each of the right and left inner wing mower decks; and wherein the front rotational axes are spaced along the front mower line at a spacing distance, and the rear rotational axes are spaced along the front mower line at the spacing distance, and each front rotational axis is laterally located mid-way.between corresponding rear rotational axes.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the mower drive comprises:
a blade gear box mounted on top of the corresponding deck above each mower blade with a downward extending vertical shaft that provides the rotational axis for the corresponding mower blade, and a horizontal shaft;
wherein rear horizontal shafts of rear blade gear boxes providing rear rotational axes extend forward in the operating travel direction, and front horizontal shafts of front blade gear boxes providing front rotational axes extend rearward;
wherein a rear drive member is attached to each rear horizontal shaft and a front drive member is attached to each front horizontal shaft such that each rear drive member is substantially aligned with, and connected by a flexible drive element to, the front drive member of an adjacent front gear box.
a blade gear box mounted on top of the corresponding deck above each mower blade with a downward extending vertical shaft that provides the rotational axis for the corresponding mower blade, and a horizontal shaft;
wherein rear horizontal shafts of rear blade gear boxes providing rear rotational axes extend forward in the operating travel direction, and front horizontal shafts of front blade gear boxes providing front rotational axes extend rearward;
wherein a rear drive member is attached to each rear horizontal shaft and a front drive member is attached to each front horizontal shaft such that each rear drive member is substantially aligned with, and connected by a flexible drive element to, the front drive member of an adjacent front gear box.
4 The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the mower drive comprises a main driveshaft adapted at a front end thereof for connection to a power take off of a towing tractor, and connected at a rear end thereof to a center deck gear box mounted on the center deck, and wherein:
the center deck gear box is connected by a center drive system to rotate the mower blades under the center mower deck, the center deck gear box is connected by right and left drive systems to rotate the mower blades under the corresponding right and left inner and outer wing mower decks.
the center deck gear box is connected by a center drive system to rotate the mower blades under the center mower deck, the center deck gear box is connected by right and left drive systems to rotate the mower blades under the corresponding right and left inner and outer wing mower decks.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the center drive system comprises a center driveshaft connecting the center deck gear box to the rear horizontal shaft of the blade gear box of the center rear mower blade.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein:
the center deck gear box is connected to a right and left inner deck gear boxes;
the right and left inner deck gear boxes are connected to blade gear boxes of the mower blades under the corresponding right and left inner wing mower decks, and to corresponding right and left outer deck gear boxes, and the right and left outer deck gear boxes are connected to blade gear boxes of the mower blades under the corresponding right and left outer wing mower decks.
the center deck gear box is connected to a right and left inner deck gear boxes;
the right and left inner deck gear boxes are connected to blade gear boxes of the mower blades under the corresponding right and left inner wing mower decks, and to corresponding right and left outer deck gear boxes, and the right and left outer deck gear boxes are connected to blade gear boxes of the mower blades under the corresponding right and left outer wing mower decks.
7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 and 2 wherein the mower drive comprises an electrical generator adapted for connection to a power take off of a towing tractor, and at least one electric motor connected to the electrical generator and operative to rotate the front and rear mower blades.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the mower drive comprises a plurality of electric motors, each electric motor connected to one mower blade.
9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 and 2 wherein the mower drive comprises a hydraulic pump adapted for connection to a power take off of a towing tractor, and at least one hydraulic motor connected to the hydraulic pump and operative to rotate the front and rear mower blades.
10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the mower drive comprises a plurality of hydraulic motors, each hydraulic motor connected to one mower blade.
11. A mower apparatus comprising:
a mower deck mounted on wheels for travel in an operating travel direction;
a mower blade rotatably mounted under the mower deck;
an electrical generator adapted for connection to a power take off of a towing tractor, and an electric motor connected to the electrical generator and operative to rotate the mower blade.
a mower deck mounted on wheels for travel in an operating travel direction;
a mower blade rotatably mounted under the mower deck;
an electrical generator adapted for connection to a power take off of a towing tractor, and an electric motor connected to the electrical generator and operative to rotate the mower blade.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the electrical generator is mounted on the mower deck.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2947317A CA2947317A1 (en) | 2016-11-03 | 2016-11-03 | Wide mower with aligned decks |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2947317A CA2947317A1 (en) | 2016-11-03 | 2016-11-03 | Wide mower with aligned decks |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2947317A1 true CA2947317A1 (en) | 2017-12-12 |
Family
ID=60655906
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2947317A Pending CA2947317A1 (en) | 2016-11-03 | 2016-11-03 | Wide mower with aligned decks |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2947317A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20180263169A1 (en) * | 2017-03-20 | 2018-09-20 | Highline Manufacturing Ltd. | Tool bar mounted folding wing mower apparatus |
| GB2600215A (en) * | 2020-10-23 | 2022-04-27 | Deere & Co | Flexible mower deck |
-
2016
- 2016-11-03 CA CA2947317A patent/CA2947317A1/en active Pending
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20180263169A1 (en) * | 2017-03-20 | 2018-09-20 | Highline Manufacturing Ltd. | Tool bar mounted folding wing mower apparatus |
| US10638664B2 (en) * | 2017-03-20 | 2020-05-05 | Bourgault Industries Ltd. | Tool bar mounted folding wing mower apparatus |
| GB2600215A (en) * | 2020-10-23 | 2022-04-27 | Deere & Co | Flexible mower deck |
| GB2600215B (en) * | 2020-10-23 | 2024-05-15 | Deere & Co | Flexible mower deck |
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