Zero turn riding mower steering mechanism

A zero turn riding lawnmower steering mechanism for a zero turn riding lawnmower having a frame, a motor, wheels, an operator platform, and one of an electronic steering actuator, a hydrostatic drive, and a mechanical steering device, which includes:

• a first foot pedal operably connected to one of the electronic steering actuator, a hydrostatic drive and a mechanical steering device by way of a first flexible push/pull cable linkage, the first foot pedal constructed to cause at least one wheel on a first side the zero turn riding lawnmower to be powered in a forward direction or a reverse direction;
• and
• a second foot pedal operably connected to one of the electronic steering actuator, a hydrostatic drive, and a mechanical steering device by way of a second flexible push/pull cable linkage, the second foot pedal constructed to cause at least one wheel on a second side the zero turn riding lawnmower to be powered in a forward or reverse direction, wherein the zero turn riding lawnmower is steerable solely via each of said first foot pedal and said second foot pedal;
• and wherein each said first foot pedal and said second foot pedal are pivotally mounted to a pivot rod which extends through coaxial bearing surfaces of a support riser and such that said pivot rod is disposed above the operator platform;
• and
• wherein each said first and second flexible push/pull cable linkage is routed beneath the operator platform and retained by at least one bracket having an orifice permitting free passage of the linkage.