Implement drive system and grounds maintenance vehicle incorporating same

A stand-on riding grounds maintenance vehicle, comprising:

• a frame having a front end, a rear end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends, the frame further comprising a control tower at or near the rear end;
• a platform connected to the frame at or near the rear end, the platform adapted to support a standing operator;
• an implement connected to the frame at or near the front end of the frame, the implement comprising:
• a housing;
• a first spindle pulley connected to the housing and adapted to rotate about a first spindle pulley axis;
• and
• a second spindle pulley connected to the housing and adapted to rotate about a second spindle pulley axis;
• and
• a power system comprising a prime mover and an implement drive system, wherein the prime mover is connected to the frame, wherein the implement drive system comprises:
• a drive pulley connected to the prime mover and adapted to rotate about a drive pulley axis;
• an idler pulley connected to the frame or implement and adapted to rotate about an idler pulley axis;
• and
• an endless belt engaging the drive pulley, the idler pulley, the first spindle pulley, and the second spindle pulley;
• wherein the idler pulley axis is disposed at a first longitudinal distance from the drive pulley axis, the first spindle pulley axis is disposed at a second longitudinal distance from the drive pulley axis, and the second spindle pulley axis is disposed at a third longitudinal distance from the drive pulley axis, wherein the first longitudinal distance is greater than each of the second longitudinal distance and the third longitudinal distance;
• and
• wherein a fleeting angle of the endless belt is defined by an elevation of the idler pulley relative to the drive pulley and a distance between the drive pulley axis and the idler pulley axis.