Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a cooling fan in a vehicle engine compartment, such as a tractor or combine. A fan control receives inputs from sensors and uses the sensor inputs in determining fan speeds which meet cooling needs while limiting fan energy consumption. Sensor data include at least one of PTO and transmission settings, throttle command and engine speed, and fan speed and air conditioner settings. Sensor data is received and processed in the fan control, which sends the greatest determined fan speed to a fan actuator. When the PTO is activated and the transmission is in park, fan speed can be controlled according to an alternate coolant temperature table. When throttle command is zero and engine speed is above a maximum, fan speed is set at maximum. When air conditioning is activated, fan speed is set at least at a predetermined minimum speed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a cooling fan in a vehicle engine compartment, such as a tractor or combine. A fan control receives inputs from sensors and uses the sensor inputs in determining fan speeds which meet cooling needs while limiting fan energy consumption. Sensor data include at least one of PTO and transmission settings, throttle command and engine speed, and fan speed and air conditioner settings. Sensor data is received and processed in the fan control, which sends the greatest determined fan speed to a fan actuator. When the PTO is activated and the transmission is in park, fan speed can be controlled according to an alternate coolant temperature table. When throttle command is zero and engine speed is above a maximum, fan speed is set at maximum. When air conditioning is activated, fan speed is set at least at a predetermined minimum speed.