Stand-on adaptable surface clearer

Abstract

A stand-on adaptable surface cleaner includes an engine, a platform for the operator, a hydraulic system, and a snow blower with an impeller and snow chute, a powered broom, or other attachment. The device may be operated while riding on the platform and results in less fatigue and greater speed of operation than existing walk-behind devices.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A stand-on surface clearer comprising:
 a main frame;   an operator platform extending from the main frame;   controls positioned on the main frame;   a drive system for propelling the stand-on surface clearer; and   an auxiliary frame pivotally attached to the main frame and adapted to receive a surface clearing apparatus thereon.   
     
     
         2 . A stand-on snow throwing machine comprising:
 a main frame;   an operator platform extending from the main frame;   controls positioned on the main frame for operating the stand-on snow throwing machine,   a drive system for propelling the stand-on snow throwing machine;   an auxiliary frame pivotally attached to the main frame, and   a snow thrower attached to the auxiliary frame, the snow thrower including at least one impeller and a snow chute.   
     
     
         3 . The stand-on snow throwing machine of  claim 2 , wherein the drive system includes two spaced apart wheels rotatably mounted on the main frame, and wherein the stand-on snow throwing machine further includes:
 a hydraulic system including two hydraulically connected tanks, with each tank mounted on the main frame above a respective one of each of the wheels, and   a hydraulic cylinder, connected between and to each of the main frame and the auxiliary frame, for moving the auxiliary frame relative to the main frame.   
     
     
         4 . The stand-on snow throwing machine of  claim 2 , wherein the snow thrower is hydraulically powered. 
     
     
         5 . The stand-on snow throwing machine of  claim 2 , wherein the hydraulic system further includes an auxiliary hydraulic quick connect adapted to be connected to a hydraulic powered surface cleaner, and a hydraulic pump in communication with the tanks, and providing pressurized fluid via hydraulic pressure lines to the hydraulic cylinder and to the auxiliary hydraulic quick connect. 
     
     
         6 . A stand-on surface cleaner machine comprising:
 a main frame;   an operator platform extending from the main frame;   controls positioned on the main frame for operating the stand-on surface cleaner machine,   a drive system for propelling the stand-on surface cleaner machine;   an auxiliary frame pivotally attached to the main frame, and   a surface cleaner attached to the auxiliary frame, the surface cleaner including a brush.   
     
     
         7 . The stand-on surface cleaner machine of  claim 6 , wherein the drive system includes two spaced apart wheels rotatably mounted on the main frame, and wherein the stand-on surface cleaner machine further includes:
 a hydraulic system including two hydraulically connected tanks, with each tank mounted on the main frame above a respective one of each of the wheels, and   a hydraulic cylinder, connected between and to each of the main frame and the auxiliary frame, for moving the auxiliary frame relative to the main frame.   
     
     
         8 . The stand-on surface cleaner machine of  claim 6 , wherein the surface cleaner is hydraulically powered. 
     
     
         9 . The stand-on surface cleaner machine of  claim 6 , wherein the hydraulic system further includes an auxiliary hydraulic quick connect adapted to be connected to a hydraulic powered surface cleaner, and a hydraulic pump in communication with the tanks, and providing pressurized fluid via hydraulic pressure lines to the hydraulic cylinder and to the auxiliary hydraulic quick connect. 
     
     
         10 . The stand-on adaptable surface cleaner of  claim 6  where in the surface cleaning apparatus is a snow thrower mounted to the frame that includes at least one impeller and snow chute. 
     
     
         11 . The stand-on adaptable surface cleaner of  claim 6  wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is a powered rotating broom.