On-board vehicle jacking apparatus and methods of using same

An on-board jacking apparatus for use with a self-propelled vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

• a pivot assembly adapted to couple to the vehicle, the pivot assembly comprising a first pivot having a first pivot axis;
• a jacking member having a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to couple to the pivot assembly for pivoting of the jacking member about the first pivot axis, wherein the jacking member is movable between at least a stored position corresponding to an operating configuration of the vehicle, and a jacked position corresponding to an elevated maintenance configuration of the vehicle;
• and
• a second pivot associated with the pivot assembly, the second pivot having a second pivot axis proximate the first end of the jacking member, wherein the second pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis.

A vehicle movable between an operating configuration and an elevated maintenance configuration, the vehicle comprising:

• one or more ground engaging drive wheels rotatably coupled to a vehicle frame;
• a prime mover coupled to the vehicle frame and adapted to power the one or more drive wheels;
• and
• a jacking apparatus comprising:
• a pivot assembly adapted to couple to the vehicle frame, the pivot assembly comprising a first pivot having a first pivot axis;
• a jacking member having a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to couple to the pivot assembly for pivoting of the jacking member about the first pivot axis, wherein the jacking member is movable between at least a stored position corresponding to an operating configuration of the vehicle, and a jacked position corresponding to an elevated maintenance configuration of the vehicle;
• and
• a second pivot associated with the pivot assembly, the second pivot having a second pivot axis proximate the first end of the jacking member, wherein the second pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis.

A self-propelled riding lawn mower, comprising:

• at least one drive wheel rotatably coupled to a first portion of a mower frame;
• at least one caster wheel coupled to a second portion of the mower frame;
• a prime mover coupled to the mower frame and adapted to power the at least one drive wheel;
• a cutting deck coupled to an underside of the mower frame;
• and
• an on-board jacking apparatus coupled to the mower frame, the jacking apparatus comprising a jacking member having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotally coupled to the mower frame and the second end selectively engageable with a ground surface, wherein the jacking member is movable between a stored position corresponding to an operating configuration of the mower;
• a jacking position corresponding to the operating configuration of the mower;
• and a jacked position corresponding to an elevated maintenance configuration of the mower;
• wherein the jacking member, when in the stored position, extends in a generally transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the mower.

A method for repositioning a ground maintenance vehicle between an operating configuration and an elevated maintenance configuration, the method comprising:

• providing a jacking apparatus comprising a jacking member, the jacking member comprising a first end coupled to a frame of the vehicle wherein the jacking member pivots relative to the vehicle about both a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis;
• pivoting the jacking member about at least the second pivot axis from a stored position to a jacking position;
• engaging a second end of the jacking member with a ground surface;
• and
• propelling the vehicle in a first direction, wherein the vehicle pivots relative to the jacking member about the first pivot axis as the vehicle rides up and onto the jacking member towards the maintenance configuration, the maintenance configuration corresponding to a jacked position of the jacking apparatus.

A self-propelled lawn mowing apparatus, comprising:

• means for propelling the mowing apparatus over a mowing surface;
• means for cutting vegetation located on the mowing surface;
• and
• means for jacking at least a first portion of the mowing apparatus relative to at least a second portion.

A method for repositioning a self-propelled, lawn mowing vehicle between an operating configuration and an elevated maintenance configuration, the method comprising:

• providing a jacking apparatus comprising a jacking member, the jacking member comprising a first end pivotally coupled to a frame of the lawn mowing vehicle at a first pivot;
• moving the jacking member from a stored position to a jacking position;
• engaging a second end of the jacking member with a ground surface;
• and
• propelling the lawn mowing vehicle in a first direction, wherein the lawn mowing vehicle rides up and onto the jacking member towards the elevated maintenance configuration, the elevated maintenance configuration corresponding to a jacked position of the jacking member.