Operator control system for self-propelled vehicles

An operator control system for a self-propelled power mower, the control system comprising:

• a handle assembly comprising a first hand grip having a first grip axis and a second hand grip having a second grip axis, wherein the first grip axis and the second grip axis extend upwardly and toward one another when the power mower is in an operating configuration;
• a first control lever associated with the first hand grip, the first control lever pivotable about a first pivot axis, wherein the first pivot axis is substantially parallel to the first grip axis of the first hand grip;
• and
• a latching device associated with the first control lever, the latching device adapted to latch the first control lever in two or more positions.

An operator control system for a self-propelled power mower, the control system comprising:

• a handle assembly comprising a first hand grip having a first grip axis and a second hand grip having a second grip axis, wherein the first grip axis and the second grip axis extend upwardly, forwardly, and toward one another when the power mower is in an operating configuration;
• a first control lever associated with the first hand grip, the first control lever pivotable about a first pivot axis, wherein the first pivot axis is substantially parallel to the first grip axis of the first hand grip;
• and
• a latching device associated with the first control lever, the latching device operable to latch the first control lever in two or more positions.