Adjustable ground speed control devices, systems, and methods for walk-behind equipment

A variable speed control system for a walk-behind working machine, the system comprising:

• a control system base;
• first and second control levers selectively pivotable with respect to the control system base between a first angular position and a second angular position;
• a first speed adjustment actuator positioned on the control system base proximal to the first control lever;
• a second speed adjustment actuator positioned on the control system base proximal to the second control lever;
• a control unit configured for communication with the first and second control levers, the first and second speed adjustment actuators, and a machine component;
• wherein the control unit is configured to selectively control the operation of the machine component between a minimum operating speed and a variable maximum operating speed;
• wherein the first speed adjustment actuator is configured to communicate with the control unit to increase a value of the variable maximum operating speed;
• wherein the second speed adjustment actuator is configured to communicate with the control unit to decrease the value of the variable maximum operating speed;
• and
• wherein the first and second control levers are configured to communicate with the control unit to control the machine component to operate at the minimum operating speed when at least one of the first and second control levers is in the first angular position, and wherein the first and second control levers are configured to control the machine component to operate at the variable maximum operating speed when at least one of the first and second control levers is in the second angular position.

A method for varying a speed of a walk-behind working machine, the method comprising:

• moving one or more control lever with respect to a control system base between a first operating position and a second operating position;
• without releasing the one or more control lever, selectively actuating one of a first speed adjustment actuator or a second speed adjustment actuator positioned on the control system base proximal to the one or more control lever;
• wherein moving the one or more control lever to the first operating position controls a machine component to operate at a minimum operating speed;
• wherein moving the one or more control lever to the second operating position controls the machine component to operate at a variable maximum operating speed;
• wherein actuating the first speed adjustment actuator increases the value of the variable maximum operating speed;
• and
• wherein actuating the second speed adjustment actuator decreases the value of the variable maximum operating speed.