A riding mower is provided with a first frame element (50) pivotably connected near a forward end to a second frame element (54) and connected at rearward end to the second frame element by spring means (72). The connecting members provide a suspension system for the mower in order to decouple the vertical movement of the first frame element (50) from the second element (54) and thereby soften the ride. A pivot bar (120) located near the forward end of the first frame element (50) is pivotably received at its ends (114) near opposite side walls of the second frame element (54). The suspension system includes two springs (72) which operate in the vertical gap between first and second frame elements (50, 54) at the rear of the apparatus.
