Modular hitch and electrically-powered implements for powersports vehicles

A system for connecting and powering a powersports vehicle implement, comprising:

• a modular hitch device connectable to a powersports vehicle, the modular hitch device including:
• a hitch frame;
• a hitch-vehicle coupling portion connected to the hitch frame and configured to detachably connect the modular hitch device to the powersports vehicle;
• a hitch-implement coupling portion connected to the hitch frame;
• a hitch electrical interface configured to electrically connect the modular hitch device to a first power source;
• and
• an electrical actuator mounted to the hitch frame and in electrical connection with the electrical interface, the electrical actuator configured to convert electrical power received from the first power source to mechanical movement of the modular hitch device;
• and
• an implement device connectable to the modular hitch device, the implement device including:
• a mechanical interface configured to connect to the hitch-implement coupling portion of the modular hitch device;
• and
• an electromechanical device for performing an operation of the implement device.

A powered implement system for a powersport vehicle comprising:

• a modular electric motor unit comprising an electric motor mounted to an adapter and having an output shaft with a coupling end, the adaptor having an annular shape with an annular flange portion secured to the electric motor, a plurality of circumferentially extending interface portions at a periphery of the adaptor, and a pair manual operated biased latch pins supported by the adaptor and each having an extended position and a retracted position;
• a mower implement comprising:
• a mower deck;
• a suspension assembly mounted to and extending upwardly from the mower deck;
• and
• an implement hitch coupling portion at a rearward end of the suspension assembly, the implement hitch coupling portion configured to connect a hitch device on the powersport vehicle;
• wherein the mower deck comprises a deck housing with a upper plate portion and a downwardly extending skirt portion at an outer periphery of the mower deck housing, the mower deck housing defining a cutting region, the mower deck having a single receiving region for receiving the modular electric motor unit from the mower deck, the mower deck having at the receiving region a plurality of capture portions for capturing the plurality of interface portions of the adaptor and further having at the receiving region a pair of apertures for receiving the pair of latch pins, the mower deck having a cooperating coupling centrally located in the receiving region for receiving and connecting with the coupling end of the modular electric motor unit.