SELF-PROPELLED, SINGLE-STAGE SNOWTHROWER

摘要

A self-propelled, single-stage snowthrower wherein, in one embodiment, drive members on each side of the snowthrower provide variable speed propulsion. A transmission that delivers power to the drive members may be adapted to de-clutch one of the two drive wheels when the ground speed of that wheel exceeds the driving speed of the transmission. In other embodiments, the snowthrower includes a rotor having a snow ejection surface forming a negative rake angle. Yet other embodiments include a chute rotation control mechanism that permits manual discharge chute rotation via one-handed input.

主权项

1. A snowthrower comprising:
a rotor housing defining a collection opening and a discharge outlet; a discharge chute attached to the housing and in fluid communication with the discharge outlet; a first drive member located near a first side of the housing and a second drive member located near a second side of the housing; a rotor partially enclosed by, and adapted to rotate within, the housing, the rotor adapted to both: collect snow that enters the housing through the collection opening; and eject the snow through the discharge outlet; a transmission comprising: an input shaft; and independent first and second output axles operatively connecting the input shaft to the first and second drive members, respectively; and a prime mover operatively attached to the housing and adapted to provide power to both the rotor and the transmission.