Engine/transaxle combination

A unitized engine transaxle combination preferably having a variable speed transmission such as a hydrostatic or continuous variable transmission for utilization in a work vehicle, the combination including a specific arrangement of components parts inside the transaxle housing and the connection of the engine thereto to provide the engine transaxle combination unit. In the preferred embodiment, a hydrostatic pump is connected to the engine and the hydrostatic motor is positioned inside the transaxle housing on the same side thereof in relation to the left or right side of the combination. In close proximity to the hydrostatic motor, a speed reduction unit is also housed inside the transaxle housing. The other end of the transaxle housing houses a differential unit. The hydrostatic pump is driven by a cam gear mechanism which is contained within the engine housing and interconnects with the engine crankshaft and the hydrostatic pump input shaft so that the hydrostatic pump is driven thereby. Preferably, the engine and the transaxle are interconnected and include at least a partially common housing. The engine is positioned as close to the ground and as close to the transaxle as possible in order to lower the vehicle's center of gravity while still providing sufficient clearance between the output end of the engine crankshaft and the ground. A single belt is utilized to drive a working implement operatively connected to the vehicle from the engine output shaft to an implement input shaft. This single belt passes through a space created in the transaxle by the arrangement of the component parts as described above. The space created is sufficient to allow the vehicle to operate the implement with a maximum vertical float which occasionally, but not for extended periods exceeds the recommended manufacturer's belt misalignment angle without interference between the belt and the bottom of the transaxle housing.