Trailed mower

Abstract

A trailed mower is shiftable between a field configuration and a transport configuration. The trailed mower comprises a frame comprising a longitudinal section and a lateral section. The trailed mower additionally comprises a pair of laterally-space wheels coupled to the lateral section. The trailed mower further comprises a mowing unit supported by the longitudinal section of the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between an operating position and a transport position. The maximum lateral dimension of the trailed mower is greater in the field configuration than in the transport configuration.

Description

PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)TRAILED MOWERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present non-provisional patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 685,442, filed August 21, 2024, and entitled "TRAILED MOWER." The entirety of the above-identified provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference into the present non-provisional patent application.BACKGROUND1. Field of the Invention

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to agricultural mowers. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention concern a trailed mower configured to be pulled behind a prime mover, with the trailed mower having enhanced operational and transport capabilities.2. Description of the Prior Art

[0003] Trailed mowers are commonly pulled behind prime movers, such as tractors, to perform agricultural operations through a field. Such operations include cutting crops and other vegetation growing in the field. Trailed mowers typically comprise a mowing unit that is supported above the ground by a frame. Certain such trailed mowers can be selectively configured in either a transport or field configuration. In the transport configuration, a trailed mower's frame and / or mowing unit are positioned for efficient mower transport. In the field configuration, the frame and / or the mowing unit of the trailed mower are positioned for efficient agricultural operations (e.g., mowing of crops or other vegetation).

[0004] Previously used trailed mowers are generally configured to be quite heavy (e.g., two tons, three tons, or more). As such, these previously used trailed mowers often require a complex configuration of structural elements necessary to transition the mowers between field and transport configurations. Certain previously used mowers are manufactured with short wheelbases to reduce the overall complexity of such mowers. However, to counteract the instability inherent in short wheelbases, most previously used trailed mowers are manufactured (or otherwise modified) to have significantly high gross weights.PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)

[0005] It would be beneficial if there were an improved trailed mower configured to easily and efficiently transition between field and transport configurations. Additionally, it would be beneficial if such an improved trailed mower could be manufactured with a reduced gross weight, so as to reduce the manufacturing material requirements and complexity of the trailed mower. Furthermore, it would be beneficial if such an improved trailed mower could be configured to have an increased wheelbase, to improve the stability of the trailed mower during operation and / or transport.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a trailed mower comprising a frame including a telescoping member that is shiftable between a retracted position and an extended position. The trailed mower additionally comprises at least one actuator for shifting the telescoping member between the retracted and extended positions. The trailed mower additionally comprises a pair of laterally-spaced wheels coupled to the frame. The trailed mower further comprises a mowing unit coupled to the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between a transport position and an operating position. The maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the transport position is less than the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position. When the telescoping member is in the retracted position, shifting of the mowing unit between the transport and operating positions is physically prevented by one or more other structures of the trailed mower. When the telescoping member is in the extended position, shifting of the mowing unit between the transport and operating positions is not physically prevented by one or more other structures of the trailed mower.

[0007] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a trailed mower that is shiftable between a transport configuration for transport over a road and a field configuration for operation in a field. The trailed mower comprises a frame including a telescoping member that is shiftable between a retracted position and an extended position. The trailed mower additionally comprises a pair of laterally-spaced wheels coupled to the frame and configured to support the trailed mower in both the transport configuration and the field configuration. The trailed mower further comprises a mowing unit coupled to the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between a transport position and an operating position. ThePCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) telescoping member comprises an outer member and an inner member. The outer member comprises three discrete interior surfaces. The inner member comprises three discrete exterior surfaces. Each of the three discrete interior surfaces is adjacent to a corresponding one of the three discrete exterior surfaces. The three interior and exterior surfaces cooperatively and fully support the inner member relative to the outer member during shifting of the telescoping member between the retracted and extended positions.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a trailed mower having a frame and a mowing unit coupled to the frame. The method comprises one step of extending a telescoping member of the frame to an extended position. While the telescoping member is in the extended position, the method comprises another step of shifting the mowing unit relative to the frame from a transport position to an operating position, with the extending step creating space necessary for the shifting of step. While the mowing unit is in the operating position, the method comprises another step of retracting the telescoping member of the frame from the extended position to the retracted position, thereby placing the trailed mower in a field configuration. While the trailed mower is in the field configuration, the method comprises a further step of using the trailed mower to cut vegetation in a field.

[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provides a trailed mower comprising a frame and a pair of wheels coupled to the frame. The pair of wheels are shiftable between a narrow configuration and a wide configuration. The maximum lateral dimension between the wheels in the wide configuration is at least 125 percent of the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels in the narrow configuration. The trailed mower further comprises a mowing unit coupled to the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between a transport position and an operating position while the pair of wheels are in the wide configuration. The trailed mower has an overall length that does not change by more than 5 percent when the wheels are shifted from the narrow configuration to the wide configuration.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provides a trailed mower comprising a frame including a telescoping member that is shiftable between a retracted position and an extended position. The trailed mower additionally comprises a mowing unitPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) coupled to the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between a transport position and an operating position. The trailed mower further comprises a pair of laterally-spaced wheels coupled to the frame. At least one of the wheels is coupled to the telescoping member. Shifting of the telescoping member from the retracted position to the extended position increases the lateral distance between the wheels, thereby providing space required to shift the mowing unit from the transport position to the operating position.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a trailed mower having a frame with at least one telescoping member, a pair of wheels coupled to the frame, and a mowing unit coupled to the frame. The method comprises one step of shifting the trailed mower from a transport configuration to a field configuration. Such shifting step includes shifting the pair of wheels from a narrow transport configuration to a wide transition configuration using at least one telescoping member. Such shifting step additionally includes, while the wheels are in the wide transition configuration, pivoting the mowing unit from a transport position to an operating position. Such shifting step further includes, shifting the pair of wheels from the wide transition configuration to an operating configuration using the at least one telescoping member. The method includes an addition step of mowing a crop in a field with the trailed mower while in the field configuration. The method includes an additional step of shifting the trailed mower from the field configuration to the transport configuration. Such shifting step includes shifting the pair of wheels from the operating configuration to the wide transition configuration using the at least one telescoping member of the frame. Such shifting step additionally includes, while the wheels are in the wide transition configuration, pivoting the mowing unit from the operating position to the transport position. Such shifting step further includes shifting the pair of wheels from the wide transition configuration to the narrow transport configuration using the at least one telescoping member. The method includes a further step of transporting the trailed mower over a road while in the transport configuration.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a trailed mower comprising a frame including a telescoping member that is shiftable between a retracted position and an extended position. The trailed mower additionally comprises a mowing unit coupled to the frame, and a pair of laterally-spaced wheels coupled to the telescoping member.PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)Shifting of the telescoping member from the retracted position to the extended position shifts the pair of wheels away from the mowing unit in a longitudinal direction.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a trailed mower comprising a frame and a pair of laterally spaced wheels coupled to the frame and shiftable between a retracted position and an extended position. Shifting of the wheels from the retracted position to the extended position either (i) increases the lateral distance between the wheels by less 5 percent or (ii) does not increase the lateral distance between the wheels. The trailed mower further comprises a mowing unit coupled to the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between a transport position and an operating position when the pair of wheels are in the extended position.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a trailed mower having a frame with a telescoping member, a pair of wheels coupled to the frame, and a mowing unit coupled to the frame. The method comprises one step of shifting the trailed mower from a field configuration to a transport configuration. Such shifting step includes extending the telescoping member to thereby move the pair of wheels rearward away from the mowing unit to an extended position. Such shifting step additionally includes, while the wheels are in the extended position, pivoting the mowing unit from an operating position to a transport position. Such shifting step further includes retracting the telescoping member to thereby move the pair of wheels forward toward the mowing unit to a retracted position. The method additionally includes the step of transporting the trailed mower over a road while in the transport configuration. The method additionally includes the step of shifting the trailed mower from the transport configuration to the field configuration. Such shifting step includes extending the telescoping member to thereby move the pair of wheels rearward away from the mowing unit. Such step further includes, while the wheels are in the extended position, pivoting the mowing unit from the transport position to the operating position. The method further includes the step of mowing a crop in a field with the trailed mower while in the field configuration.

[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a trailed mower that is shiftable between a field configuration and a transport configuration. The trailed mower comprises a frame including a longitudinal section and a lateral section. The trailedPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) mower additionally comprises a pair of late ra I ly-space wheels coupled to the lateral section. The trailed mower additionally comprises a mowing unit supported by the longitudinal section of the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between an operating position and a transport position. The mowing unit is in the operating position when the trailed mower is in the field configuration. The mowing unit is in the transport position when the trailed mower is in the transport configuration. The maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 12 feet. The maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 125 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the transport position. The maximum lateral dimension of the wheels is at least 8 feet in both the field configuration and the transport configuration. The weight of the trailed mower is at least 3,000 pounds. When the trailed mower is in the field position the ratio of the total weight of the trailed mower to the maximum lateral dimension of the wheels is less than 650 pounds / foot.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a trailed mower that is shiftable between a field configuration and a transport configuration. The trailed mower comprises a frame comprising a longitudinal section and a lateral section. The trailed mower additionally comprises a pair of late ra I ly-space wheels coupled to the lateral section. The trailed mower further comprises a mowing unit supported by the longitudinal section of the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between an operating position and a transport position. The mowing unit is in the operating position when the trailed mower is in the field configuration. The mowing unit is in the transport position when the trailed mower is in the transport configuration. The maximum lateral dimension of the wheels when the trailed mower is in both the field configuration and the transport configuration is at least 8 feet. The maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 12 feet. The maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 125 percent greater than the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the transport position. When the trailed mower is in the field configuration the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is at least 50 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the of the mowing unit.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a trailed mower having a frame a longitudinal section and a lateral section, a pair ofPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) wheels coupled to the lateral section of the frame, and a mowing unit coupled to the frame. The method comprises a step of shifting the trailed mower from a field configuration to a transport configuration. Such shifting step includes shifting the mowing unit from an operating position to a transport position. The mowing unit is in the operating position when the trailed mower is in the field configuration, and the mowing unit is in the transport position when the trailed mower is in the transport configuration. A further step includes transporting the trailed mower over a road while in the transport configuration. The maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 12 feet. The maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 125 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the transport position. The maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is at least 8 feet in both the field configuration and the transport configuration. The weight of the trailed mower is at least 3,000 pounds. When the trailed mower is in the field position the ratio of the total weight of the trailed mower to the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is less than 650 pounds / foot.

