Patent attributes
An apparatus (10) applies product in liquid or granular form to an area and includes a pivotal platform (34) solely supported to a vehicular portion through bushings (46, 54) formed of compressible material to reduce operator fatigue. The apparatus ground speed can be locked by stepping on a step (74) pivoting a composite block (82) to engage with an engagement (84) of the transmission proportioner arm (70). A gate (88) of the hopper (26) is opened utilizing a control lever (108) pivotally mounted to a pivotably mounted control block (100) to either engage or avoid a tang (106) of an adjustment guide (102). A drive belt system includes a variator (144) having first and second sheaves (142, 146) having variable effective diameters when their pivot pin (148) is moved by pivoting a lever (164). A spray tip (200) sprays a fan style spray at a small acute angle to the application area. A flip shield (184) is pivoted about an axis parallel to the movement direction and includes a linear straight portion (188) parallel to the axis in a redirection position.