Abstract: A hitch assembly control system is provided in which signals representative of battery voltage are used to generate a correction factor that is applied to control signals to a hitch actuator circuit to improve consistency in control. In an alternative embodiment, a correction factor is generated from signals representative of electrical parameters of solenoid coils included in the actuator circuit and this correction factor is applied to control signals to the actuator circuit. Also provided is a calibration method for a vehicle control system in which certain physical and electrical parameters of the vehicle and the control system are measured and stored during a calibration sequence for later use in the control of an implement coupled to an attachment member of the vehicle. A control method for a vehicle is also provided in which correction factors are generated from measurements of battery voltage or a solenoid coil parameter, and applied to control signals generated by a control circuit.

Abstract: A hitch assembly control system including an actuator which positions the hitch assembly in response to control signals provided to an electrically driven actuator. The control system further includes an electronic controller operated under the influence of a program for deriving the control signals for the actuator from a series of inputs which monitor and measure various performance criteria. The program functions to operate the hitch assembly in a plurality of different operating states. In a DRAFT state, the hitch assembly position is controlled under the influence of at least four independently set variables. The control system of the present invention is capable of calibrating the hitch assembly configuration as well, as the limits of hitch assembly operation. Moreover, the control system of the present invention is capable of detecting, categorizing and recording failures which occur in the various states of hitch assembly operation.

Abstract: A hitch assembly control system including an actuator which positions the hitch assembly in response to control signals provided to an electrically driven actuator. The control system further includes an electronic controller operated under the influence of a program for deriving the control signals for the actuator from a series of inputs which monitor and measure various performance criteria. The program functions to operate the hitch assembly in a plurality of different operating states. In a DRAFT state, the hitch assembly position is controlled under the influence of at least four independently set variables. The control system of the present invention is capable of calibrating the hitch assembly configuration as well, as the limits of hitch assembly operation. Moreover, the control system of the present invention is capable of detecting, categorizing and recording failures which occur in the various states of hitch assembly operation.