Abstract: The control includes a fluid system having a fluid passage in connection with a rod end chamber and a piston end chamber of a fluid cylinder connected to the front axle and a front end of a vehicle and extendible in length for increasing a distance between the front axle and the front end, a progressive control valve is disposed in the passage and is controllably movable through a range of progressively more restrictive partially open positions. The valve can also have a one-way flow position to allow fluid flow only from the piston end chamber to the rod end chamber, to allow only retraction of the cylinder. A controller is automatically operable for causing the valve to move through the range of progressively more restrictive partially open positions as the fluid cylinder is increasingly extended, and for moving the valve to the one-way flow position when the cylinder reaches a predetermined length.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for installing a sensor in connection with relatively movable members for sensing relative position thereof without adjustment, the sensor including a body mountable in a predetermined position on a first of the members, and a coupler being adjustably connectable to a second of the members and connectable in predetermined relation to an input of the sensor for coupling the input to the second member. The coupler is adjustably connectable to the second member in a predetermined relation to the first member such that when the input is connected to the coupler and the body is mounted in the predetermined position on the first member, the input and the body portion will be relatively positioned such that the sensor will provide a predetermined signal when the first and second members are in predetermined relative position.

Abstract: The control includes a fluid system having a fluid passage in connection with a rod end chamber and a piston end chamber of a fluid cylinder connected to the front axle and a front end of a vehicle and extendible in length for increasing a distance between the front axle and the front end, a progressive control valve is disposed in the passage and is controllably movable through a range of progressively more restrictive partially open positions. The valve can also have a one-way flow position to allow fluid flow only from the piston end chamber to the rod end chamber, to allow only retraction of the cylinder. A controller is automatically operable for causing the valve to move through the range of progressively more restrictive partially open positions as the fluid cylinder is increasingly extended, and for moving the valve to the one-way flow position when the cylinder reaches a predetermined length.

Abstract: An exit lighting system for a work vehicle includes an exit light, controller connected to the exit light, and an operator interface connected to the controller for selecting various modes of operation. The operator interface includes a display that shows several exit lighting settings and an operator input device that permits the operator to adjust the settings, such as by turning the exit lighting on and off, selecting the exit light duration, and checking a light sensor to be sure it is dark before using the exit lights. The exit lights turn on when one or more of several operator selectable conditions exist: the operator doors are opened or closed, the atmospheric lighting is low, the headlights are on (prior to ignition off), and the ignition switch is turned off.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for installing a sensor in connection with relatively movable members for sensing relative position thereof without adjustment, the sensor including a body mountable in a predetermined position on a first of the members, and a coupler being adjustably connectable to a second of the members and connectable in predetermined relation to an input of the sensor for coupling the input to the second member. The coupler is adjustably connectable to the second member in a predetermined relation to the first member such that when the input is connected to the coupler and the body is mounted in the predetermined position on the first member, the input and the body portion will be relatively positioned such that the sensor will provide a predetermined signal when the first and second members are in predetermined relative position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method wherein at least two different sensors are used to obtain information related to ground speed of a work vehicle, and a control unit determines the ground speed based upon certain of the information from the sensors while the work vehicle is operating in a first ground speed range and based upon certain other information provided by the sensors while the work vehicle is operating in a second ground speed range. A display unit can advantageously be provided for displaying the ground speed determined by the control unit to the vehicle operator. The ground speed thus determined can also be used to more accurately control vehicle functions that depend on the ground speed. The ground speed can be selected from one or a combination of indications including a ground speed radar, a transmission or wheel speed pickup sensor, or a synthesized ground speed determined using engine speed and the commanded transmission gear ratio.