An adaptive engine speed control system for a grass mowing machine having an internal combustion engine, a hydrostatic traction drive circuit and a hydraulic mowing circuit for operating a plurality of cutting units. A controller provides a traction feedback output signal if the grass mowing machine is moving at an actual ground speed that is below a pedal based desired ground speed, and uses the traction feedback output signal to command the internal combustion engine to an increased speed above a pedal based engine speed control range.

An adaptive engine speed control system for a grass mowing machine having an internal combustion engine, a hydrostatic traction drive circuit and a hydraulic mowing circuit for operating a plurality of cutting units. A controller provides a traction feedback output signal if the grass mowing machine is moving at an actual ground speed that is below a pedal based desired ground speed, and uses the traction feedback output signal to command the internal combustion engine to an increased speed above a pedal based engine speed control range.

A chopper system and method for cutting crop material with a rotating first drum having first blades and a counter-rotating second drums having second blades. Blade pairs with one first blade and one second blade contact one another and cut the crop material. The blades of each blade pair contact one another for at least ten degrees of rotation. The blades can have beveled cutting edges, and the blade pairs can make bevel to bevel contact. The initial contact of the blade pairs during each rotation can form a swipe angle of 15 degrees or less. The initial contact of the blade pairs during each rotation can have the acute end of the first blade contact the second blade near the middle of the beveled edge. During each rotation, the acute end of the second blade can contact the back of the first blade.

A chopper system and method for cutting crop material with a rotating first drum having first blades and a counter-rotating second drums having second blades. Blade pairs with one first blade and one second blade contact one another and cut the crop material. The blades of each blade pair contact one another for at least ten degrees of rotation. The blades can have beveled cutting edges, and the blade pairs can make bevel to bevel contact. The initial contact of the blade pairs during each rotation can form a swipe angle of 15 degrees or less. The initial contact of the blade pairs during each rotation can have the acute end of the first blade contact the second blade near the middle of the beveled edge. During each rotation, the acute end of the second blade can contact the back of the first blade.

A mower cutting unit lift system includes a rotary motor connected to a power supply and turning an output shaft connected to a bell crank. A flexible link between the bell crank and a lift arm is used to lift a cutting unit to a transport position if the rotary motor turns the output shaft and the bell crank in a first direction, and lower the cutting unit to a mowing position if the rotary motor turns the output shaft and the bell crank in a second direction.

A mower cutting unit lift system includes a rotary motor connected to a power supply and turning an output shaft connected to a bell crank. A flexible link between the bell crank and a lift arm is used to lift a cutting unit to a transport position if the rotary motor turns the output shaft and the bell crank in a first direction, and lower the cutting unit to a mowing position if the rotary motor turns the output shaft and the bell crank in a second direction.

An agricultural machine, comprising is disclosed, wherein the machine comprises a body frame; a cutting system mounted on the body frame; a drive system mounted on the body frame; a power unit, mounted on the body frame, adapted to provide power to the drive system and/or the cutting system; and a fluid distribution system adapted to provide fluid to the power unit. The fluid distribution system further comprises a dock and a replaceable fluid container adapted to contain fluid to be supplied to the power unit the dock being adapted to retain the replaceable fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid distribution system so as to supply fluid from the replaceable fluid container via the fluid distribution system to the power unit. A method of facilitating an oil change in an agricultural machine is also disclosed.

An agricultural machine, comprising is disclosed, wherein the machine comprises a body frame; a cutting system mounted on the body frame; a drive system mounted on the body frame; a power unit, mounted on the body frame, adapted to provide power to the drive system and/or the cutting system; and a fluid distribution system adapted to provide fluid to the power unit. The fluid distribution system further comprises a dock and a replaceable fluid container adapted to contain fluid to be supplied to the power unit the dock being adapted to retain the replaceable fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid distribution system so as to supply fluid from the replaceable fluid container via the fluid distribution system to the power unit. A method of facilitating an oil change in an agricultural machine is also disclosed.

A hydraulic leak detection system includes a leak detection switch responsive to a level of hydraulic fluid in a tank used by a hydraulic mowing circuit and a lift and lower circuit of a grass mowing machine. The system includes a controller that activates a warning indicator if the leak detection switch indicates the level of hydraulic fluid in the tank is low, but allows the hydraulic mowing circuit and the lift and lower circuit to continue operating until the lift and lower circuit reaches a fully raised position. A solenoid valve may control the level of hydraulic fluid in the tank based on temperature of the hydraulic fluid.

A method, system and apparatus for a lawn or turf care maintenance machine, including at least one of fully electric operation; multi-purpose operation; and overnight, silent operation. The machine can be configured for at least one of golf course maintenance, turf care, landscaping, outdoor work, and transportation.