Operator control system for self-propelled vehicles

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

• handle assembly means comprising first hand grip means and second hand grip means, wherein the first hand grip means and the second hand grip means extend upwardly and towards one another;
• first control lever means proximate the first hand grip means, the first control lever means pivotable about a first pivot axis;
• and
• second control lever means proximate the second hand grip means, the second control lever means pivotable about a second pivot axis;
• wherein the first pivot axis is substantially parallel to a first grip axis of the first hand grip means and the second pivot axis is substantilly parallel to a second grip axis of the second hand grip means.

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

• a handle assembly comprising a first hand grip defining a first grip axis and a second hand grip defining a second grip axis, wherein the first grip axis and the second grip axis extend in a generally upward, forward, and inward direction when the vehicle 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;
• and
• a second control lever associated with the second hand grip, the second control lever pivotable about a second pivot axis, wherein the second pivot axis is substantially parallel to the second grip axis.

An operator control system for a self-propelled, walk-behind or ride-behind vehicle, 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 generally intersect at an elevation above the first hand grip and the second hand grip when the vehicle 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;
• and
• a second control lever associated with the second hand grip, the second control lever pivotable about a second pivot axis;
• wherein the first pivot axis is substantially parallel to the first grip axis and the second pivot axis is substantially parallel to the second grip axis.