[0018] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the following drawing figures, wherein:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a trailed mower according to a first embodiment, with the trailer mower in a field configuration and comprising a lateral frame section with a telescoping member;

[0021] FIG. 2 is front perspective view of the trailed mower from FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0023] FIG. 4 is rear perspective view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 1-3;PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)

[0024] FIG. 5 is a bottom, rear perspective view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 1-4;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 1-5, with wheels of the trailed mower in an operating configuration;

[0026] FIG. 7 is another side elevation view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 1-6, with a mowing unit of the trailed mower in a raised position;

[0027] FIG. 8 is another top plan view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 1-7, with the wheels of the trailed mower in the operating configuration but positioned closer together than the wheels shown in FIG. 6;

[0028] FIG. 9 is another top plan view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 1-8, with the wheels positioned in the wide transition configuration (or wide configuration) such that the mowing unit can shift between operating and transport positions;

[0029] FIG. 10 is a left perspective view of the trailed mower from FIG. 9, with the mowing unit shifting between operating and transport positions;

[0030] FIG. 11 is another top plan view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 1-10, with the wheels positioned in the wide transition configuration and the mowing unit positioned in the transport position;

[0031] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the trailed mower from FIG. 11, with the mowing unit in the transport position;

[0032] FIG. 13 is another top plan view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 1-12, with the trailed mower in the transport configuration having the wheels positioned in a narrow, transport configuration (or narrow configuration);

[0033] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the trailed mower from FIG. 13;

[0034] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 1-14, with the wheels position in the wide transition configuration and the mowing unit positioned in the skewed operating position;

[0035] FIG. 16 is another rear perspective view of the trailed mower from FIG. 16;

[0036] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a rear end of the trailed mower from FIGS. 1-16;

[0037] FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the rear end of the trailed mower fromFIG. 17;PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)

[0038] FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the rear end of the trailed mower from FIGS. 17 and 18, with a portion of the lateral frame section removed to illustrate an extension / retraction actuator configured to extend and retract the telescoping member of the lateral frame section;

[0039] FIG. 20 is a cross section of the telescoping member of the lateral frame section taken along the line 19—19 of FIG. 19;

[0040] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a trailed mower according to a second embodiment, with the trailer mower in a field configuration and comprising a longitudinal frame section with a telescoping member;

[0041] FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the trailed mower from FIG. 21;

[0042] FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 21 and 22, with wheels positioned in a retracted position;

[0043] FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 21-23;

[0044] FIG. 25 is another top plan view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 21-24, with the wheels positioned in an extended position by the telescoping member such that a mowing unit can shift between operating and transport positions;

[0045] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the trailed mower from FIG. 25;

[0046] FIG. 27 is a side elevation view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 25 and 26;

[0047] FIG. 28 is another top plan view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 21-27, with the trailed mower in a transport configuration, and with the wheels positioned in the extended position;

[0048] FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of the trailed mower from FIG. 28;

[0049] FIG. 30 is a side elevation view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 28 and 29;

[0050] FIG. 31 is a front perspective view of a trailed mower according to a third embodiment, with the trailer mower in a field configuration and comprising a lateral frame section with folding sections and comprising a mowing unit that includes a pair of cutting units;

[0051] FIG. 32 is a rear perspective view of the trailed mower from FIG. 31;

[0052] FIG. 33 is another rear perspective view of the trailed mowerfrom FIGS. 31 and 32;

[0053] FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 31-33;PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)

[0054] FIG. 35 is a side elevation view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 31-34;

[0055] FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 31-35, with the folding sections and the cutting units rotating inward / forward such that the trailed mower transitions between the field and transport configurations;

[0056] FIG. 37 is a rear perspective view of the trailed mower from FIG. 36;

[0057] FIG. 38 is another rear perspective view of the trailed mowerfrom FIGS. 36 and 37;

[0058] FIG. 39 is a top plan view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 36-38;

[0059] FIG. 40 is a side elevation of the trailed mower from FIGS. 36-39;

[0060] FIG. 41 is a front perspective view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 31-40, with the folding sections and the cutting units rotated inward / forward such that the trailed mower is in the transport configuration;

[0061] FIG. 42 is a rear perspective view of the trailed mower from FIG. 41;

[0062] FIG. 43 is another rear perspective view of the trailed mowerfrom FIGS. 41 and 42;

[0063] FIG. 44 is a top plan view of the trailed mower from FIGS. 41-43; and

[0064] FIG. 45 is a side elevation of the trailed mower from FIGS. 41-44.

[0065] The figures are not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments they depict. While the drawings do not necessarily provide exact dimensions or tolerances for the illustrated structures or components, the drawings are to scale with respect to the relationships between the components of the structures illustrated in the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0066] The following detailed description of the present invention references various embodiments. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0067] In this description, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" mean that the feature or features referred to are included in at least onePCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) embodiment of the invention. Separate references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are not mutually exclusive unless so stated. Specifically, a feature, component, action, step, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, particular implementations of the present invention can include a variety of combinations and / or integrations of the embodiments described herein.Trailed Mower

[0068] Referring now to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIG. 1, numeral 10 generally designates a trailed mower configured to be pulled by an unshown prime mover (e.g., a tractor) across the ground to perform agricultural operations (e.g., mowing operations to cut crop, foliage, or other vegetation growing from the ground). The mower 10 may comprise a frame 12 and a mowing unit 14 coupled to the frame 12, with the frame 12 configured to support the mowing unit 14 above the ground to perform agricultural operations.

[0069] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the frame 12 may comprise an elongated longitudinal frame section 16 and a lateral frame section 18. The lateral frame section 18 may be coupled with a rearward end of the longitudinal frame section 16, and a forward end of the longitudinal frame section 16 may include a hitch 20 for releasably coupling the mower 10 to a prime mover. The mower 10 may include a pair of laterally-spaced wheels 22 coupled to the frame 12 and configured to support the frame 12 on the ground. For example, a left wheel 22 may be connected to a left end of the lateral frame section 18, and a right wheel 22 may be connected to a right end of the lateral frame section 18 (it should be understood that the mower 10 may, in some embodiments, include more than two wheels). In some embodiments, each of the wheels 22 may be connected to the lateral frame section 18 via a wheel support 24 that extends down from a lateral end of the lateral frame section 18. The wheel supports 24 will generally be configured to permit their respective wheels 22 to rotate about their normal rotational axis, such that the wheels 22 can roll in the forward or longitudinal direction of travel of the mower 10. However, in some alternative embodiments, the wheel supports 24 may permit the wheels 22 to swivel or caster about generally upright rotational axes. As such, the wheels 22 may be configured as casters.PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)

[0070] Returning to the longitudinal frame section 16, in some embodiments, the longitudinal frame section 16 may include a forward portion (e.g., the includes the hitch 20) and rearward portion that are joined together at a pivot joint 26 that presents an upright pivot axis. As such, the rearward portion of the longitudinal frame section 16 may rotate with respect to the forward portion about the pivot axis presented bythe pivot joint 26. As was described previously, the rearward portion of the longitudinal frame section 16 may be attached to the lateral frame section 18. As a result, both the rearward portion of the longitudinal frame section 16 and the lateral frame section 18 may rotate with respect to the forward portion of the longitudinal frame section 16 about the pivot axis presented by the pivot joint 26. In some embodiments, the mower 10 may include a frame pivot actuator 28 extending between the forward portion of the longitudinal frame section 16 and the lateral frame section 18 and configured to rotate the rearward portion of the longitudinal frame section 16 and / or the lateral frame section 18 with respect to the forward portion of the longitudinal frame section 16 about the pivot axis presented by the pivot joint 26. In certain embodiments, the frame pivot actuator 28 may comprise a hydraulic cylinder.

[0071] Turning to FIGS. 4-6, the mowing unit 14 of the mower 10 may, in some embodiments, comprise a single cutting unit that includes an elongated housing 30, which houses an elongated cutter bar 32 that supports one or more rotatable blades 34 along the length of the cutter bar 32 (cutter bar 32 and blades 34 are shown in FIG. 5). The blades 34 are configured to be selectively engaged with foliage growing from the ground to cut the foliage when the mower 10 is pulled over the ground. The blades 34 will generally be powered by a rotatable drive system 36 that extends along the longitudinal frame section 16 to the prime mover, such that the drive system 36 can receive power from the power take-off (PTO) of the prime mover. The mowing unit 14 may be connected to the frame 12 of the mower 10 via a suspension system 38, as shown in FIG. 7, which permits the mowing unit 14 to extend down from the frame 12 into selective engagement with crop, foliage, or other vegetation growing from the ground.

[0072] The suspension system 38 may be configured to permit the mowing unit 14 to rotate or tilt about multiple axes or planes. For instance, in some embodiments, the suspension system 38 may be configured to permit the mowing unit 14 to "float" or to follow the contoursPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) of the ground as the mower 10 travels over the ground. In certain specific embodiments, the suspension system 38 may be rotationally connected to the longitudinal frame section 16 via a pivot connection 40, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. As such, the suspension system 38 and the mowing unit 14 are configured to rotate about a generally upright pivot axis presented by the pivot connection 40. In some embodiments, the pivot connection 40 may be offset from the pivot joint 26 (e.g., laterally offset, forwardly offset, and / or rearwardly offset). For instance, in some embodiments, the pivot connection 40 may be integrated with the rearward portion of the longitudinal frame section 16, rearward of the pivot joint 26. In some embodiments, the mower 10 may include a mowing unit pivot actuator 42 extending between the suspension system 38 and the lateral frame section 18 and configured to rotate the suspension system 38 and, thus, the mowing unit 14 with respect to the frame 12 about the pivot axis presented by the pivot connection 40. In certain embodiments, the mowing unit pivot actuator 42 may comprise a hydraulic cylinder. In addition to allowing the mowing unit 14 to pivot, the suspension system 38 may facilitate raising and lowering the mowing unit 14 relative to the frame 12. For instance, the suspension system 38 may include a raise / lower actuator for raising and lowering the mowing unit 14 relative to the frame 12. FIG. 3 illustrates the mowing unit 14 in the lowered position, while FIG. 7 illustrates the mowing unit 14 in the raised position. The raise / lower actuator may comprise a hydraulic cylinder.

[0073] The mower 10 may be configured in various dimensions (e.g., lengths and widths), as may be required for various agricultural operations. In addition, however, certain mower components may be configured to change their dimensions and / or orientations based on whether the mower 10 is in a field configuration or a transport configuration. For example, the mower 10 may include at least one telescoping member that permits the member to expand or contract, as may be required when the mower 10 is in the field configuration, in the transport configuration, and / or transitioning between the field and transport configurations.

[0074] As was previously described, in the field configuration, the frame 12 and / or the mowing unit 14 of the mower 10 are positioned for efficient agricultural operations (e.g., mowing of foliage or vegetation). Whereas, in the transport configuration, the frame 12 and / or the mowing unit 14 of the mower 10 are positioned for efficient transport of the mower 10. ForPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) example, the mowing unit 14 will generally be positioned in an operating position when the mower 10 is in the field configuration. Such an operating position of the mowing unit 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, will provide for the length of the mowing unit 14 to extend in a generally lateral direction. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the mower 10 transitioning between field and transport configurations, while FIGS. 11-14 shown the mower in the transport configuration. In the transport configuration, the mowing unit 14 will generally be positioned in a transport position. Such a transport position of the mowing unit 14, as shown in FIGS. 11-14, will provide for the length of the mowing unit 14 to extend in a generally longitudinal direction. Thus, in the transport position, the lateral dimension of the mowing unit 14 is reduced in comparison to the mowing unit 14 being in the operating position.

[0075] Although when the mower 10 is in the field configuration, the mowing unit 14 will generally be in the operating position shown in FIGS. 1-8, such that the mowing unit 14 extends laterally, in some embodiments, it will be preferred for the mowing unit 14 not to extend precisely laterally when the mower 10 is in the field configuration. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in some embodiments, it will be preferred for the mowing unit 14 to be positioned in a skewed operating position, such that the mowing unit 14 is orientated at an angle between lateral and longitudinal. Such a skewed operating position of the mowing unit 14 may be preferable for certain agricultural operations when the mower 10 is otherwise in the field configuration.

