Abstract: A system and method for compensating reduced track speed because of engine droop for a work machine is disclosed. The system may comprise a frame, an attachment coupled to the frame, a ground-engaging mechanism adapted to support the frame, an engine, a motor, a track speed sensor, an engine speed sensor, and a controller. The engine may drive the ground-engaging mechanism and attachment. The engine may be coupled through a variable speed transmission to the ground-engaging mechanism and the attachment. They variable speed transmission may include a hydrostatic circuit. The controller may be adapted to send an increased transmission command signal based on a drop in the engine speed signal when the work machine engages an increased load. The increased transmission command signal may increase a motor speed to cause an increase in track speed to compensate at least a portion of the reduced track speed from the engine speed droop.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for dynamic characterization of an area to be worked using a work implement of a work machine. First real-time data (e.g., surface scan data) are collected in a forward direction via a first sensor external to or onboard the work machine, and second real-time data (e.g., surface scan data) are collected for at least a traversed portion of the work area via a second onboard sensor. Characteristic values of a ground material in the work area are determined based on at least the first and second data corresponding to a given surface, and outputs are generated corresponding to at least a determined amount of material needed to achieve target values for the work area, based on at least one of the characteristic values. Certain characteristic values based on the real-time data may be used to estimate, among other things, how many truck loads are still required for the work area.

Abstract: A control system for an earth moving machine having an earth moving tool is provided. A position detection system is configured to provide an indication of a geographical position of the earth moving machine. A tool position sensor is configured to provide an indication of a position of the earth moving tool relative to the earth moving machine. The tool force sensor is configured to provide an indication of force exerted on the earth moving tool. A controller is configured to determine a tool engagement with a work surface at a position indicated by the position detection system based on the indication of the tool position. The controller is further configured to generate jobsite density information based on the tool engagement and the indication of force exerted on the earth moving tool, the controller being further configured to cause a wireless communication module to provide an indication of the jobsite density for the position indicated by the position detection system to at least one remote device.

Abstract: A machine is configured to travel on a ground surface. The machine includes a frame and a support coupled to the frame. The support is configured to be raised or lowered relative to the frame. The machine also includes an implement movably coupled to the support. The implement is configured to engage the ground surface. The machine further includes a control processor configured to move the implement in response to movement of the support.

Abstract: A position control system for an implement of a work vehicle. The implement, such as a blade, is operatively connected to a push arm rotatably coupled to a frame of the work vehicle. A hydraulic actuator is operatively connected to the push arm and is configured to adjust the position of the push arm with respect to the frame. A controller generates a control command to adjust the position of the hydraulic actuator to thereby raise and lower the blade. A proportional quick drop valve, coupled to the hydraulic actuator and to the controller, directs a flow of fluid to the hydraulic actuator in response to the operator control command. The proportional quick drop valve reduces a drop speed of the blade, reduces cavitation of the actuator valves, and also reduces the pressure drop and fluid flow forces acting on the spools of the actuator valves.

Abstract: A position control system for an implement of a work vehicle. The implement, such as a blade, is operatively connected to a push arm rotatably coupled to a frame of the work vehicle. A hydraulic actuator is operatively connected to the push arm and is configured to adjust the position of the push arm with respect to the frame. A controller generates a control command to adjust the position of the hydraulic actuator to thereby raise and lower the blade. A proportional quick drop valve, coupled to the hydraulic actuator and to the controller, directs a flow of fluid to the hydraulic actuator in response to the operator control command. The proportional quick drop valve reduces a drop speed of the blade, reduces cavitation of the actuator valves, and also reduces the pressure drop and fluid flow forces acting on the spools of the actuator valves.

Abstract: An actuator assembly having an end guide with a first end and a second end, the end guide defining an axis passing through the first and second end, a rod having an outer surface, the rod being movable along the axis through the end guide, a wiper disposed outwardly of the rod and within the end guide, a scraper disposed outwardly of the rod and within the end guide and spaced axially from the wiper towards the second end, a cavity defined between the wiper, the scraper, the outer surface of the rod, and the end guide, and an orifice defined in the end guide between the wiper and the scraper, the orifice defining a flow path for a lubricating fluid to flow into the cavity, wherein, the wiper and the scraper are disposed in contact with the outer surface of the rod for removing debris therefrom.

Abstract: A hydraulic flushing system comprises a hydraulic machine including a case drain, a gearbox having a cavity, and a flushing valve. The case drain is included in a hydraulic pump or a hydraulic motor. The flushing valve is fluidly connected to the case drain, fluidly connected to the cavity, and fluidly positioned between the case drain and the cavity. The flushing valve is configured to selectively allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the case drain to the cavity.

Abstract: A hydraulic flushing system comprises a hydraulic machine including a case drain, a gearbox having a cavity, and a flushing valve. The case drain is included in a hydraulic pump or a hydraulic motor. The flushing valve is fluidly connected to the case drain, fluidly connected to the cavity, and fluidly positioned between the case drain and the cavity. The flushing valve is configured to selectively allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the case drain to the cavity.