Mower propulsion apparatus including a split transaxle

A self-propelled lawnmower comprising:

• a main frame;
• a power source attached to the main frame;
• a mower deck connected to the main frame and including at least one cutting chamber;
• at least one blade located in each cutting chamber;
• a plurality of wheels connected to the main frame;
• a suspension member connected to the main frame, the suspension member configured to move with respect to the main frame, and the suspension member configured to rotationally support at least one of the wheels;
• and
• a transaxle configured to selectively drive the at least one of the wheels, the transaxle includes,
• one of an operating pump and motor pump fixed on the main frame,
• an other of the operating pump and the motor pump fixed on the suspension member, such that the motor pump moves with respect to the operating pump when the suspension member moves relative to the main frame, and
• tubing interconnecting the operating pump and the motor pump.

A lawnmower comprising:

• a main frame;
• a power source mounted on the main frame;
• a cutting chamber connected to the main frame;
• at least one blade located in the cutting chamber;
• a pair of suspension assemblies each having a first member pivotally connected to the main frame such that each of the first members pivots with respect to the main frame;
• a pair of drive wheels rotatably supported by the suspension assemblies;
• a first transaxle including,
• a pump portion including a pump housing fixed on the main frame and a fluid displacement structure located in the pump housing,
• a motor portion including a motor housing and a fluid driven structure located in the motor housing, the motor housing being spaced from the pump housing, the motor housing connected with a respective one of the suspension assemblies, and the fluid driven structure being connected to and selectively driving a respective one of the drive wheels, and
• tubing interconnecting the pump portion and the motor portion.