[0076] As will be described in more detail below, some embodiments of the mower 10 will provide for the mower 10 to include a mowing unit 14 with more than one cutting unit. In such embodiments, each cutting unit will be in operating positions (i.e., extending generally laterally) when the mower 10 is in the field configuration. And each of the cutting units will be in the transport position (i.e., extending generally longitudinally) when the mower 10 is in the transport configuration.

[0077] Throughout this patent application, directional terms are accorded their standard meaning and used with reference to how the mower 10 is normally operated. For example, the mower 10 is normally attached to a prime mover via the hitch 20 and pulled in a forward travel direction by the prime mover. As such, the hitch 20 is positioned towards the front of the mowerPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)10. In contrast, the wheels 22 are generally positioned towards the rear or back of the mower 10. Thus, directional terms are generally used with reference to an observer positioned at the rear of the mower 10 (e.g., near the wheels 22) and facing forward toward the hitch 20. Correspondingly, the term left or leftward means a leftward direction from the aspect of an observer positioned at the rear of the mower 10 and facing forward. Similarly, the term right or rightward means a rightward direction from the aspect of the observer positioned at the rear of the mower 10 and facing forward. With such concepts in mind, the term lateral means a side-to- side direction (e.g., from left to right), whereas the term longitudinal means a front-to-back direction. Normally, the mower 10 will be pulled by the prime mover along a direction of travel that is aligned with the longitudinal direction. All other directional terms should be given their customary meaning from the perspective of the observer positioned at the back of the mower 10 and facing forward.Trailed Mower with Lateral Telescopic Shifting

[0078] FIGS. 1-16 illustrate embodiments of the mower 10 in which the mower 10 includes a telescoping member 50 that is part of the lateral frame section 18. As shown, the lateral frame section 18 comprises a laterally extending crossmemberthat forms the telescoping member 50, with the wheels 22 extending downward from the lateral ends of the crossmember (e.g., via the wheel supports 24). Turning to FIGS. 17 and 18, the longitudinal frame section 16 comprises a longitudinal member 52 that extends forward from the telescoping member 50. Due to the telescoping actuation of the telescoping member 50, the lateral frame section 18 is configured to extend and retract, with the telescoping member 50 shifting between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position of the telescoping member 50 (see FIGS. 9-12), the wheels 22 of the mower 10 are positioned further apart than when the telescoping member 50 is in the retracted position (see FIGS. 13 and 14). FIGS. 1-8 illustrate the telescoping member 50 being in an intermediate position, with an extension being between the fully extended and the fully retracted positions. As described in more detail below, when the telescoping member 50 extends and retracts, the width of the lateral frame section 18 correspondingly increases and decreases, such that at least one of the wheels 22 and / or wheelPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) support 24 are moved, respectively, away from or closer to, the other wheel 22 and / or wheel support 24.

[0079] In more detail, and with reference to FIGS. 17-19, the telescoping member 50 may comprise an inner member 54 and an outer member 56, with the inner member 54 configured to telescopically shift in a lateral direction within an interior portion of the outer member 56. Actuation of the telescoping member 50 may be performed by an extension / retraction actuator 58 (see FIGS. 18 and 19), which may be in the form of a hydraulic cylinder positioned within the interior portion of the outer member 56, within the inner member 54, and / or within both of the inner and outer members 54, 56, and extending between a lateral end of the outer member 56 to an interior end of the inner member 54. As such, extension of the extension / retraction actuator 58 may cause extension of the telescoping member 50 (i.e., increasing the width of the lateral frame section 18), while retraction of the extension / retraction actuator 58 may cause retraction of the telescoping member 50 (i.e., decreasing the width of the lateral frame section 18). One or both of the inner and outer members 54, 56 may include a removable panel, which permits access to the extension / retraction actuator 58 from outside of the mower 10.

[0080] The inner and outer members 54, 56 of the telescoping member 50 may be formed with various cross-sectional shapes, such as trapezoidal or triangular. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the inner and outer members 54, 56 are each formed as trapezoids with four generally planar panels (e.g., a narrow upper panel, a broad lower panel, and a pair of side panels extending between the upper and lower panels). However, it should be understood that the inner and outer members 54, 56 may each be formed with three distinct panels (e.g., when the inner and outer members 54, 56 have a triangular cross-sectional shape) or some other number of distinct panels. Regardless, with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the panels of the inner and outer members 54, 56 may be configured, such that interior surfaces of each of the panels of the outer member 56 are generally planar and are parallel with an adjacent exterior surface (also generally planar) of a corresponding one of the panels of the inner member 54.

[0081] As such, the panels of the inner and outer members 54, 56 (including the interior and exterior surfaces) cooperatively and fully support the inner member 54 relative to the outer member 56 during shifting of the telescoping member 50 between the retracted and extendedPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) positions. Specifically, when the telescoping member 50 is the in retracted position, the inner member 54 is retracted within the interior of the outer member 56, such that the telescoping member 50 has a reduced length. In contrast, when the telescoping member 50 is the in extended position, the inner member 54 extends from the interior of the outer member 56, such that the telescoping member 50 has an increased length. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, the telescoping member 50 may include one or more slide blocks 60 or pads positioned between adjacent panels of the inner and outer members 54, 56 (e.g., between the interior and exterior surfaces). For example, as shown, the telescoping member 50 may include one slide member 60 positioned between each of the adjacent side panel pairs (e.g., between the interior and exterior surfaces) of the inner and outer members 54, 56. In addition, the telescoping member 50 may include two slide member 60 positioned between the adjacent lower panels (e.g., between the interior and exterior surfaces) of the inner and outer members 54, 56. As such, the telescoping member 50 may have at least four slide members 60.

[0082] Such slide members 60 may each be coupled to one of the inner or outer members 54, 56 and positioned to maintain a gap between the interior surfaces of the outer member 56 and the exterior surfaces of the inner member 54. As a result, such slide members 60 may preventing direct contact between the inner and outer members 54, 56 during shifting of the telescopic member 50 between the retracted and extended positions. Specifically, the slide members 60 may aid in supporting the inner member 54 within the outer member 56 and may further reduce the friction between the inner and outer members 54, 56 to enhance the telescopic movement of the inner member 54 within the outer member 56. In some embodiments, the slide members may comprise blocks of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) polyoxymethylene, or other polymers.

[0083] In view of the above, the mower 10 is particularly configured to transition between a field configuration and a transport configuration. As was previously described, in the field configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-9), the mowing unit 14 is in an operating position in which the mowing unit 14 has a generally lateral orientation. Contrastingly, in the transport configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 11-14), the mowing unit 14 is in a transport position in which the mowing unit has a generally longitudinal orientation. Thus, to transition between the field andPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) transport configurations (and vice versa), the mowing unit 14 must be rotated (see, e.g., FIGS. 9 and 10). However, rotation of the mowing unit 14 can be prevented by interference with one or more structures of the mower 10, such as by one or more of the wheels 22 and / or the wheel supports 24. To prevent such interference, embodiments of the present invention provide for the mower 10 to shift the position of one or more the wheels 22 and / or the wheel supports 24 with respect to the mowing unit 14, such as by extending the telescoping member 50.

[0084] In more detail, and with reference to FIGS. 1-8, the mower 10 may initially be in a field configuration, with the mowing unit 14 extending generally laterally. As such, and particularly with the mowing unit 14 lowered by the suspension system 38 to be adjacent to the ground (see, e.g., FIG. 3), the mower 10 may be pulled across the ground by a prime mover to mow crop or other foliage / vegetation growing from the ground. Normally, during such a mowing operation, the wheels 22 will be maintained in an operating configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-8), which provides for the wheels 22 to be spaced apart a sufficient amount to provide suitable support and stability for the mower 10 traveling over the ground during the mowing operation. Because the distance separating the wheels 22 is controlled by the telescoping member 50, the telescoping member 50 will be positioned in an operating position (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-8) to maintain the wheels 22 in the operating configuration. In some embodiments, the operating position of the telescoping member 50 is between the retracted position and the extended position of the telescoping member 50 described above. However, in some embodiments as will be described below, the operating position of the telescoping member 50 may be the same as the extended position of the telescoping member 50. Regardless, upon completion of the mowing operation, the mower 10 can be transitioned to the transport configuration fortransport of the mower 10.

[0085] Specifically, the wheels 22 and / or wheel supports 24 can be shifted laterally apart, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, with the wheels 22 shifting from the operating configuration to a wide transition configuration via extension of the telescoping member 50 from the operating position to the extended position. The wide transition configuration of the wheels 22 may also be referred to as a wide configuration. In some embodiments, the mowing unit 14 may be raised by the suspension system 38 away from the ground prior to transitioning the mower 10 to thePCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) transport position. With the wheels 22 in the wide transition configuration the mowing unit 14 can be pivoted from the operating position (e.g., laterally oriented) to the transport position (e.g., longitudinally oriented) without being prevented from pivoting by the wheels 22 and / or the wheel supports 24 (i.e., via interference between the mowing unit 14 and the wheels 22 and / or wheels supports 24). In some embodiments, it may not be possible to shift the mowing unit 14 from the operating position to the transport position (or vice versa) with the wheels in the operating configuration due to interference with the wheels 22 and / or wheel supports 24.

[0086] The pivoting of the mowing unit 14 may be performed by the mowing unit pivot actuator 42 rotating the mowing unit 14, via the suspension system 38, about the pivot connection 40 (see, e.g., FIGS. 9 and 10). Upon the mowing unit 14 being shifted to the transport position, a rearward end of the mowing unit 14 may be positioned between the wheels 22, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. In such a configuration, the wheels 22 can be shifted laterally together from the wide transition configuration to the more narrow, transport configuration, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, via retraction of the telescoping member 50 from the extended position to the retracted position. The narrow transport configuration of the wheels 22 may also be referred to as a narrow configuration. Thus, with the mower 10 in the transport configuration, the overall width of the mower 10 is reduced to facilitate efficient transportation. For example, the mower 10 can efficiently be transported over a narrow roadway, through a narrow gate, through a narrow shed / barn door, or the likely. To achieve such efficient transportation, the overall width of the mower 10 can be reduced by the mowing unit 14 rotating from the operating position to the transport position and the wheels 22 being shifted from the operating configuration or the wide transition configuration to the transport configuration.

[0087] From the transport configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 13 and 14), the mower 10 can be shifted to the field configuration to perform agricultural operations, such as mowing operations. Specifically, the wheels 22 and / or the wheel supports 24 can be shifted laterally apart, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, with the wheels 22 shifting from the transport configuration to the wide transition configuration via extension of the telescoping member 50 from the transport position to the extended position. With the wheels 22 in the wide transition configuration, the mowing unit 14 can be pivoted from the transport position (e.g., longitudinallyPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) oriented) to the operating position (e.g., laterally oriented) without being prevented from pivoting by the wheels 22 and / or the wheel supports 24 (i.e., via interference between the mowing unit 14 and the wheels and / or wheels supports 24). The pivoting of the mowing unit 14 may be performed by the mowing unit pivot actuator 42 rotating the mowing unit 14, via the suspension system 38, about the pivot connection 40. Upon the mowing unit 14 being shifted to the operating position, the mowing unit 14 is not positioned directly between the wheels 22. As such, the wheels 22 can be shifted laterally together from the wide transition configuration to the operating configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, via retraction of the telescoping member 50 from the extended position to the operating position. As such, the mowing unit 14 can be lowered by the suspension system 38 to a lowered position adjacent to the ground, and the mower 10 can be used for agricultural operations (e.g., mowing operations of crop, foliage, or other vegetation growing from the field).

