Single lever control unit for hydrostatic transmission

Claim 1

In a vehicle having an elongated frame with first and second driven members on opposite sides of said frame; first and second variable displacement, reversible hydraulic means respectively connected to said driven members for driving said members at varying speeds in opposite directions, each of said hydraulic means including a pivoted control arm pivoted about a pivot axis in opposite directions from a neutral position; a single control lever for moving said control arms; mounting means mounting said control lever for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis extending parallel to the pivot axes for said control arms and a second pivot axis extending perpendicular to said first pivot axis, said mounting means including a block supporting said lever, a bar fixed to said block at a location spaced from said first pivot axis and extending parallel to said first pivot axis, and rigid link means respectively connecting opposite ends of said bar to respective control arms so that movement of said lever about said first pivot axis will move both control arms in one direction to control the forward and reverse speed of said vehicle and movement of said lever about said second pivot axis will move said control arms in opposite directions to control the direction of said vehicle, the improvement comprising a plate secured directly to said block with said plate and block being pivoted as a unit with said lever about said first pivot axis, and releasable latch means cooperating with said plate for holding said plate, block and lever in an adjusted position with respect to said first pivot axis while accommodating movement of said lever about said second pivot axis, said latch means including an electrically operated solenoid having a plunger movable between first and second positions, a friction pad secured to a free end of said plunger and movable therewith so that said pad is forced into engagement with said plate when said plunger is moved from said first to said second position.