Abstract: Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system include a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor joystick movement. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing, while a controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) selectively place the work vehicle MRF joystick system in a modified joystick stiffness mode during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when the work vehicle MRF joystick system is placed in the modified joystick stiffness mode, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to vary the joystick stiffness based, at least in part, on the movement of the joystick relative to the base housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system include a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor joystick movement. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing, while a controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) selectively place the work vehicle MRF joystick system in a modified joystick stiffness mode during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when the work vehicle MRF joystick system is placed in the modified joystick stiffness mode, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to vary the joystick stiffness based, at least in part, on the movement of the joystick relative to the base housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system include a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor joystick movement. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing, while a controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) selectively place the work vehicle MRF joystick system in a modified joystick stiffness mode during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when the work vehicle MRF joystick system is placed in the modified joystick stiffness mode, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to vary the joystick stiffness based, at least in part, on the movement of the joystick relative to the base housing.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a grade control system is provided. The method includes placing a smartphone on first defined calibration location of a work machine. The smartphone determines a slope of the first defined calibration location relative to gravity. The smartphone is placed on a second defined calibration location of the work machine and determines a slope of the second defined calibration location relative to gravity. The slope of the first and second defined calibration locations is automatically communicated to the grade control system and is employed for subsequent grade control.

Abstract: A method of selecting an economy operating mode of a work machine includes detecting a current throttle position of a throttle control and a current track speed with a speed sensor, and determining a current drivetrain load of the machine as a function of motor torque, a drivetrain ratio, a drivetrain mechanical efficiency, a final drive windage factor, and a rolling radius. The method includes decreasing the current throttle command if a ratio of the current drivetrain load to an available drivetrain load is less than a load threshold. A transmission ratio of the transmission is increased by the controller to an increased transmission ratio if the ratio of the current drivetrain load to the available drivetrain load is less than the load threshold.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a grade control system is provided. The method includes placing a smartphone on first defined calibration location of a work machine. The smartphone determines a slope of the first defined calibration location relative to gravity. The smartphone is placed on a second defined calibration location of the work machine and determines a slope of the second defined calibration location relative to gravity. The slope of the first and second defined calibration locations is automatically communicated to the grade control system and is employed for subsequent grade control.

Abstract: A method of selecting an economy operating mode of a work machine includes detecting a current throttle position of a throttle control and a current track speed with a speed sensor, and determining a current drivetrain load of the machine as a function of motor torque, a drivetrain ratio, a drivetrain mechanical efficiency, a final drive windage factor, and a rolling radius. The method includes decreasing the current throttle command if a ratio of the current drivetrain load to an available drivetrain load is less than a load threshold. A transmission ratio of the transmission is increased by the controller to an increased transmission ratio if the ratio of the current drivetrain load to the available drivetrain load is less than the load threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for inhibiting the bridging of a work vehicle. A method adjusts a position of an implement of a work vehicle to inhibit a bridging of the work vehicle. The method includes: receiving, by a processor associated with the work vehicle, a chassis pitch angle associated with a chassis of the work vehicle from the Grade Control System; determining, by the processor, whether the chassis pitch angle is greater than a predefined threshold; receiving, by the processor, a current height of the implement relative to a grade from the Grade Control System; determining, by the processor, an offset to move the implement to a height above the grade based on the current height of the implement; and outputting, by the processor, the offset to the Grade Control System to move the implement to inhibit the bridging of the work vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adjusting a position of an implement of a work vehicle to control a load on the work vehicle. The implement is movable by a hydraulic circuit controlled by a Grade Control System. The method includes: determining, by a processor of the work vehicle, a slip condition associated with the work vehicle; determining, by the processor, an engine speed condition associated with the work vehicle; determining, by the processor, an offset to adjust the position of the implement based on at least one of the slip condition and the engine speed condition; and outputting the offset to the Grade Control System to adjust the position of the implement based on the offset to control the load on the work vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adjusting a position of an implement of a work vehicle to control a load on the work vehicle. The implement is movable by a hydraulic circuit controlled by a Grade Control System. The method includes: determining, by a processor of the work vehicle, a slip condition associated with the work vehicle; determining, by the processor, an engine speed condition associated with the work vehicle; determining, by the processor, an offset to adjust the position of the implement based on at least one of the slip condition and the engine speed condition; and outputting the offset to the Grade Control System to adjust the position of the implement based on the offset to control the load on the work vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for inhibiting the bridging of a work vehicle. A method adjusts a position of an implement of a work vehicle to inhibit a bridging of the work vehicle. The method includes: receiving, by a processor associated with the work vehicle, a chassis pitch angle associated with a chassis of the work vehicle from the Grade Control System; determining, by the processor, whether the chassis pitch angle is greater than a predefined threshold; receiving, by the processor, a current height of the implement relative to a grade from the Grade Control System; determining, by the processor, an offset to move the implement to a height above the grade based on the current height of the implement; and outputting, by the processor, the offset to the Grade Control System to move the implement to inhibit the bridging of the work vehicle.

Abstract: A work vehicle may include a chassis, a ground-engaging blade, a sensor assembly, and a controller. The blade may be movably connected to the chassis via a linkage assembly configured to allow the blade to be raised and lowered relative to the chassis. The sensor assembly may be configured to provide a chassis inclination signal indicative of an angle of the chassis relative to the direction of gravity and a blade inclination signal indicative of an angle of the blade relative to one of the chassis and the direction of gravity. The controller may be configured to receive the chassis and blade inclination signals, determine a target grade, determine a distance error based on the signals indicative of a distance between the blade and the target grade, and send a command to move the blade toward the target grade based on the distance error.

Abstract: The present invention provides an engine start system in a vehicle. The engine start system includes an engine and a charge system. The vehicle also includes an engine speed sensor for measuring a speed of the engine. The charge system is coupled to the engine and includes a charge pump. The vehicle further includes a control unit and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of fluid in the charge system. The temperature sensor is electrically coupled to the control unit. A bypass system is fluidly coupled to the charge system and includes a valve and a solenoid. The solenoid is electrically coupled to the control unit such that the control unit energizes the solenoid to control the valve in response to the speed measured by the speed sensor and the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an engine start system in a vehicle. The engine start system includes an engine and a charge system. The vehicle also includes an engine speed sensor for measuring a speed of the engine. The charge system is coupled to the engine and includes a charge pump. The vehicle further includes a control unit and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of fluid in the charge system. The temperature sensor is electrically coupled to the control unit. A bypass system is fluidly coupled to the charge system and includes a valve and a solenoid. The solenoid is electrically coupled to the control unit such that the control unit energizes the solenoid to control the valve in response to the speed measured by the speed sensor and the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.