Riding mower

A riding mower having at least one cutting blade, comprising:

• a first chassis having a front end and a rear end;
• first chassis wheel means for supporting the rear end of the first chassis on a support surface;
• a second chassis disposed near the front end of the first chassis;
• second chassis wheel means for supporting the front end of the first chassis and the second chassis on the support surface;
• a deck connected to the second chassis, the deck having a first side, a second side and defining a housing containing the cutting blade;
• means for movably connecting the second chassis to the front end of the first chassis whereby the second chassis is movable relative to the first chassis and whereby the deck and the cutting blade are movable between an operating position wherein the second chassis, the deck and the cutting blade are positioned for cutting vegetation and an inspection position wherein the second chassis, the deck and the cutting blade extend in an upwardly direction at an angle to the first chassis so that the cutting blade and an underside of the deck are viewable, the second chassis wheel means cooperating with the first chassis wheel means of the first chassis to support the lawn care implement in a stable position when the second chassis, the deck and cutting blade are in one of the operating position and the inspection position;
• and
• deck connecting means for connecting the deck to the second chassis so that the deck and cutting blade are vertically adjustable to vary the cutting height of the cutting blade relative to the supporting surface, the deck connecting means comprising:
• a plurality of first stabilizer members, each of the first stabilizer members having a first end and a second end, the first end of each of the first stabilizer members pivotally connected to the deck and the second end of each of the first stabilizer members pivotally connected to the second chassis such that the first stabilizer members are spatially disposed along the deck near the first side thereof;
• a plurality of second stabilizer members, each of the second stabilizer members having a first end and a second end, the first end of each of the second stabilizer members pivotally connected to the deck and the second end of each of the second stabilizer members pivotally connected to the second chassis such that the second stabilizer members are spatially disposed along the deck near the second side thereof;
• a lever having a first end, a medial portion and a second end, the lever pivotally connected near the first near thereof to the second chassis frame near the forward end thereof so as to be movable between a first position and a second position;
• cable means for connecting one of the first and second ends of the lever and the medial portion of the lever to the deck;
• a hydraulic assembly for selectively actuating the first chassis wheel means, the cutting blade, the means for movably connecting the second chassis to the front wheel of the first chassis so that the second chassis is movable between the operating position and the inspection position and the lever between the first position and the second position to vertically adjust the disposition of the deck relative to the supporting surface and thereby maintain the cutting blade at a selected height relative to the supporting surface.