Pivoting gearbox for rotary mower

Abstract

A pivotal drive assembly is provided for the ease of removal and/or replacement of a drive belt. The drive assembly preferably includes a splined input shaft connected to a gear box which drives a rotating drive pulley. The entire drive assembly is connected to the lower deck by front and rear mounting plates. Each mounting plate also includes two bent ears which are aligned with front and rear deck brackets. The ears are connected to the deck brackets with bolts. The bolts on the rear deck bracket and rear mounting plate are positioned in axial alignment on a generally horizontal plane to allow pivotal movement of the drive assembly. The bolts on the front deck brackets may be removed to allow for pivotal movement of the drive assembly and replaced to secure the drive assembly for operation of the mowing deck.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.