[0088] As previously noted, the operating configuration of the wheels 22 may provide for the wheels 22 to be separated from each other by a distance that is intermediate of the distances between the wheels 22 in the wide transition configuration and the transport configuration. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates the wheels 22 in the wide transition orientation, FIG. 13 illustrates the wheels 22 in the transport configuration, and FIGS. 6 and 8 each show the wheels 22 in different configurations of the operating configuration. The positioning of the wheels 22 in the operating configuration is facilitated by the operating position of the telescoping member 50 being intermediate (lengthwise) of the respective lengths of the telescoping member in the extended position and the retracted position. Such a positioning of the wheels 22 and / or the telescoping member 50 (i.e., with the wheels 22 being in the operating configuration) may provide preferential support and stability for the mower 10 during agricultural operations. Regardless, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the wide transition configuration of the wheels 22 (see, e.g., FIGS. 10 and 11) may be preferable to provide preferential support and stability for the mower 10 during agricultural operations. Thus, in some embodiments, the wide transition configuration of the wheels 22 may be equivalent to the operating configuration of the wheels 22 of the mower 10 (i.e., the wheels 22 are spaced the same distance apart in either configuration). Thus, in such embodiments, the extended position of the telescoping member 50PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) may be the equivalent of the operating position of the telescoping member 50, such that the mower 10 can perform agricultural operations with the wheels 22 separated by a maximum amount to allow for additional support and stability to the mower 10 during agricultural operation.

[0089] Regardless, with the mower 10 in the operating configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 1- 8), the overall width of the mower 10, and particularly the mowing unit 14, is generally maximized to facilitate efficient agricultural operations (e.g., mowing crop, foliage, or other vegetation). For example, as illustrated, the mowing unit 14 of the mower 10 is oriented generally laterally to maximize the cutting area of the mowing unit 14 as the mower 10 is pulled across the ground by the prime mover. In addition, in some embodiments, the wheels 22 are positioned in the operating configuration (or maintained in the wide transition configuration) to provide sufficient support and stability for the mower 10 as the mower 10 is pulled across the ground to perform the agricultural operations. Shifting of the wheels 22 from the retracted position to the extended position via extension of the telescoping member 50 from the retracted position to the extended position allows the mowing unit 14 to be shifted from the operating position to the transport position (or vice versa) and, thus, the mower to transition from the operating configuration to the transport configuration. Specifically, extending the telescoping member 50 creates space for the mowing unit 14 to pivot between the operating position and the transport position without interfering with the wheels 22. In some embodiments, pivoting of the mowing unit 14 between the operating position and the transport position is not possible when the telescoping member 50 is in the retracted position.

[0090] Particular values and / or value ranges of the mower 10 will now be described in further detail in reference to the various configurations of the mower 10. As described above, when transitioning the mower 10 from the transport configuration to the operating configuration, the mowing unit 14 is shifted from the transport position to the operating position, with the mowing unit 14 being pivoted relative to the frame 12. In certain embodiments, a maximum lateral dimension "MUW1" of the mowing unit 14 in the operating position (see, e.g., FIG. 6) is at least 125, at least 150, at least 200, at least 250, at least 350, at least 450, at least 550, or at least 650 percent greater than a maximum lateral dimension "MUW2" of the mowingPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) unit 14 in the transport position (see, e.g., FIG. 13). Alternatively, or in addition, the maximum lateral dimension MUW1 of the mowing unit 14 in the operating position is not more than 2000, not more than 1500, not more than 1000, not more than 750, or not more than 500 percent greater than the maximum lateral dimension MUW2 of the mowing unit 14 in the transport position. In addition, in some embodiments, the mowing unit 14 is configured to pivot through an angle of at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70 or at least 80 degrees when pivoting between the transport and operating positions. Alternatively, or in addition, the mowing unit 14 may be configured to pivot through an angle of not more than 100, not more than 90, or not more than 80 degrees when pivoting between the transport and operating positions.

[0091] Correspondingly, when transitioning the mower 10 from the transport configuration to the operating configuration, the telescoping member 50 of the lateral frame section 18 shifts the wheels 22 apart from a narrow, transport configuration to a wide, operating configuration or to a wide transition configuration by the telescoping member 50 extending from a retracted position to an extended position. When the telescoping member 50 is in the extended position, a maximum lateral dimension "WW1" between the wheels 22 (see, e.g., FIG. 11) is at least 125, at least 150, at least 175, or at least 200 percent of (and / or percent greater than) the maximum lateral dimension "WW2" between the wheels 22 (see, e.g., FIG. 13) when the telescoping member 50 is in the retracted position. Alternatively, or in addition, when the telescoping member 50 is in the extended position, the maximum lateral dimension WW1 between the wheels 22 is not more than 400, not more than 300, or not more than 200 percent of (and / or percent greater than) the maximum lateral dimension WW2 between the wheels 22 when the telescoping member 50 is in the retracted position. For instance, in some embodiments, when the telescoping member 50 is in the extended position, the maximum lateral dimension WW1 between the wheels 22 is more than 12 feet, and when the telescoping member 50 is in the retracted position the maximum lateral dimension WW2 between the wheel is Is less than 12 feet. In additional or alternative embodiments, when the telescoping member 50 is in the extended position, the maximum lateral dimension WW1 between the wheels 22 is 8 to 20 feet, 10 to 18 feet, or 12 to 16 feet, whereas when the telescoping member 50 is in the retracted position the maximum lateral dimension between WW2 the wheels 22 is 4 to 14 feet, 6 to 12PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) feet, or 8 to 10 feet. Although certain embodiments provide for each of the wheels 22 to be shifted laterally when transitioning between narrow, transport configuration to the wide, operating configuration and / or the wide transition configuration, it should be understood that in some embodiments only one wheel 22 may be moved.

[0092] The overall width of the mower 10 may change as the mower transitions between transport and field configurations. Specifically, in some embodiments, a maximum lateral dimension "MW1" of the mower 10 in the field configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 6) is at least 125, at least 150, at least 200, at least 250 or at least 300 percent of (and / or percent greater than) the maximum lateral dimension "MW2" of the mower 10 in the transport configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 13). Alternatively, or in addition, the maximum lateral dimension MW1 of the mower 10 in the field configuration may not be more than 600, more than 500, more than 400, or more than 300 percent of (and / or percent greater than) the maximum lateral dimension MW2 of the mower 10 in the transport configuration. In addition, however, the overall length "ML" (i.e., a maximum longitudinal dimension as shown in FIG. 3) of the mower 10 may not change as the mower 10 transitions between transport and field configurations. For instance, the mower 10 may have an overall length ML that does not change by more than 5, more than 2, or more than 1 percent when the wheels 22 are shifted from the narrow, transport configuration to the wide, operating configuration and / or the wide transition configuration.Trailed Mower with Longitudinal Telescopic Shifting

[0093] FIGS. 21-30 illustrate embodiments of a mower 10A in which a telescoping member 70 of the mower 10A is part of the longitudinal frame section 16 of the mower 10A. It should be understood that those components of the mower 10A that are equivalent to components of the mower 10 previously described are referred to herein with common reference numbers. Certain of the more significant differences between the mower 10A and the mower 10 are that the telescoping member 70 of a mower 10A is part of the longitudinal frame section 16 of the mower 10A instead of part of the lateral frame section 18. Specifically, the longitudinal frame section 16 comprises a longitudinally extending member that includes the forward portion and the rearward portion of the longitudinal frame section 16. The telescoping member 70 may comprise the rearward portion of the longitudinal frame section 16, with thePCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) pivot joint 26 of the longitudinal frame section 16 joining the telescoping member 70 and the forward portion of the longitudinal frame section 16, as shown in FIGS. 21, 23, and 24. Furthermore, the lateral frame section 18 of the mower 10A includes a generally rigid crossbar 74 that does not extend or retract. Nevertheless, the wheels 22 of the mower 10A extend downward from the lateral ends of the crossbar 74 via wheel supports 24. As shown, the telescoping member 70 is connected to and extends forward from the crossbar 74 of the lateral frame member 18. As such, the wheels 22 may be coupled (perhaps indirectly) to the telescoping member 70.

[0094] As such, the longitudinal frame section 16 of the mower 10A is configured to extend and retract longitudinally, with the telescoping member 70 shifting from a retracted position to an extended position. As will be discussed in more detail below, the portion of the telescoping member 70 that telescopingly actuates may be positioned rearward of the pivot connection 40, as shown in FIGS. 21, 23, and 24, connecting the mowing unit 14 to the longitudinal frame member 16 (e.g., via the suspension system 38). Specifically, the forwardmost portion of the telescoping member 70 may be adjacent to the rear of the pivot connection 40. As such, in the extended position of the telescoping member 70 of the mower 10A, the wheels 22 are positioned further away from the mowing unit 14 (e.g., rearward from the mowing unit 14) than when the telescoping member 70 is in the retracted position. As described in more detail below, when the telescoping member 70 extends and retracts, at least one of the wheels 22 and / or wheel support 24 are moved, respectively, away from or closer to, the mowing unit 14.

[0095] In more detail, as illustrated by FIGS. 21-30, the telescoping member 70 may comprise an inner member 76 and an outer member 78, with the inner member 76 configured to telescopically shift in a longitudinal direction within an interior portion of the outer member 78. Actuation of the telescoping member 70 may be performed by an extension / retraction actuator (not shown but that may be a hydraulic cylinder similar to the extension / retraction actuator 58 previously described), which may be positioned within the interior portion of the outer member 78, extending between a forward end of the outer member 78 to a rearward end of the inner member 76. As such, extension of the extension / retraction actuator may causePCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) extension of the telescoping member 70, and retraction of the extension / retraction actuator may cause retraction of the telescoping member 70.

[0096] The inner and outer members 76, 78 of the telescoping member 70 may be formed similarly to the telescoping member 50 previously described, with various cross-sectional shapes, such as trapezoidal or triangular (e.g., see the cross-section of the telescoping member 50 shown in FIG. 20). For example, the inner and outer members 76, 78 may each formed as trapezoids with four panels distinct panels (e.g., an upper panel, a lower panel, and a pair of side panels extending between the upper and lower panels). The panels of the inner and outer members 76, 78 may be configured, such that interior surfaces of each of the four panels of the outer member 78 is adjacent to an exterior surface of a corresponding one of the four panels of the inner member 76.

[0097] As such, the panels of the inner and outer members 76, 78 (including the interior and exterior surfaces) cooperatively and fully support the inner member 76 relative to the outer member 78 during longitudinal shifting of the telescoping member 70 between the retracted and extended positions. In some embodiments, (similar to the telescoping member 50 shown in FIG. 20), the telescoping member 70 may include one or more slide blocks positioned between adjacent panels of the inner and outer members 76, 78 (e.g., between the interior and exterior surfaces). Such slide blocks may aid in supporting the inner member 76 within the outer member 78 and may further reduce the friction between the inner and outer members 76, 78 to enhance the telescopic movement of the inner member 76 within the outer member 78. As with the telescoping member 50, the slide blocks of the telescoping member 70 may comprise blocks of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) polyoxymethylene, or other polymers.

