Control system for self-propelled line striper

A self-propelled cart comprising:

• a chassis;
• a drive wheel coupled to an aft end the chassis;
• a swivel wheel mounted to a forward end of the chassis at a swivel;
• a hydraulic propulsion system mounted to the chassis, the hydrostatic propulsion system comprising:
• a hydraulic fluid;
• a hydraulic pump for pressurizing the hydraulic fluid;
• a hydraulic motor driven by the hydraulic fluid and connected to the drive wheel;
• and
• a valve for controlling flow of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor;
• and
• a steering system comprising:
• a handle rotatable about a first axis;
• a cable extending from the handle to the swivel wheel;
• a control lever coupled to the handle and rotatable about a second axis;
• and
• a cable extending from the control lever to the valve.

A line striping system comprising:

• a chassis;
• a first wheel and a second wheel mounted under the chassis;
• a spray system mounted on the chassis;
• a propulsion system mounted on the chassis to drive the first wheel;
• and
• a steering system coupled to the chassis, the steering system comprising:
• a handlebar rotatatable about a first axis to steer the second wheel;
• a speed bar mounted to the handlebar at a pivot-point extending along a second axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis and the speed bar being pivotable about the second axis to control the propulsion system;
• and
• a push-button mounted on the handlebar and configured activate the spray system;
• wherein the handlebar and the speed bar are mounted on a post, the post providing a second pivot-point about which the handlebar rotates and the post being configured to extend telescopically such that the height of the handlebar relative to a platform of the chassis can be adjusted;
• and
• wherein pivoting of the speed bar about the second axis in a counter-clockwise direction causes forward movement of the line striping system and pivoting of the speed bar about the second axis in a clockwise direction causes rearward movement of the line striping system.