Abstract: A pair of wheels coupled together by an adjustable axle mechanism. A right straight-line linkage coupled to a right wheel and a left straight-line linkage coupled to a left wheel. The right straight-line linkage and the left straight-line linkage are connected together and each move independently from each other between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A foot controlled engine start and stop system characterized by a control circuit arranged among an ignition switch, an ignition grounding circuit, a warm-up switch, a starter motor, an accelerator pedal, an alternator and an actuator to disengage the parking brake when the engine is started. The system controls automatic start and stop of the starter motor and engine by feeding back the output frequency of the alternator. When installed on an off-road utility vehicle, this system, will allow the operator to conveniently start and stop the engine by depressing or releasing the accelerator pedal. The system senses the engine speed by monitoring the frequency of the alternator output voltage and disables the starter circuit when the engine speed is at or above a level necessary to allow the engine to run without starter assistance. When the operator removes his/her foot from the accelerator pedal, the ignition circuit is grounded to stop the engine.

Abstract: A hydraulic rockshaft control circuit which includes a three-way valve that normally operates the rockshaft is connected to the lift cylinder on a trailing implement. A hitch lock valve connected to the rockshaft control valve maintains the rockshaft in a preselected position regardless of changes in pressure at the valve output. The extend side of the lift cylinder is connected to the control valve output so that the tractor hitch control is used to operate the trailing implement cylinder. To overcome the inability of the three-way valve to positively retract the trailing implement cylinder, a reducing/relieving valve is connected to the retract side of the cylinder and is adjusted to provide just enough pressure to retract the cylinder and raise the implement wheels from ground contact when the extend side is connected to return pressure.A position feedback system on the implement is connected to the hitch control unit (HCU) on the tractor.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based control system includes an automatic calibration and configuration feature. A calibration and configuration algorithm operates to establish the sensor ranges of all sensors installed and disables certain configurable features if the associated sensors are not present. The algorithm also provides a functional test of the control system during the calibration process.

Abstract: A hitch control system includes a draft force sensor, a hitch position sensor, an operator command lever, an upper hitch position limit setter, a mixer setter, a drop rate setter and a control unit which generates control signals as a function thereof. The control system includes a first (load) control mode wherein the hitch is controlled as a linear function primarily of sensed draft force and a second control mode wherein the hitch is controlled purely as a non-linear function of sensed hitch position. In the load control mode, a reference position value is used as a set point representing only the lower range of positions of the hitch. Draft force sensitivity and system gain values are derived from the mix setter so that increasing the sensitivity also increases the system gain. The sensitivity value is limited within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A hitch control system includes various sensors, an operator command lever, a spring-centered three position raise/lower switch, a control unit which generates control signals as a function thereof and an actuator which moves the hitch in response to the control signals. The control system permits the operator to move the hitch to a working position via manipulation of the command and a single manipulation of the raise/lower switch. The control system ignores switch manipulation unless the manipulation persists for at least a certain time period, or if the switch is manipulated in a different manner within a certain time of the earlier manipulation. In a failure mode the control system permits the hitch to be moved to a working position via manipulation of the raise/lower switch when the command lever cannot be so used.

Abstract: A solenoid current control system includes a microprocessor which periodically generates a desired peak current value and which energizes the solenoid coil. Current through the coil is sensed via a series resistor and the sensed current is compared to the desired peak current by comparator. The comparator generates an interrupt signal when the sensed current reaches the desired peak value. The interrupt signal is applied to the microprocessor which responds by de-energizing the coil.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based control system includes an automatic calibration and configuration feature. A calibration and configuration algorithm operates to establish the sensor ranges of all sensors installed and disables certain configurable features if the associated sensors are not present. The algorithm also provides a functional test of the control system during the calibration process.

Abstract: A hitch control system includes an algorithm which prevents undesired and/or unexpected hitch movement upon start-up of the control system, depending upon the actual hitch position, the commanded hitch position and an operator set limit position.