[0098] In view of the above, the mower 10A is particularly configured to transition between a field configuration and a transport configuration. As was previously described, in the field configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 21-24), the mowing unit 14 is in an operating position in which the mowing unit 14 has a generally lateral orientation. Contrastingly, in the transport configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 28-30), the mowing unit 14 is in a transport position in which the mowing unit 14 has a generally longitudinal orientation. Thus, to transition between the field and transport configurations and vice versa, the mowing unit 14 must be rotated (see, e.g., FIGS. 25-PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)27). However, rotation of the mowing unit 14 can be prevented by interference with one or more structures of the mower 10A, such as by one or more of the wheels 22 and / orthe wheel supports 24. To prevent such interference, embodiments of the present invention provide for the mower 10A to shift the position of the wheels 22 and / or the wheel supports 24 with respect to the mowing unit 14 by extending the telescoping member 70. Specifically, telescoping member 70 of the mower 10A is configured to shift, in a longitudinal direction, the position of the wheels 22 with respect to the mowing unit 14. When the telescoping member 70 is in a retracted position, the wheels 22 are similarly positioned in a retracted position, such that the wheels 22 are in close proximity to the mowing unit 14. In contrast, when the telescoping member 70 is shifted to an extended position, the wheels 22 are similarly positioned in an extended position, such that wheels 22 are positioned longitudinally further away from the mowing unit 14 (than when the wheels 22 are in the retracted position).

[0099] In more detail, and with reference to FIGS. 21-24, the mower 10A may initially be in a field configuration, with the mowing unit 14 extending generally laterally. As such, the mower IDA may be pulled across the ground by a prime mover to mow crops or other foliage growing from the ground. Normally, during such a mowing operation, the wheels 22 will be maintained in the retracted position by the telescoping member 79, which provides for the wheels 22 to be positioned relatively close (in a longitudinal direction) from the mowing unit 14 to provide support and stability for the mower 10A traveling over the ground during the mowing operation. Because the position of the wheels 22 with respect to the mowing unit 14 is controlled by the telescoping member 70, the telescoping member 70 will be positioned in the retracted position to maintain the wheels 22 in the retracted position. Upon completion of the mowing operation, the mower 10A can be transitioned to the transport configuration for transport of the mower 10A.

[0100] Specifically, the lateral frame section 18, the wheels 22, and / or wheel supports 24 can be shifted longitudinally rearward, away from the mowing unit 14 and / or from the front portion of the longitudinal frame section 16, from the retracted position to the extended position via extension of the telescoping member 70 from the retracted position to the extended position, as shown in FIGS. 25-27. In some embodiments, the mowing unit 14 may be raised by thePCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) suspension system 38 (see, e.g., raise / lower actuator 79 associated with the suspension system 38 shown in FIG. 24) away from the ground prior to transitioning the mower 10A to the transport position (see, e.g., raise / lower actuator 79 associated with the suspension system 38 shown in FIG. 24). With the wheels 22 in the extended position, the mowing unit 14 can be pivoted from the operating position (e.g., laterally oriented) to the transport position (e.g., longitudinally oriented) without being prevented from pivoting by the wheels 22 and / or the wheel supports 24 (i.e., via interference between the mowing unit 14 and the wheels 22 and / or wheels supports 24). The pivoting of the mowing unit 14 may be performed by a mowing unit pivot actuator 80, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, which rotates the mowing unit 14, via the suspension system 38, about the pivot connection 40. In some embodiments, the mowing unit pivot actuator 80 of the mower 10A may comprise a hydraulic cylinder that extends from the outer member 78 of the telescoping member 70 to the suspension system 38.

[0101] Upon the mowing unit 14 being shifted to the transport position, the wheels 22 may remain in the extended position such that the mower 10A can be transported. However, in other embodiments, the wheels 22 may be shifted back to the retracted position by the telescoping member 70 shifting from the extended position to the retracted position, as shown in FIGS. 28-30. Specifically, the lateral frame section 18, the wheels 22, and / or wheel supports 24 can be shifted longitudinally forward, towards the mowing unit 14 and / or the front portion of the longitudinal frame section 16, from the extended position to the retracted position via retraction of the telescoping member 70 from the extended position to the retracted position. In such a retracted position, the mowing unit 14 may be positioned between the wheels 22, with one of the wheels 22 positioned on either side of the mowing unit. Regardless, with the mower IDA in the transport configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 28-30), the overall width of the mower 10 is reduced to facilitate efficient transportation. For example, the mower 10A can efficiently be transported over a narrow roadway, through a narrow gate, through a narrow shed / barn door, or the likely. To achieve such efficient transportation, the overall width of the mower 10A is reduced by the mowing unit 14 shifting from the operating position to the transport position.

[0102] From the transport configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 28-30), the mower 10 can be shifted to the field configuration to perform agricultural operations, such as mowing. Specifically,PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) with the wheels 22 positioned in the retracted position, the lateral frame section 18, the wheels 22, and / or the wheel supports 24 can be shifted longitudinally rearward, away from the mowing unit 14 and / or the front portion of the longitudinal section 16, from the retracted position to the extended position via extension of the telescoping member 70 from the retracted position to the extended position (see, e.g., FIGS. 25-27). With the wheels 22 in the extended position, the mowing unit 14 can be pivoted from the transport position (e.g., longitudinally oriented) to the operating position (e.g., laterally oriented) without being prevented from pivoting by the wheels 22 and / or the wheel supports 24 (i.e., via interference between the mowing unit 14 and the wheels and / or wheels supports 24). The pivoting of the mowing unit 14 may be performed by the mowing unit pivot actuator 80 actuating the mowing unit 14, via the suspension system 38, about the pivot connection 40. Upon the mowing unit 14 being shifted to the operating position, the wheels 22 can be shifted longitudinally forward from the extended position to the retracted position via retraction of the telescoping member 70 from the extended position to the retracted position (see, e.g., FIGS. 21-24), such that the mower 10A can perform agricultural operations (e.g., mowing crop or other foliage). Specifically, the lateral frame section 18, the wheels 22, and / or wheel supports 24 can be shifted longitudinally forward, towards the mowing unit 14 and / or the front portion of the longitudinal frame section 16, from the extended position to the retracted position via retraction of the telescoping member 70 from the extended position to the retracted position. However, in some embodiments, the wheels 22 may be maintained in the extended position to perform such agricultural operations, as long as the mowing unit 14 is in the operating position. Regardless, the mowing unit 14 will generally be lowered by the raise / lower actuator 79 to be adjacent to the ground to perform agricultural operations.

[0103] With the mower 10A in the operating configuration (e.g., FIGS. 21-24), the overall width of the mower 10A, and particularly the mowing unit 14, is maximized to facilitate efficient agricultural operations (e.g., mowing crop or other foliage). For example, the mowing unit 14 of the mower 10A is oriented generally laterally to maximize the cutting area of the mowing unit 14 as the mower it pulled across the ground. In addition, the wheels 22 are positioned in the retracted position relatively close to the mowing unit 14 to provide sufficient support andPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) stability for the mower 10A as the mower 10A is pulled across the ground to perform the agricultural operations.

[0104] As described above, shifting of the wheels 22 from the retracted position to the extended position via extension of the telescoping member 70 from the retracted position to the extended position allows the mowing unit 14 to be shifted from the operating position to the transport position (or vice versa). Specifically, extending the telescoping member 70 creates space for the mowing unit 14 to pivot between the operating position and the transport position without interfering with the wheels 22. In some embodiments, pivoting of the mowing unit 14 between the operating position and the transport position is not possible when the telescoping member 70 is in the retracted position. Specifically, pivoting of the mowing unit 14 between the operating position and the transport position (or vice versa) may be blocked by at least one of the wheels 22 when the telescoping member 70 is in the retracted position.

[0105] Particular values and / or value ranges of the mower 10A will now be described in further detail in each of the various configurations of the mower 10A. As described above, when transitioning the mower 10 from the transport configuration to the operating configuration, the mowing unit 14 is shifted from the transport position to the operating position, with the mowing unit 14 being pivoted relative to the frame 12. In certain embodiments, a maximum lateral dimension "MUL1A" of the mowing unit 14 in the operating position (see, e.g., FIG. 23) is at least 150, at least 200, at least 250, at least 350, at least 450, at least 550, or at least 650 percent of (and / or percent greater than) a maximum lateral dimension "MUL2A" of the mowing unit 14 in the transport position (see, e.g., FIG. 28). Alternatively, or in addition, the maximum lateral dimension MUL1A of the mowing unit 14 in the operating position is not more than 2000, not more than 1500, not more than 1000, not more than 750, or not more than 500 percent of (and / or percent greater than) the maximum lateral dimension MUL1A of the mowing unit 14 in the transport position. In addition, in some embodiments, the mowing unit 14 is configured to pivot through an angle of at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70 or at least 80 degrees when pivoting between the transport and operating positions. Alternatively, or in addition, the mowing unit 14 may be configured to pivot through an angle of not more than 100,PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) not more than 90, or not more than 80 degrees when pivoting between the transport and operating positions.

[0106] The overall width of the mower 10A may change as the mower transitions between transport and field configurations. Specifically, in some embodiments, a maximum lateral dimension "MW1A" of the mower 10A in the field configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 23) is at least 125, at least 150, at least 200, at least 250 or at least 300 percent of (and / or percent greater than) the maximum lateral dimension "MW2A" of the mower 10 in the transport configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 28). Alternatively, or in addition, the maximum lateral dimension MW1A of the mower 10A in the field configuration may not be more than 600, more than 500, more than 400, or more than 300 percent of (and / or percent greater than) the maximum lateral dimension MW2A of the mower 10 in the transport configuration.

[0107] The overall length of the mower 10A may change as the telescoping member 70 transitions from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby shifting the wheels 22 longitudinally rearward from the retracted position to the extended position. Specifically, in some embodiments, a maximum longitudinal dimension "ML2A" of the mower 10A with the telescoping member 70 in the extended position (see, e.g., FIG. 28) may be at least 1, at least 2, at least 3, or at least 4 feet greater than the maximum longitudinal dimension "ML1A" of the mower 10A with the telescoping member in the retracted configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 23). Alternatively, or in addition, the maximum longitudinal dimension ML2A of the mower 10A with the telescoping member 70 in the extended position may not be more than 10, more than 8, or more than 6 feet greater than the maximum longitudinal dimension ML1A of the mower 10A with the telescoping member 70 in the retracted configuration. It should be understood that although the front end of the mower 10A is not shown in FIGS. 23 and 28, the maximum longitudinal dimension of the mower 10A is measured from the rear end of the wheels 22 to the hitch 20 at the front of the mower 10A. When the telescoping member 70 transitions from the retracted position to the extended position, the wheels 22 may be caused to move longitudinally away from the mowing unit 14 by at least 1, at least 2, at least 3, or at least 4 feet. Alternatively, or in addition, when the telescoping member 70 transitions from the retracted position to the extended position, the wheels 22 may be caused to move longitudinally away from the mowingPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) unit 14 by no more than 10, no more than 8, or no more than 6 feet. Nevertheless, in certain embodiments, when the wheels 22 are shifted from the retracted position to the extended position, the lateral distance between the wheels 22 of the mower 10A may either (i) increase by less than 5 percent, and / or (ii) not increase by any amount.Trailed Mower with Lateral Rotational Shifting

[0108] FIGS. 31-45 illustrate embodiments of a mower 10B in which the mower 10B does not include a telescoping member, but instead includes a lateral frame section 18 that includes pivot joints that permit the lateral frame section 18 to reduce its width when the mower 10B transitions between the field configuration and the transport configuration. It should be understood that those components of the mower 10B that are equivalent to components of the mower 10 and / or mower 10A, which are previously described, are referred to herein with common reference numbers. Certain differences between the mower 10B and the mowers 10, 10A are that (i) the lateral frame section 18 of the mower 10B includes pivot joints, and (ii) the mowing unit 14 of the mower 10B comprises a first cutting unit 14a and a second cutting unit 14b.

