Abstract: A method for detecting wear in an implement system of a grading machine includes receiving acceleration information from a sensor connected to the implement system while the grading machine performs a task and estimating an incremental amount of wear in the implement system of the grading machine based on the acceleration information. The method also includes determining a cumulative amount of wear in the implement system of the grading machine and outputting a notification based on the cumulative amount of wear.

Abstract: A spring preloaded lockup clutch system comprises clutch disc(s), an input component, and an output component housed in a hydraulic fluid chamber of a torque converter, a lockup piston and a mechanical spring housed in a piston housing of the torque converter, and a relief valve coupled to the hydraulic fluid chamber. The clutch disc(s), when engaged, couples the input component to the output component. The lockup piston has a first end and a second end, engages with the clutch disc(s) when biased, and disengages from the clutch disc(s) when unbiased. The mechanical spring, coupled to the lockup piston at the second end, applies force to bias the lockup piston. The relief valve, when opened, relieves hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic fluid chamber allowing the lockup piston to remain being biased, and, when closed, allows the hydraulic pressure to build up allowing the lockup piston to be unbiased.

Abstract: A method for detecting wear in an implement system of a grading machine includes receiving acceleration information from a sensor connected to the implement system while the grading machine performs a task and estimating an incremental amount of wear in the implement system of the grading machine based on the acceleration information. The method also includes determining a cumulative amount of wear in the implement system of the grading machine and outputting a notification based on the cumulative amount of wear.

Abstract: A system for applying brake torque on a wheel of a machine includes a housing member and a spindle coupled to the housing member. A mounting member is coupled to the spindle, and coupled to a brake disc and a rim of the wheel. A caliper is coupled to the housing member and selectively engages with the brake disc. A control valve is in fluid communication with the caliper and a controller of the machine. The controller determines the positon of the brake pedal based on signals received from a first sensor and generates a first output signal when the position of the brake pedal is beyond a threshold position. Further, the controller communicates the first output signal with the control valve to allow flow of fluid into the caliper. The caliper engages with the brake disc to apply the brake torque on the wheel.

Abstract: A drive assembly for machines is provided, which includes a differential gear arrangement and at least one final drive arrangement. The differential gear arrangement includes at least one differential output shaft. The final drive arrangement is driven by the differential output shaft. The final drive arrangement includes a primary planetary gear assembly, a secondary planetary gear assembly, and a clutch. The primary planetary gear assembly includes a first sun gear powered by differential output shaft, a first planetary gear, a first ring gear kept stationary, and a first planetary carrier fixed to a wheel drive mechanism. The secondary planetary gear assembly includes second sun gear powered by the differential output shaft, second planetary gear, second ring gear, and second planetary carrier fixed to the wheel drive mechanism. The clutch partially engages and disengages with the second ring gear, to correspondingly partially restrict and release the second ring gear.

Abstract: A drive assembly for motor graders is provided, which includes a differential gear arrangement and at least one final drive arrangement. The differential gear arrangement includes a differential housing and at least one differential output shaft. The final drive arrangement is driven by differential housing and the differential output shaft. The final drive arrangement includes a primary planetary gear assembly, a secondary planetary gear assembly, and a clutch. The primary planetary gear assembly includes a first sun gear powered by output shaft, two first planetary gears, a first ring gear positioned stationary, and a first planetary carrier fixed to a wheel drive mechanism. The secondary planetary gear assembly includes second sun gear powered by the differential housing, second planetary gear, second ring gear, and second planetary carrier fixed to the first planetary carrier.

Abstract: A method for controlling the power of an engine is provided. The method includes determining a baseline fuel amount, determining an engine cooling fan operating condition based on an engine operating parameter, determining an engine cooling fan command based on the engine cooling fan operating condition, determining an engine cooling fan power level based on the engine speed and the engine cooling fan command, determining an additional fuel amount based on the engine cooling fan power level, adding the additional fuel amount to the baseline fuel amount to create a compensated fuel amount, and providing the compensated fuel amount to the engine. An engine system, including an engine controller coupled to an engine, a fuel system and a hydraulic pump, is also provided. The engine controller includes a processor adapted to perform a set of instructions that controls the power of the engine.

Abstract: A method for controlling the power of an engine is provided. The method includes determining a baseline fuel amount, determining an engine cooling fan operating condition based on an engine operating parameter, determining an engine cooling fan command based on the engine cooling fan operating condition, determining an engine cooling fan power level based on the engine speed and the engine cooling fan command, determining an additional fuel amount based on the engine cooling fan power level, adding the additional fuel amount to the baseline fuel amount to create a compensated fuel amount, and providing the compensated fuel amount to the engine. An engine system, including an engine controller coupled to an engine, a fuel system and a hydraulic pump, is also provided. The engine controller includes a processor adapted to perform a set of instructions that controls the power of the engine.