Conversion system for zero turn lawn equipment
View Patent ↗A drive wheel and equipment attachment combination for self-propelled hydro-static wheel drive lawn care equipment platforms that converts rear two-wheel drive zero turn equipment with a mower deck to a four-wheel drive with a universal front implement mount lawncare equipment platform and articulated front steering drive frame and equipment mount.
1 . A four-wheel drive steering conversion for use with a zero turn two-wheel drive,
lawn equipment including, an equipment frame, an engine, rear drive wheels, front caster wheels and a mower deck,
the four-wheel drive conversion comprising,
a replacement front frame having a lawn equipment engagement portion and a dual drive wheel steering portion, is movable from a first fixed position to a second articulated steering pivot position in spaced relation to said lawn equipment engagement portion and said lawn equipment, a hydraulic piston and cylinder steering assembly is pivotally secured between said lawn equipment engagement portion and said dual drive wheel and steering portion, a control valve in communication therewith, frame receiver inserts on said lawn equipment engagement portion, a pair of independent drive wheel assemblies on said dual drive wheel steering portion and a front equipment mounting assembly,
a center support extension having an adjustable pivot arm fitting, a fixed center end engagement fitting on said lawn equipment engagement portion in aligned registration with a center pivot pin receiver, a control valve assembly in connection with said dual drive wheel steering portion, a pair of angularly disposed frame elements extending from said center end engagement fitting; depending mounting brackets on said respective frame elements and idler, pulley assemble on said depending mounting brackets for select engagement with said pulley support frame arms when so engaged.
2 . The four-wheel drive steering conversion set forth in claim 1 wherein said lawn equipment engagement portion further comprises: a pulley support arm extending from and pivotally secured to said dual drive wheel steering portion having a sliding bracket with a plurality of angularly disposed pulley support frame arms extending therefrom, for engagement with a power take off drive belt extending there about and to a source of rotational power.
3 . The four-wheel drive steering conversion set forth in claim 1 wherein a hydraulic piston and cylinder steering assembly is pivotally secured between said lawn equipment engagement portion and said dual drive wheel and steering portion, a control valve in communication therewith.
4 . The four-wheel drive steering conversion set forth in claim 1 wherein a power accessory take off assembly extends from said dual drive wheel steering portion with a hydraulic piston and cylinder lift for raising and lowering said take off assembly.
5 . The four-wheel drive steering conversion set forth in claim 1 wherein said control valve assembly comprises: a control valve lever for steering and elevation of the front equipment mounting assembly.