Abstract: A work machine that has a chassis, a payload section, a controller, a payload sensor in communication with the controller, and an orientation sensor that identifies the orientation of the work machine to the controller. The controller determines a center of gravity for the work machine considering a payload weight identified by the payload sensor and sends an alert when the location of the center of gravity and the orientation of the work machine create an unstable condition.

Abstract: An adjustable ride control circuit and method that includes a head valve that controls flow between a boom cylinder head intake and an accumulator, and a rod float valve that controls flow between a boom cylinder rod intake and tank, where the rod float valve is electronically adjustable and proportionally controls flow restriction. A controller controls ride control activation, and adjustment of the head and rod float valves. When ride control is activated, the head valve allows flow between the head intake and the accumulator, and the controller automatically adjusts the rod float valve. When ride control is deactivated, the head valve blocks flow between the head intake and the accumulator, and the rod float valve blocks flow between the rod intake and tank. An enable valve can control positioning of the head valve. A flow selector can select manual or automatic adjustment of the rod float valve.

Abstract: An actuator is connected to a frame and a boom arm to pivot the boom arm with respect to the frame. A spool valve directs fluid from a pump into a selected side of the actuator. A first anti-cavitation valve is fluidly positioned between the first end of the actuator and the reservoir to permit fluid flow from the reservoir to the first end of the actuator while the first anti-cavitation valve is open and inhibit fluid flow from the first end of the actuator to the reservoir. A second anti-cavitation valve is fluidly positioned between the second end of the actuator and the reservoir to permit fluid flow from the reservoir to the second end of the actuator while the second anti-cavitation valve is open and inhibit fluid flow from the second end of the actuator to the reservoir.

Abstract: A method of controlling hydraulic fluid flow to a material handling vehicle implement includes coupling a boom arm to a vehicle frame for rotation about the vehicle frame, rotating a boom arm with respect to the vehicle frame with a first actuator, coupling an attachment to the boom arm for rotation with respect to the boom arm, rotating the attachment with respect to the boom arm with a second actuator, sensing a velocity of the attachment, communicating the sensed velocity to a control system, sensing a weight of the attachment, communicating the sensed weight to the control system, calculating a kinetic energy of the attachment based upon the sensed velocity and the sensed weight of the attachment, and adjusting fluid flow through the control valve to limit a range of movement of the attachment in response to the calculated kinetic energy of the attachment exceeding a pre-determined kinetic energy.

Abstract: A method of controlling hydraulic fluid flow to an implement of a material handling vehicle includes coupling a boom arm to a vehicle frame for rotation about the vehicle frame, rotating a boom arm with respect to the vehicle frame with an actuator, coupling an attachment to the boom arm for rotation with respect to the boom arm, sensing a pressure of fluid in the actuator, communicating the sensed pressure to a control system, determining a baseline pressure of the attachment based upon the sensed pressure of the fluid in the actuator, and limiting fluid flow to the actuator with a control valve in response to the sensed pressure of the fluid in the actuator being above the baseline pressure.

Abstract: A method for controlling a valve spool that includes providing a control valve having a first end and a second end with a spool disposed therebetween, a hydraulic component, a controller, a first control circuit and a second control circuit, selectively controlling the pressure in the first end and the second end with the controller, identifying an active state, with the controller, and applying an active pressure to both the first end and the second end with the corresponding first control circuit and second control circuit during the active state, and identifying a first command, with the controller, and providing a command pressure to the first end through the first control circuit and a release pressure to the second end through the second control circuit during the first command. Wherein, the spool is moved within the control valve and the hydraulic component is engaged during the first command.

Abstract: A method of controlling hydraulic fluid flow to an implement of a material handling vehicle includes coupling a boom arm to a vehicle frame for rotation about the vehicle frame, rotating a boom arm with respect to the vehicle frame with an actuator, coupling an attachment to the boom arm for rotation with respect to the boom arm, sensing a pressure of fluid in the actuator, communicating the sensed pressure to a control system, determining a baseline pressure of the attachment based upon the sensed pressure of the fluid in the actuator, and limiting fluid flow to the actuator with a control valve in response to the sensed pressure of the fluid in the actuator being above the baseline pressure.

Abstract: A method of controlling hydraulic fluid flow to a material handling vehicle implement includes coupling a boom arm to a vehicle frame for rotation about the vehicle frame, rotating a boom arm with respect to the vehicle frame with a first actuator, coupling an attachment to the boom arm for rotation with respect to the boom arm, rotating the attachment with respect to the boom arm with a second actuator, sensing a velocity of the attachment, communicating the sensed velocity to a control system, sensing a weight of the attachment, communicating the sensed weight to the control system, calculating a kinetic energy of the attachment based upon the sensed velocity and the sensed weight of the attachment, and adjusting fluid flow through the control valve to limit a range of movement of the attachment in response to the calculated kinetic energy of the attachment exceeding a pre-determined kinetic energy.

Abstract: A control system for a material handling vehicle has a boom arm connected to a vehicle frame for rotation about the vehicle frame. An actuator is connected to the vehicle frame and the boom arm to cause the boom arm to rotate about the vehicle frame, and an attachment is connected to the boom arm for rotation with respect to the boom arm. The control system includes a controller that is configured to calculate a pre-determined acceleration limit of the attachment, and a sensor that senses acceleration of the attachment and communicate the sensed acceleration to the controller. The controller is configured to compare the pre-determined acceleration limit of the attachment to the sensed acceleration of the attachment and is configured to adjust a control valve to limit flow to the actuator in response to the sensed acceleration of the attachment being above the pre-determined acceleration upper limit.

Abstract: A method for controlling a valve spool that includes providing a control valve having a first end and a second end with a spool disposed therebetween, a hydraulic component, a controller, a first control circuit and a second control circuit, selectively controlling the pressure in the first end and the second end with the controller, identifying an active state, with the controller, and applying an active pressure to both the first end and the second end with the corresponding first control circuit and second control circuit during the active state, and identifying a first command, with the controller, and providing a command pressure to the first end through the first control circuit and a release pressure to the second end through the second control circuit during the first command. Wherein, the spool is moved within the control valve and the hydraulic component is engaged during the first command.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a forced induction engine, fluid reservoir, engine controller, and sensor. The fluid reservoir is pneumatically connected to intake air of the forced induction engine. The engine controller is in communication with the forced induction engine and configured to control the forced induction engine. The sensor is in communication with the engine controller and is configured to measure a pressure within the fluid reservoir and communicate it to the engine controller. The controller is configured to derate the engine when the pressure within the fluid reservoir is above a first pressure.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a forced induction engine, fluid reservoir, engine controller, and sensor. The fluid reservoir is pneumatically connected to intake air of the forced induction engine. The engine controller is in communication with the forced induction engine and configured to control the forced induction engine. The sensor is in communication with the engine controller and is configured to measure a pressure within the fluid reservoir and communicate it to the engine controller. The controller is configured to derate the engine when the pressure within the fluid reservoir is above a first pressure.