[0109] With reference to FIGS. 31-33, each of the cutting units 14a, 14b may be configured the same as the single cutting unit mowing unit 14 previously. To support each of the cutting units 14a, 14b, the mower 10B may include a pair of support arms rotatably secured to the longitudinal frame section 16. Specifically, a first support arm 80 may extend from a left side of the longitudinal frame section 16 via a rotatable connection. The first support arm 80 may support the first cutting unit 14a via a first suspension system 38a, with the first suspension system 38a being configured generally the same as the suspension system 38 previously described. A first folding actuator 82, which may comprise a hydraulic cylinder, may extend forward from the rearward portion of the longitudinal frame section 16 to the first support arm 80, such that extension / retraction of the first folding actuator 82 causes the first support arm 80 to rotate with respect to the longitudinal frame section 16. Similarly, a second support arm 84 may extend from a right side of the longitudinal frame section 16 via a rotatable connection. The second support arm 84 may support the second cutting unit 14b via a second suspension system 38b, with the second suspension system 38b being configured the same as the suspension system 38 previously described. A second folding actuator 86, which may comprise a hydraulic cylinder,PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) may extend forward from the rearward portion of the longitudinal frame section 16 to the second support arm 84, such that extension / retraction of the second folding actuator 86 causes the second support arm 84 to rotate with respect to the longitudinal frame section 16. Each of the rotatable connections between the first and second support arms 80, 84 and the longitudinal frame section 16 may be positioned rearward of the pivot joint 26 that connects the rearward and forward portions of the longitudinal frame section 16. As perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 34, the first support arm 80 and the first cutting unit 14a may be offset longitudinally forward of the second support arm 84 and the second cutting unit 14a.

[0110] With reference to FIGS. 31-34, the lateral frame section 18 may comprise a central base section 90, with a first folding section 92 rotatably coupled with and extending from a left side of the base section 90 and a second folding section 94 rotatably coupled with and extending from a right side of the base section 90. The first folding section 92 is rotatably coupled with the base section 90 via a first folding pivot joint 96, while the second folding section 94 is rotatably coupled with the base section 90 via a second folding pivot joint 98. The mower 10B may include a pair of wheels 22 supporting the mower 10B, with one of the wheels 22 extending down from a free end of the first folding section 92 via a wheel support 24 and another of the wheels 22 extending down from a free end of the second folding section 94 via a wheel support 24. The base section 90 of the lateral frame section 18 may be rigidly secured to the longitudinal frame section 16, such that the longitudinal frame section 16 extends forward from the lateral frame section 18.

[0111] Notably, each of the first and second folding sections 92, 94 are connected respectively to the first and second support arms 80, 84, such that the folding sections 92, 94 can cooperatively actuate (e.g., rotate) with the support arms 80, 84. Specifically, as perhaps best shown in FIGS. 32-34, a first linkage 100 may extend between the first support arm 80 and the first folding section 90, while a second linkage 104 may extend between the second support arm 84 and the second folding section 94. As such, the first support arm 80 and the first folding section 92 can be rotated in unison via actuation of the first folding actuator 82, and the second first support arm 84 and the second folding section 94 can be rotated in unison via actuation of thePCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) second folding actuator 86. Such folding may transition the mower 10B between the field configuration and the transport configuration.

[0112] In more detail, FIGS. 31-35 illustrate the mower 10B in the field configuration, such that the cutting units 14a, 14b of the mowing unit 14 will be in operating positions extending generally laterally (e.g., perpendicular with the longitudinal frame section 16). The cutting units 14a, 14b are supported in such laterally oriented operating positions via the first and second support arms 80, 84 extending generally laterally outward from the longitudinal frame section 16 (e.g., perpendicularwith the longitudinal frame section 16). Correspondingly, with the mower 10B in the field orientation, the first and second folding sections 92, 94 of the lateral frame section 18 extend generally laterally outward from the central base section of the lateral frame section 18. As such, the folding section 92, 94 will also be generally perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal frame section 16.

[0113] FIGS. 41-45 illustrate the mower 10B in the transport configuration, such that the cutting units 14a, 14b of the mowing unit 14 are in transport positions extending generally longitudinally, and generally adjacent to and / or parallel with the longitudinal frame section 16. The cutting units 14a, 14b are supported in such longitudinally oriented transport positions via the first and second support arms 80, 84 extending generally longitudinally, and generally adjacent to and / or parallel with the longitudinal frame section 16. The cutting units 14, 14b can be shifted from the operating positions to the transport positions via the first and second folding actuators 82, 86, which respectively actuate the first and second support arms 80, 84 that support the cutting units 14a, 14b. Correspondingly, in the transport configuration of the mower 10B, the first and second folding sections 92, 94 of the lateral frame section 18 will extend generally forward from the central base section 90 of the lateral frame section 18. The folding sections 92, 94 may not extend precisely longitudinally, but may make a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the longitudinal frame section 16. For instance, the folding sections 92, 94 may form an angle of less than 60 degrees, less than 45 degrees, less than 30 degrees, less than 20 degrees, less than 15 degrees, less than 10 degrees, or less than 5 degrees with respect to the longitudinal frame section 16. The first and second folding sections 92, 94 may also be actuated by the first and second folding actuators 82, 86 due to the first and second linkages 100, 104 thatPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) interconnect the first and second folding sections 92, 94 with the first and second support arms 80, 84.

[0114] FIGS. 36-40 illustrate the mower 10B transitioning between the field and transport configurations, with the cutting units 14a, 14b shifting from the lateral orientations to the longitudinal orientations and with the first and second folding sections 92, 94 shifting from a generally lateral extension from the base section 90 to a generally forward extension from the base section 90. Notably, the wheels 22 extending from the first and second folding sections 92, 94 are configured to permit travel in the forward direction (e.g., longitudinal direction) regardless of whether the folding sections 92, 94 extend laterally or forwardly due to the wheels 22 being configured to caster (e.g., the wheels 22 may be caster wheels).Additional Embodiments and Features of the Trailed Mower

[0115] The above specification provides a description of various embodiments of inventive trailed mowers, such as mower 10, mower 10A, and mower 10B. The following description provides additional embodiments and features of the inventive trailed mower. The below reference to the "Inventive Mower" may include any one of (or a combination of) mower 10, mower 10A, and mower 10B. For example, embodiments of the Inventive Mower may comprise a frame with a telescoping member that is shiftable between a retracted position and an extended position, and at least one actuator for shifting the telescoping member between the retracted and extended positions. The Inventive Mower may additionally include a pair of laterally-spaced wheels coupled to the frame, and a mowing unit coupled to the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between a transport position and an operating position. In some embodiments, the mowing unit may comprise a single cutting unit or a plurality of cutting units (e.g., two cutting units). The maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the transport position may be less than the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position. When the telescoping member of the Inventive Mower is in the retracted position, shifting of the mowing unit between the transport and operating positions may be physically prevented by one or more other structures of the Inventive Mower. However, when the telescoping member of the Inventive Mower is in the extended position, shifting of the mowingPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) unit between the transport and operating positions may not be physically prevented by one or more other structures of the trailed mower.

[0116] As was previously described, the one or more structures that physically prevent (e.g., interfere with) the shifting of the mowing unit may be one or more of the wheels and / or one or more of the wheel supports of the Inventive Mower. To prevent such interference, the telescoping member of the Inventive Mower may shift one or more of the wheels and / or wheel supports such that they do no physically prevent the mowing unit from shifting positions. In some embodiments, as was previously described, the telescoping member of the Inventive Mower may be associated with the lateral frame section of the Inventive Mower, with the telescoping member shifting laterally between extended and retracted positions such that the wheels of the mower can be shifted laterally toward and / or away from each other and / or from the mowing unit. In other embodiments, the telescoping member of the Inventive Mower may be associated with the longitudinal frame section of the Inventive Mower, with the telescoping member shifting longitudinally between extended and retracted positions such that the wheels of the mower can be shifted longitudinally toward and / or away from the mowing unit. In some alternative embodiments, the Inventive Mower may include more than one telescoping member, such as one telescoping member associated with the lateral frame section and one telescoping member associated with the longitudinal frame section. Thus, one telescoping member of the Inventive Mower can shift laterally, and one telescoping member can shift longitudinally. In further alternatives, the Inventive Mower can include two telescoping members associated with the lateral frame section, with each of the telescoping members configured to shift laterally. In still further alternatives, the Inventive Mower can include two telescoping members associated with the longitudinal frame section, with each of the telescoping members configured to shift longitudinally.

[0117] As an alternative to telescoping members, the Inventive Mower may include a plurality of components interconnected via pivot connections that permit the Inventive Mower to transition between field and transport configurations. Specifically, the mowing unit of the Inventive Mower may include two separate cutting units, each pivotally connected to the longitudinal frame section of the Inventive Mower via a support arm that is pivotably connectedPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) to the longitudinal frame section. As such, when the Inventive Mower transitions from the field configuration to the transport configuration, the cutting units can each pivot with respect to the frame of the Inventive Mower to transition from the operating position to the transport position by way of the support arms rotating from a lateral orientation to a longitudinal orientation. Specifically, the cutting units will each pivot about an upright pivot axis presented by the pivot connection between the support arms and the longitudinal frame sections. Similarly, during such a transition of the Inventive Mower from the field configuration to the transport configuration, folding sections of the lateral frame section can transition from a lateral orientation to a generally forward or a longitudinal orientation. Thus, the overall width of the Inventive Mower will be reduced when the Inventive Mower transitions from the field configuration to the transport configuration.

[0118] The Inventive Mower of embodiments of the present invention beneficially provides for the Inventive Mower to have a large footprint with a reduced overall weight. Such characteristics beneficially permit the Inventive Mower to perform agricultural operations (e.g., mowing operations) while having a reduced weight, which reduces the unwanted impact that the Inventive Mower will have on the ground (e.g., the wheels forming indentations or ruts into the ground). Such a reduced weight also reduces the amount of material needed to manufacture the Inventive Mower.

[0119] In more detail, embodiments of the present invention provide for an Inventive Mower that is shiftable between a field configuration and a transport configuration. The Inventive Mower comprises a frame having a longitudinal section and a lateral section (which may be referred to as a transverse section), and a pair of lateral ly-space wheels coupled to the lateral section. The Inventive Mower may additionally comprise a mowing unit supported by the longitudinal section of the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between an operating position and a transport position, with the mowing unit being in the operating position when the Inventive Mower is in the field configuration, and the mowing unit being in the transport position when the Inventive Mower is in the transport configuration.

