Shift lever arrangement for transaxle

摘要

The present invention is a front shift arrangement for transaxles of small tractors and riding lawn mowers. In one embodiment, the shifter is a cylindrical rod having arms engaging the shift collar of an in-line transmission. One end of the shifter extends out the front of the transaxle housing and has a square head with a bore for attaching to a lever and linkage. By moving the lever and thereby pivoting the shifter, the shift collar is axially moved to selectively engage gears gear ratios of the transmission, with the shifter being releasably secured in selected positions by a detent biasing mechanism. The shifter is positioned below the central plane of the transaxle in the lower housing by a cover plate. The lever attached to the shifter moves on a vertical arc to pivot the shifter. In a second embodiment, the shifter is a flat piece which is bent to form an arm and a lever portion. The arm portion extends out an opening in the lower housing and is bent to form the lever portion which may be attached to and moved by linkage to an operator lever. A bushing pivotally supports the shifter in the opening and includes a detent biasing mechanism for releasably securing the shifter at positions which correspond to the gear ratios. A wall of the housing is positioned in front of the recesses to retain the bushing within the housing.