Importance

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Abstract

A combination speed control and transmission forward-reverse control for a lawn tractor, or the like, having an engine including a drive shaft and output pulley, a transmission including a driven input shaft and pulley, and a belt-tensioning, or other similar type clutch. The control includes an actuating lever mounted on the tractor chassis, and control cables extending between the actuating lever and the clutch, and between the actuating lever and the transmission forward-reverse shift linkage. Movement of the actuating lever in the forward direction shifts the transmission linkage to the forward position and releases the clutch to engage the driving and driven pulleys with one another. Further forward motion of the actuating lever causes a greater coupling of the driving and driven pulleys to cause the lawn tractor to move forward faster. Returning of the actuating lever to a neutral position disengages the clutch and moves the transmission shift linkage to neutral. Movement of the actuating lever in a reverse direction shifts the transmission linkage into reverse gear, and couples the driving and driven pulleys together. Further reverse movement of the actuating lever causes greater coupling of the driving and driven pulleys to move the lawn tractor faster in reverse. The actuating lever is also coupled to the vehicle brake. Application of the brake causes the actuating lever, and the transmission and clutch which are controlled by it, to move to neutral. Similarly, movement of the actuating lever to neutral, in addition to disengaging the clutch and moving the transmission to the neutral position, causes the brake to be applied.

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First Claim