[0120] In some embodiments, the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 12 feet. However, in some embodiments, the maximum lateralPCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 12, at least 14, at least 16, at least 18, at least 20, or at least 22.5 feet and / or is not more than 30, not more than 25, not more than 22.5, or not more than 20 feet. In some embodiments, the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 125 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the transport position. However, in some embodiments, the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 150, at least 200, at least 250, at least 350, at least 450, at least 550, or at least 650 and / or is not more than 2000, not more than 1500, not more than 1000, not more than 750, or not more than 500 percent of (and / or percent greater than) the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the transport position.

[0121] In some embodiments, the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is at least 8 feet in both the field configuration and the transport configuration. However, in some embodiments, the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels when the Inventive Mower is in both (or either) the field configuration and the transport configuration is at least 8, at least 10, at least 12, at least 14, at least 16, or at least 18 feet and / or is not more than 24, not more than 22, not more than 20, or not more than 18 feet. However, in some embodiments, the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels when the Inventive Mower is in the field position is at least 125, at least 150, at least 175, or at least 200 and / or not more than 400, not more than 300, or not more than 200 percent of (and / or percent greater than) the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels when the Inventive Mower is in the transport position. Additionally, in some embodiments, when the Inventive Mower is in the field configuration, the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, or at least 80 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit and / or not more than 110, not more than 100, not more than 90, or not more than 80 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit. In some embodiments, when the Inventive Mower is in the transport configuration, the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is at least 80, at least 90, at least 100, or at least 110 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit.PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)

[0122] In some embodiments, the maximum longitudinal dimension of the Inventive Mower in both (or either) the field configuration and the transport configuration is at least 14, at least 16, at least 18, at least 20, at least 22, or at least 24 feet and / or is not more than 35, not more than 30, or not more than 25 feet. However, in some embodiments, the maximum longitudinal dimension of the Inventive Mower in the transport configuration is at least 150, at least 200, at least 250, or at least 300 and / or not more than 600, not more than 500, not more than 400, or not more than 300 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the Inventive Mower in the transport configuration. In some embodiments, the maximum longitudinal dimension of the Inventive Mower in the field configuration is at least 100, at least 125, at least 150, or at least 175 and / or not more than 400, not more than 300, not more than 200, or not more than 175 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the Inventive Mower in the field configuration.

[0123] In some embodiments, the weight of the Inventive Mower is at least 3,000 pounds. However, in some embodiments, the total weight of the Inventive Mower is at least 3000, at least 3500, at least 4000, or at least 4250 pounds and / or is less than 7000, less than 6000, less than 5000, or less than 4500 pounds. In some embodiments, when the Inventive Mower is in the field orientation, the ratio of the total weight of the Inventive Mower to the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is less than 650 pounds / foot. However, in some embodiments, when the Inventive Mower is in the field configuration, the ratio of the total weight of the Inventive Mower to the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is less than 650, less than 550, less than 450, less than 400, or less than 375 pounds / foot.

[0124] Having thus described one or more embodiments of the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includes the following:

Claims

PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)CLAIMS:

1. A trailed mower comprising: a frame comprising a telescoping member that is shiftable between a retracted position and an extended position; at least one actuator for shifting the telescoping member between the retracted and extended positions; a pair of laterally-spaced wheels coupled to the frame; and a mowing unit coupled to the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between a transport position and an operating position, wherein the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the transport position is less than the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position, wherein, when the telescoping member is in the retracted position, shifting of the mowing unit between the transport and operating positions is physically prevented by one or more other structures of the trailed mower, wherein, when the telescoping member is in the extended position, shifting of the mowing unit between the transport and operating positions is not physically prevented by one or more other structures of the trailed mower.

2. The trailed mower of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a longitudinal section and a lateral section, wherein the mowing unit is supported by longitudinal section, wherein the wheels are coupled to the lateral section, and wherein the lateral section includes the one or more other structures of the trailed mower.

3. The trailed mower of claim 2, wherein the lateral section includes a crossmember and a pair of wheel supports extending downwardly from opposite ends of the crossmember, wherein the one or more other structures of the trailed mower comprises the at least one of the wheels and / or at least one of the wheel supports.PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)4. The trailed mower of claim 3, wherein shifting of the telescoping member from the retraction position to the extending position moves at least one of the wheels and / or wheel supports away from the mowing unit.

5. The trailed mower of claim 4, wherein moving of at least one of the wheels and / or wheel supports away from the mowing unit create sufficient space for shifting of the mowing unit between the operating position and the transport position.

6. The trailed mower of claim 1, wherein the telescoping member is configured to shift laterally between the extended and retracted positions.

7. The trailed mower of claim 6, wherein when the telescoping member is in the extended position the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is at least 125 percent of the lateral distance between the wheels when the telescoping member is in the retracted position.

8. The trailed mower of claim 1, wherein the telescoping member is configured to shift longitudinally between the extended and retracted positions.

9. The trailed mower of claim 8, wherein when the telescoping member is shifted from the retracted position to the extended position, the wheels shift rearwardly away from the mowing unit.

10. The trailed mower of claim 1, wherein the mowing unit is pivotably coupled to the frame and pivots relative to the frame when shifting between the transport and operating positions.

11. The trailed mower of claim 10, wherein mowing unit comprises two cutter units, each configured to pivot relative to the frame during shifting of the trailed mower between the transport and field configurations.PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)12. A trailed mower that is shiftable between a transport configuration for transport over a road and a field configuration for operation in a field, the trailed mower comprising: a frame comprising a telescoping member that is shiftable between a retracted position and an extended position; a pair of laterally-spaced wheels coupled to the frame and configured to support the trailed mower in both the transport configuration and the field configuration; and a mowing unit coupled to the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between a transport position and an operating position, wherein the telescoping member comprises an outer member and an inner member, wherein the outer member comprises three discrete interior surfaces, wherein the inner member comprises three discrete exterior surfaces, wherein each of the three discrete interior surfaces is adjacent to a corresponding one of the three discrete exterior surfaces, wherein the three interior and exterior surfaces cooperatively and fully support the inner member relative to the outer member during shifting of the telescoping member between the retracted and extended positions.

13. The trailed mower of claim 12, wherein the telescoping member extends and retracts in a lateral direction or a longitudinal direction.

14. The trailed mower of claim 12, wherein the inner and outer members have a trapezoidal or triangular cross-sectional shape.

15. The trailed mower of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of slide pads for preventing direct contact between the inner and outer members during shifting of the telescopic member between the retracted and extended positions, wherein each of the slide pads is coupled to one of the inner or outer members and are positioned to maintain a gap between the interior surfaces of the outer member and the exterior surfaces of the inner member.PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)16. The trailed mower of claim 12, further comprising an actuator located within one or both of the inner and outer members and configured to cause retraction and extension of the telescoping member.

17. A method of operating a trailed mower having a frame and a mowing unit coupled to the frame, the method comprising:(a) extending a telescoping member of the frame to an extended position;(b) while the telescoping member is in the extended position, shifting the mowing unit relative to the frame from a transport position to an operating position, wherein the extending of step (a) creates space necessary for the shifting of step (b);(c) while the mowing unit is in the operating position, retracting the telescoping member of the frame from the extended position to the retracted position, thereby placing the trailed mower in a field configuration; and(d) while the trailed mower is in the field configuration, using the trailed mower to cut vegetation in a field.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the telescoping member extends in a lateral direction, and wherein the trailed mower comprises a pair of laterally-spaced wheels coupled to the frame, wherein the wheels shift laterally inward and outward when the telescoping member retracts and extends, respectively.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the telescoping member extends in a longitudinal direction, and wherein the trailed mower comprises a pair of laterally-spaced wheels coupled to the frame, wherein the wheels shift longitudinally forward and rearward when the telescoping member retracts and extends, respectively.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein said shifting of step (b) includes pivoting the mowing unit on an upright pivot axis, and wherein the mowing unit pivots through an angle of at least 30 degrees but not more than 110 degrees.PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)21. A trailed mower comprising: a frame; a pair of wheels coupled to the frame, wherein the pair of wheels are shiftable between a narrow configuration and a wide configuration, wherein the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels in the wide configuration is at least 125 percent of the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels in the narrow configuration; and a mowing unit coupled to the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between a transport position and an operating position while the pair of wheels are in the wide configuration, wherein the trailed mower has an overall length that does not change by more than 5 percent when the wheels are shifted from the narrow configuration to the wide configuration.

22. The trailed mower of claim 21, wherein the frame comprises a telescoping member for shifting the wheels between the narrow and wide configurations.

23. The trailed mower of claim 22, wherein the frame comprises a longitudinal member coupled to the telescoping member and extending forward of the telescoping member, wherein the longitudinal member comprises a hitch for connection to a prime mover.

24. The trailed mower of claim 23, wherein the frame comprises a pivot joint for pivoting the telescoping member relative to at least a portion of the longitudinal member.

25. The trailed mower of claim 22, wherein when the telescoping member is in the extended position the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is 8 to 20 feet, and when the telescoping member is in the retracted position the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is 4 to 14 feet.PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)26. The trailed mower of claim 22, wherein the telescoping member comprises an outer member and an inner member, wherein the outer member comprises three discrete interior surfaces, wherein the inner member comprises three discrete exterior surfaces, wherein each of the three discrete interior surfaces is adjacent to a corresponding one of the three discrete exterior surfaces, wherein the three interior and exterior surfaces cooperatively and fully support the inner member relative to the outer member during shifting of the telescoping member between the retracted and extended positions.

27. The trailed mower of claim 26, wherein the inner and outer members have a trapezoidal or triangular cross-sectional shape.

28. The trailed mower of claim 21, wherein the mowing unit is pivotably coupled to the frame, wherein shifting the mowing unit from the transport position to the operating position includes pivoting the mowing unit relative to the frame.

29. The trailed mower of claim 28, wherein the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 150 percent greater than the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the transport position.

30. The trailed mower of claim 21, further comprising a suspension system for coupling the mowing unit to the frame.

31. A trailed mower comprising: a frame comprising a telescoping member that is shiftable between a retracted position and an extended position; a mowing unit coupled to the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between a transport position and an operating position; and a pair of laterally-spaced wheels coupled to the frame; wherein at least one of the wheels is coupled to the telescoping member,PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) wherein shifting of the telescoping member from the retracted position to the extended position increases the lateral distance between the wheels, thereby providing space required to shift the mowing unit from the transport position to the operating position.

32. The trailed mower of claim 31, wherein when the telescoping member is in the extended position the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is at least 125 of the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels when the telescoping member is in the retracted position.

33. The trailed mower of claim 31, wherein when the telescoping member is in the extended position the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is more than 12 feet, and when the telescoping member is in the retracted position the maximum lateral dimension of the wheels is less than 12 feet.

34. The trailed mower of claim 31, wherein the mowing unit is pivotably coupled to the frame, wherein shifting the mowing unit from the transport position to the operating position includes pivoting the mowing unit relative to the frame.

35. The trailed mower of claim 34, wherein in the transport position the mowing unit is oriented longitudinally, and in the operating position the mowing unit is oriented laterally.

