Abstract: Method and apparatus to detect a change in a work tool with an engaging portion. A control system senses a change in the relationship between the engaging portion of the work tool and at least one of the work tool and another engaging portion of the work tool. If the change is greater than a predetermined value, the control system produces an error signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying a location of an object at an earthworking site. The method and apparatus includes determining a location in geographical coordinates of an earthworking implement at the earthworking site, determining a location in geographical coordinates of the object, displaying the earthworking implement and the object on a display having a top view and a side profile view of the earthworking site, selecting a perimeter of interest in the top view with respect to the earthworking implement, determining the coordinates of a portion of the object bounded by the perimeter of interest, and displaying a three-dimensional image of the portion of the object in the side profile view as a function of the perimeter of interest.

Abstract: A communications system and method for fleets of earthworking machines. The system and method includes a global communications level for communicating over long range distances, at least one site communications level for communicating over medium range distances, and at least one theater communications level for communicating over short range distances. The system and method also includes at least one local communications level for communicating between earthworking machines, and a fleet manager for coordinating communications of the earthworking machines as a function of at least one of the global communications level, the site communications level, the theater communications level, and the local communications level.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an antenna assembly to an elevationally movable portion of a vehicle dump bed includes a mountable support member having first and second end portions. The first end portion is fixed to the vehicle bed. The antenna assembly has an active element connected to a first end of a mounting element and a counterweight element connected to a second end of a mounting element. An intermediate portion of the mounting element is connected to the second end portion of the mountable support member. The antenna assembly is therefore free to rotate about at least one axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the elevationally movable dump bed.