Abstract: A method for automating an agricultural work task includes specifying one or more site-specific target values or weighting factors with respect to process-related or agronomic quality criteria via an interface module according to which the work task is to be executed by the soil cultivation implement. The method includes converting the target values or weighting factors in an optimization module into process control variables representing working or operating parameters of the soil cultivation implement, and adjusting the process control variables in a stabilization module by activating positioning or operating units of the soil cultivation implement or the agricultural tractor. In the converting step, feedback data is included with respect to a status of a field surface before or after the cultivation by the implement and with respect to an operating status of the implement or the tractor in order to modify the process control variables.

Abstract: A remote starting system and method are provided for self-propelled work vehicles having work attachments supported from a main frame thereof. Cameras are arranged with respective fields of vision proximate to the work vehicle, and a communications unit is configured to exchange messages with a user device via a communications network. A local or remote controller is configured to receive first user input comprising a remote startup request for the work vehicle from the user device, and to automatically detect parameters respectively associated with predetermined remote startup conditions, at least one of the parameters comprising images obtained from the cameras. The images are transmitted to the user device, responsive to which second user input is received comprising remote startup confirmation from the user device via the communications network. Responsive to at least the second user input, engine startup is automatically controlled for the work vehicle.

Abstract: The available power surge capacity of a battery is detected. The available steady state regeneration energy capacity of the battery is also detected. The available battery generation power, available from an electric motor, is detected as well. The generation power available from the electric motor is applied to regenerate (or recharge) the battery based upon the available power surge capacity, and the available steady state capacity of the battery.

Abstract: An electrically powered work vehicle includes a work vehicle frame and a plurality of ground engaging units for supporting the work vehicle frame from a ground surface, at least one of the ground engaging units being powered by an electric drive motor to drive the vehicle. An electrical power storage system is carried by the work vehicle frame and connected to the electric drive motor to provide electrical power to the electric drive motor. A work tool coupler is carried by the work vehicle and configured to selectively interconnect the work vehicle with a coupler receiver of a selected one of a plurality of different work tools. A vehicle side electrical connector is carried by the work tool coupler and configured to transfer electrical power to the electrical power storage system to charge the electrical power storage system. Such a work vehicle may be used in combination with an external charging station.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for adjusting steering angle and articulation angle in an auto steering operation of a work vehicle. The percentage of travel of an articulation joystick of the work vehicle at least partially determines an articulation desired angle change, which can be used to calculate an articulation desired angle and a steering desired angle change. The difference between the articulation desired angle and an articulation angle detected by an articulation angle sensor is used to adjust the articulation angle. The steering desired angle change can be used to calculate a steering desired angle. The difference between the steering desired angle and a steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor is used to adjust the steering angle.

Abstract: A ground engaging tool control system including a first sensor system, a second sensor system, a first actuator system, a second actuator system, and an electronic data processor. The first and second sensor systems detect respective positions of a first ground engaging tool and a second ground engaging tool. The first actuator system is coupled to the first ground engaging tool and the second actuator system is coupled to the second ground engaging tool. The electronic data processor determines a target grade profile and generates two or more control signals to adjust target positions of the first ground engaging tool and the second ground engaging tool. The target position of the second ground engaging tool is determined based on at least one of a position of the first ground engaging tool or the comparison of a current grade profile and a desired grade profile.

Abstract: One or more information maps are obtained by an agricultural work machine. The one or more information maps map one or more agricultural characteristic values at different geographic locations of a field. An in-situ sensor on the agricultural work machine senses an agricultural characteristic as the agricultural work machine moves through the field. A predictive map generator generates a predictive map that predicts a predictive agricultural characteristic at different locations in the field based on a relationship between the values in the one or more information maps and the agricultural characteristic sensed by the in-situ sensor. The predictive map can be output and used in automated machine control.

Abstract: One or more information maps are obtained by an agricultural work machine. The one or more information maps map one or more agricultural characteristic values at different geographic locations of a field. An in-situ sensor on the agricultural work machine senses an agricultural characteristic as the agricultural work machine moves through the field. A predictive map generator generates a predictive map that predicts a predictive agricultural characteristic at different locations in the field based on a relationship between the values in the one or more information maps and the agricultural characteristic sensed by the in-situ sensor. The predictive map can be output and used in automated machine control.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor with a system for identifying downstream road users includes a control unit in communication with a user interface, and a sensor having a detection range which runs in a vicinity of a ground and which is in a direction of an attachment connected to the agricultural tractor. The sensor is configured to identify a vehicle located in the detection range or which enters therein, and then generates a corresponding message signal which is supplied to the control unit. The control unit activates the user interface based on the message signal for the output of a driver message. A free region visible from the agricultural tractor by the sensor is formed between a road surface and a lower contour of the attachment facing the road surface.

