Cutting deck-mounted auxiliary operator control handle transformer unit and method for converting walk behind mid-size rotary mower into riding mower

摘要

A transformer unit mountable above the cutting deck of a mid- size, walk behind rotary mower, converts the mower into a riding mower. The transformer unit allows an operator to sit above the cutting deck and use the original operator control handle, which is relocated to the front end of the mower. The transformer unit comprises a support frame affixed to a cutting deck support structure. The support frame includes a vertically tiltable floor unit that extends over the top of cutting deck. An auxiliary operator control handle attachment fixture is mounted to the forward end of the support frame adjacent to the front end of the mower. A set of auxiliary control links is retained by the support frame for reconnecting control elements of the repositioned operator control handle with mower drive and steering components. An operator seat fixture is mounted to a rear end of the tiltable floor unit of the support frame. An operator sits atop the mower directly behind the repositioned operator control handle and controls the mower from a seated driving position.