36. A method of operating a trailed mower having a frame with at least one telescoping member, a pair of wheels coupled to the frame, and a mowing unit coupled to the frame, the method comprising:(a) shifting the trailed mower from a transport configuration to a field configuration, wherein the shifting of step (a) includes -(i) shifting the pair of wheels from a narrow transport configuration to a wide transition configuration using at least one telescoping member,PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)(ii) while the wheels are in the wide transition configuration, pivoting the mowing unit from a transport position to an operating position, and(iii) shifting the pair of wheels from the wide transition configuration to an operating configuration using the at least one telescoping member;(b) mowing a crop in a field with the trailed mower while in the field configuration;(c) shifting the trailed mower from the field configuration to the transport configuration, wherein the shifting of step (c) includes -(i) shifting the pair of wheels from the operating configuration to the wide transition configuration using the at least one telescoping member of the frame,(ii) while the wheels are in the wide transition configuration, pivoting the mowing unit from the operating position to the transport position, and(iii) shifting the pair of wheels from the wide transition configuration to the narrow transport configuration using the at least one telescoping member; and(d) transporting the trailed mower over a road while in the transport configuration.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the shifting of the pair of wheels between the narrow transport configuration, the wide transition configuration, and the operating configuration includes laterally moving one or both of the wheels by extending or retracting the at least one telescoping member.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein the wheels are closer together in the operating configuration than in the wide transition configuration.

39. The method of claim 36, wherein when the pair of wheels are in the wide transition configuration the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is at least 125 percent of the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels when the pair of wheels are in the narrow transport configuration.PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)40. The method of claim 36, wherein the maximum lateral dimension of the trailed mower in the field configuration is at least 125 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the trailed mower in the transport configuration.

41. A trailed mower comprising: a frame comprising a telescoping member that is shiftable between a retracted position and an extended position; a mowing unit coupled to the frame; and a pair of laterally-spaced wheels coupled to the telescoping member, wherein shifting of the telescoping member from the retracted position to the extended position shifts the pair of wheels away from the mowing unit in a longitudinal direction.

42. The trailed mower of claim 41, wherein the frame comprises a lateral section and a longitudinal section coupled to one another, wherein the wheels are coupled to opposite sides of the lateral section, wherein the longitudinal section includes a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion of the longitudinal section is coupled to the lateral section and comprises the telescoping member.

43. The trailed mower of claim 42, wherein shifting of the telescoping member from the retracted position to the extended position shifts the lateral section and the pair of wheels away from the front portion of the longitudinal section in the longitudinal direction.

44. The trailed mower of claim 42, wherein the longitudinal section comprises a pivot joint pivotably connecting the front and rear portion of the longitudinal section.

45. The trailed mower of claim 42, wherein the mowing unit further comprises a suspension system, wherein the mowing unit is coupled to the longitudinal section via the suspension system.PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)46. The trailed mower of claim 45, wherein the mowing unit pivots through an angle of at least 30 degrees but not more than 110 degrees when pivoting between the transport and operating positions.

47. The trailed mower of claim 41, wherein shifting of the telescoping member between the retracted and extended positions causes the wheels to move by at least 1 foot relative to the mowing unit but not more than 10 feet relative to the mowing unit.

48. The trailed mower of claim 41, wherein a maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 150 percent greater than but no more than 2000 percent greater than the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the transport position.

49. A trailed mower comprising: a frame; a pair of laterally spaced wheels coupled to the frame and shiftable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein shifting of the wheels from the retracted position to the extended position either (i) increases the lateral distance between the wheels by less 5 percent or (ii) does not increase the lateral distance between the wheels; and a mowing unit coupled to the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between a transport position and an operating position when the pair of wheels are in the extended position.

50. The trailed mower of claim 49, wherein when the wheels shift from the retracted position to the extended position the wheels shift away from the mowing unit.

51. The trailed mower of claim 49, wherein the frame comprises a telescoping member for shifting the wheels between the retracted and extended positions, wherein the telescoping member is configured to shift longitudinally between the extended and retracted positions.PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)52. The trailed mower of claim 51, wherein shifting of the telescoping member between the retracted and extended positions causes the wheels to move by at least 1 foot relative to the mowing unit but not more than 10 feet relative to the mowing unit.

53. The trailed mower of claim 51, wherein the frame comprises a lateral section and a longitudinal section coupled to one another, wherein the wheels are coupled to opposite sides of the lateral section, wherein the longitudinal section includes a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion of the longitudinal section is coupled to the lateral section and comprises the telescoping member.

54. The trailed mower of claim 49, wherein when the pair of wheels are in the retracted position the mowing unit is not shiftable between the transport position and the operating position.

55. The trailed mower of claim 54, wherein when the pair of wheels are in the retracted position at least one of the wheels blocks shifting of the mowing unit between the transport and operating positions.

56. A method of operating a trailed mower having a frame with a telescoping member, a pair of wheels coupled to the frame, and a mowing unit coupled to the frame, the method comprising:(a) shifting the trailed mower from a field configuration to a transport configuration, wherein the shifting of step (a) includes -(i) extending the telescoping member to thereby move the pair of wheels rearward away from the mowing unit to an extended position,(ii) while the wheels are in the extended position, pivoting the mowing unit from an operating position to a transport position, and(iii) retracting the telescoping member to thereby move the pair of wheels forward toward the mowing unit to a retracted position;PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)(b) transporting the trailed mower over a road while in the transport configuration;(c) shifting the trailed mower from the transport configuration to the field configuration, wherein the shifting of step (c) includes -(i) extending the telescoping member to thereby move the pair of wheels rearward away from the mowing unit;(ii) while the wheels are in the extended position, pivoting the mowing unit from the transport position to the operating position, and(d) mowing a crop in a field with the trailed mower while in the field configuration.

57. The method of claim 56, further comprising, prior to the mowing of step (d), retracting the telescoping member to thereby move the pair of wheels forward toward the mowing unit.

58. The method of claim 56, wherein the extending of the telescoping member creates space for the mowing unit to pivot between the operating position and the transport position.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein pivoting of the mowing unit between the operating position and the transport position is blocked by at least one of the wheels when the telescoping member is in the retracted position.

60. The method of claim 58, wherein the maximum lateral dimension of the trailed mower in the field configuration is at least 125 percent greater than but no more than 600 percent greater than the maximum lateral dimension of the trailed mower in the transport configuration.

61. A trailed mower that is shiftable between a field configuration and a transport configuration, the trailed mower comprising: a frame comprising a longitudinal section and a lateral section; a pair of late ra I ly-space wheels coupled to the lateral section; and a mowing unit supported by the longitudinal section of the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between an operating position and a transport position,PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) wherein the mowing unit is in the operating position when the trailed mower is in the field configuration, wherein the mowing unit is in the transport position when the trailed mower is in the transport configuration, wherein the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 12 feet, wherein the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 125 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the transport position, wherein the maximum lateral dimension of the wheels is at least 8 feet in both the field configuration and the transport configuration, wherein the weight of the trailed mower is at least 3,000 pounds, wherein when the trailed mower is in the field position the ratio of the total weight of the trailed mower to the maximum lateral dimension of the wheels is less than 650 pounds / foot.

62. The trailed mower of claim 61, wherein the frame comprises a telescoping member for shifting the frame between an extended position and a retracted position63. The trailed mower of claim 62, wherein the telescoping member is in the retracted position when the trailed mower is in the transport configuration.

64. The trailed mower of claim 63, wherein the mowing unit is not shiftable between the operating and transport positions while the telescoping member is in the retracted position.

65. The trailed mower of claim 64, wherein the mowing unit is shiftable between the operating and transport positions when the telescoping member is in the extended position.PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)66. The trailed mower of claim 62, wherein the lateral section comprises the telescoping member, and wherein shifting of the telescoping from the retracted position to the extended position increases the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels.

67. The trailed mower of claim 62, wherein the longitudinal section comprises the telescoping member, and wherein shifting of the telescoping from the retracted position to the extended position shifts the wheels rearwardly relative to the mowing unit.

68. The trailed mower of claim 61, wherein the mowing unit pivots between the operating and transport positions.

69. The trailed mower of claim 61, wherein the mowing unit comprises a single cutting unit.

70. The trailed mower of claim 61, wherein the mowing unit comprises a pair of cutting units.

71. The trailed mower of claim 70, wherein each cutter unit pivots relative to the frame on its own upright pivot axis when the mowing unit is shifted between the operating position and the transport position.

72. The trailed mower of claim 61, wherein a maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 150 percent greater than but not more than 2000 percent greater than the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the transport position.

73. The trailed mower of claim 61, wherein the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels when the trailed mower is in the field position is at least 125 percent of but no more than 400 percent of the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels when the trailed mower is in the transport position.PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025)74. The trailed mower of claim 61, wherein the maximum longitudinal dimension of the trailed mower in the transport position is at least 150 percent of but no more than 600 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the trailed mower in the transport position.

75. The trailed mower of claim 61, wherein the maximum longitudinal dimension of the trailed mower in the field position is at least 100 percent of but no more than 400 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the trailed mower in the field position.

76. The trailed mower of claim 61, wherein when the trailed mower is in the field configuration the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is at least 30 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit.

77. The trailed mower of claim 61, when the trailed mower is in the transport configuration the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is at least 80 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit.

78. A trailed mower that is shiftable between a field configuration and a transport configuration, the trailed mower comprising: a frame comprising a longitudinal section and a lateral section; a pair of late ra I ly-space wheels coupled to the lateral section; a mowing unit supported by the longitudinal section of the frame and shiftable relative to the frame between an operating position and a transport position, wherein the mowing unit is in the operating position when the trailed mower is in the field configuration, wherein the mowing unit is in the transport position when the trailed mower is in the transport configuration, wherein the maximum lateral dimension of the wheels when the trailed mower is in both the field configuration and the transport configuration is at least 8 feet,PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) wherein the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 12 feet, wherein the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 125 percent greater than the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the transport position, wherein when the trailed mower is in the field configuration the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is at least 50 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the of the mowing unit.

79. The trailed mower of claim 78, wherein the frame comprises a telescoping member for shifting the frame between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the telescoping member is in the retracted position when the trailed mower is in the transport configuration.

80. A method of operating a trailed mower having a frame with a longitudinal section and a lateral section, a pair of wheels coupled to the lateral section of the frame, and a mowing unit coupled to the frame, the method comprising:(a) shifting the trailed mower from a field configuration to a transport configuration, wherein the shifting of step (a) includes shifting the mowing unit from an operating position to a transport position, wherein the mowing unit is in the operating position when the trailed mower is in the field configuration, and wherein the mowing unit is in the transport position when the trailed mower is in the transport configuration; and(b) transporting the trailed mower over a road while in the transport configuration, wherein the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 12 feet, wherein the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the operating position is at least 125 percent of the maximum lateral dimension of the mowing unit in the transport position,PCT / US25 / 42930 21 August 2025 (21.08.2025) wherein the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is at least 8 feet in both the field configuration and the transport configuration, wherein the weight of the trailed mower is at least 3,000 pounds, wherein when the trailed mower is in the field position the ratio of the total weight of the trailed mower to the maximum lateral dimension between the wheels is less than 650 pounds / foot.

Images