Abstract: A hydraulic system and method for service mode on a work machine is operatively coupled to a cutting element for felling trees. The hydraulic system comprises a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic pump, a feed actuator, a feed line, a directional control valve, a voltage battery, and a controller. The hydraulic motor is coupled to the hydraulic circuit for operating the cutting element. The hydraulic pump is operable to supply pressurized fluid to the hydraulic motor. The feed actuator extends or retracts the cutting element. The feed line is coupled to the hydraulic actuator. The directional control valve is located on the feed line of the feed actuator. The controller receives a cutting element service mode signal, moves the directional control valve to pressure the feed line for extending the cutting element where the valve is powered by the voltage battery upon receiving the cutting element service mode signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating remaining life in an agricultural baler comprise a reciprocating plunger for compressing gathered agricultural material into bales. A first sensor generates signals corresponding to force applied to the reciprocating plunger and any baling components configured to at least partially carry forces applied to the plunger. Based on input signals from at least the first sensor, forces associated with a load are recorded and a life state is estimated for the reciprocating plunger and/or at least one associated baler component. An output signal is then generated corresponding to the one or more estimated life states. In an embodiment, an input signal from a second sensor indicates completion of a bale, wherein an amount of life consumed from the plunger and/or baling components is determined in association with the bale, based at least in part on operating conditions of the baled material.

Abstract: A work vehicle for cutting crops includes a header a supported by a chassis of the work vehicle. The header includes a cutter assembly having a cutter bar frame supporting a series of rotary cutters arranged in a lengthwise direction. A gear train, having a first gear and a second gear, is coupled to the series of rotary cutters to transfer power thereto. A cutter control system includes a first motor coupled to the first gear of the gear train and a second motor coupled to the second gear of the gear train. A controller, including a processor and memory architecture, is operably connected to the first motor and the second motor to control operation thereof. The cutter control system drives the first gear at a first speed via the first motor and drives the second gear at a second speed via the second motor. The second speed is different than the first speed to pre-load the gear train into enmeshing engagement with each other in one rotational direction.

Abstract: A method for silaging harvested crops includes distributing and compacting silage consisting of shredded foliage plants in a silo. The silo is then sealed and then fermented in the silo. At least one part of the silage is flushed with an inert gas after an aerobic phase of the fermentation is detected with a first sensor. The inert gas may also be introduced into the silage if a penetration of atmospheric oxygen is detected in the silage with a second sensor.

Abstract: A tandem wheel assembly for a work vehicle includes a tandem wheel housing, a center drive member rotatably disposed within the housing, first and second wheel end assemblies, a coupler between each wheel end drive member and the center drive member, and a brake assembly. Each wheel end assembly includes an input shaft, a wheel end drive member mounted thereon, a wheel end gear train coupled to the input shaft, an output shaft coupled to the wheel end gear train, and a wheel end hub coupled to the output shaft for supporting one of the wheels. The brake assembly is coupled to the tandem wheel housing and to the input shaft or the output shaft of at least one of the first wheel end assembly or the second wheel end assembly and reduces the amount of backlash.

Abstract: A disk for use with a tillage machine includes a body portion rotatable about an axis of rotation. The body portion has a circumferential edge and a concavity with a first radius defined from a point on the axis of rotation. A hub portion is continuous with the body portion and presents an abutment face having a concavity with a second radius defined from a point on the axis of rotation. An aperture extends through the abutment face and is centered about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlled loading by a self-propelled work vehicle comprising ground engaging units supporting a main frame, and at least one work attachment moveable with respect to the main frame for loading and unloading material in a loading area external to the work vehicle. Using at least one detector, such as cameras and/or vehicle motion sensors, location inputs for the loading area are detected respective to the main frame and/or at least one work attachment. A trigger input is detected in association with transition of the work vehicle from a first work state to an automated second work state. In the second work state, at least movement of the main frame and/or the at least one work attachment is automatically controlled relative to a defined reference associated with the loading area. Such a system and method facilitates loading operations and accordingly higher productivity regardless of operator experience.

Abstract: A transmission includes a drive element, a first output element, a primary transmission unit, a reversing unit, and an intermediate gearbox. At least two of the at least nine shifting elements of the primary transmission unit, at least one of the at least two shifting elements of the reversing unit, and at least one of the at least two shifting elements of the intermediate gearbox are activatable in combinations of at least four shifting elements so as to establish at least twenty-eight forward gears between the drive element and the first output element.

Abstract: A transmission arrangement for a vehicle includes an input gearbox including a first input shaft, a base gearbox connected to an output side of the input gearbox in a direction of a power flow, and a drive unit for rotatably driving a drive shaft at a rotational speed. The drive shaft is drive-connected to a second input shaft of the input gearbox. The transmission arrangement also includes a locking device being transferable into a locking position for arresting a rotation of the second input shaft.

Abstract: A transmission includes a drive element, a first output element, a primary transmission unit, a reversing unit, and an intermediate gearbox. At least three of the at least eight shifting elements of the primary transmission unit, at least one of the at least two shifting elements of the reversing unit, and at least one of the at least two shifting elements of the intermediate gearbox are activatable in combinations of at least five shifting elements so as to establish at least twenty-eight forward gears between the drive element and the first output element.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of controlling a mobile agricultural machine includes obtaining prior field data representing a position of plants in a field, obtaining in situ plant detection data from operation of the mobile agricultural machine in the field, determining a position error in the prior field data based on the in situ plant detection data, and generating a control signal that controls the mobile agricultural machine based on the determined position error.