A drive and control system is provided for use on a zero turn vehicle, and includes first and second hydraulic ground drives independently driving a set of driven wheels. Each ground drive has an electric actuator to control the output thereof. An operator mechanism generates a drive signal corresponding to a neutral drive position or to one of a plurality of non-neutral drive positions of the operator mechanism, and a steering signal corresponding to a neutral steering position or to one of a plurality of non-neutral steering positions of the operator mechanism. Sensors generate signals corresponding to sensed roll, pitch and yaw parameters. A stability control module includes a processor for receiving the drive and steering signals and for providing output signals to the electric actuators.

A drive and control system is provided for use on a zero turn vehicle, and includes first and second hydraulic ground drives independently driving a set of driven wheels. Each ground drive has an electric actuator to control the output thereof. An operator mechanism generates a drive signal corresponding to a neutral drive position or to one of a plurality of non-neutral drive positions of the operator mechanism, and a steering signal corresponding to a neutral steering position or to one of a plurality of non-neutral steering positions of the operator mechanism. Sensors generate signals corresponding to sensed roll, pitch and yaw parameters. A stability control module includes a processor for receiving the drive and steering signals and for providing output signals to the electric actuators.

A steering lever system includes a pair of lever bodies, a pivotal body coupled to each of the lever bodies and a neutral position detector. The pivotal body includes a first boss portion and a second boss portion. The lever body is pivotable about a first pivot axis of the first boss portion from a neutral position to a neutral end position. The lever body is also pivotable about a second pivot axis of the second boss portion from a forward traveling end position through a neutral position to a reverse traveling end position. The neutral position detector is responsive to a detected portion provided in an auxiliary member fixed to the lever body, at the neutral end position of the lever body. The detected portion is offset from a pivotal locus of the lever body about the first pivot axis.

A steering lever system includes a pair of lever bodies, a pivotal body coupled to each of the lever bodies and a neutral position detector. The pivotal body includes a first boss portion and a second boss portion. The lever body is pivotable about a first pivot axis of the first boss portion from a neutral position to a neutral end position. The lever body is also pivotable about a second pivot axis of the second boss portion from a forward traveling end position through a neutral position to a reverse traveling end position. The neutral position detector is responsive to a detected portion provided in an auxiliary member fixed to the lever body, at the neutral end position of the lever body. The detected portion is offset from a pivotal locus of the lever body about the first pivot axis.

A vehicle having a prime mover and a central gear box mounted to a frame. First and second transaxles are driven by the central gear box. Each transaxle includes an output axle having a completely splined external portion and a threaded end for engagement with a driven wheel, and the completely splined portion of each output axle is disposed in one of the driven wheels of the vehicle. A cross brace may be mounted to the two transaxle housings for rigidity.

A vehicle having a prime mover and a central gear box mounted to a frame. First and second transaxles are driven by the central gear box. Each transaxle includes an output axle having a completely splined external portion and a threaded end for engagement with a driven wheel, and the completely splined portion of each output axle is disposed in one of the driven wheels of the vehicle. A cross brace may be mounted to the two transaxle housings for rigidity.

A steering system for a skid steered vehicle has a variable-speed steering motor, and an asymmetrical steering differential operatively connected to the steering motor and rotatably mounted on a first side of the chassis separately from the propulsion system. The steering differential has a first differential shaft and a second differential shaft, where the asymmetrical differential imparts a greater speed change on the second differential shaft than the first differential shaft. The first differential shaft is connected to a first steering output shaft operatively connected to at least one ground-engaging element on the first side of the vehicle. A speed reducer connecting the second differential shaft to a second steering output shaft operatively connected to at least one ground-engaging element on the second side of the vehicle so that the second steering output shaft experiences the same speed change but in an opposite rotational direction as the first steering output shaft.

A steering system for a skid steered vehicle has a variable-speed steering motor, and an asymmetrical steering differential operatively connected to the steering motor and rotatably mounted on a first side of the chassis separately from the propulsion system. The steering differential has a first differential shaft and a second differential shaft, where the asymmetrical differential imparts a greater speed change on the second differential shaft than the first differential shaft. The first differential shaft is connected to a first steering output shaft operatively connected to at least one ground-engaging element on the first side of the vehicle. A speed reducer connecting the second differential shaft to a second steering output shaft operatively connected to at least one ground-engaging element on the second side of the vehicle so that the second steering output shaft experiences the same speed change but in an opposite rotational direction as the first steering output shaft.

A tractor has a base for supporting a motive power source, left and right driven wheels, and left and right transmissions for the respective left and right wheels; a handle structure coupled to the base for grasping by an operator from behind the tractor; a drive system for driving each of the left and right transmissions with motive power from the motive power source; wherein the left and right transmissions are hydrostatic transmissions, further having a speed regulator control lever on each transmission that allows seamless control of the transmission from reverse speed through neutral into forward speed; and a transmission control coupled to each speed regulator control lever; further wherein there is a longitudinally disposed space between the left and right transmissions, and a power take off shaft is disposed in the space extending anteriorly and driven by the motive power source for powering a powered attachment arranged to be attached at the anterior of the tractor, further including a shaft extension of said power take off shaft extending posteriorly for driving a rear power take off for powering a rear mounted powered attachment.

A tractor has a base for supporting a motive power source, left and right driven wheels, and left and right transmissions for the respective left and right wheels; a handle structure coupled to the base for grasping by an operator from behind the tractor; a drive system for driving each of the left and right transmissions with motive power from the motive power source; wherein the left and right transmissions are hydrostatic transmissions, further having a speed regulator control lever on each transmission that allows seamless control of the transmission from reverse speed through neutral into forward speed; and a transmission control coupled to each speed regulator control lever; further wherein there is a longitudinally disposed space between the left and right transmissions, and a power take off shaft is disposed in the space extending anteriorly and driven by the motive power source for powering a powered attachment arranged to be attached at the anterior of the tractor, further including a shaft extension of said power take off shaft extending posteriorly for driving a rear power take off for powering a rear mounted powered attachment.