Abstract: A method for controlling the speed of an off-the-road vehicle traveling on a gradient permits a constant downhill speed to be maintained. The vehicle speed can be set to a constant descending speed by an electronic system through active braking intervention, without requiring actuation of the brake by the driver. The vehicle in which the method is practiced has several forward speeds and one reverse speed within a low-range traveling phase. The constant descending speed is dependent upon the position of the gas pedal and upon the currently engaged gear of the low-range traveling phase. The method for use in off-the-road vehicles is particularly advantageous for situations in which the braking action of the engine on steep gradients is no longer sufficient to decelerate the vehicle.

Abstract: A process for controlling the speed of a vehicle travelling on a slope is disclosed. The vehicle is equipped with an electronic system which, through active brake intervention, adjusts the speed of the vehicle to a predetermined constant hill descent speed upon actuation of a hill descent control mode. The process comprises generating in the electronic system a continuously variable desired speed, and upon actuation of said hill descent control mode, the desired speed is continuously adjusted until it is equal to the predetermined constant hill descent speed. While the desired speed is being adjusted, the vehicle speed is continuously adjusted through active brake intervention until it is equal to the desired speed, so that after a transition period, the vehicle speed is equal to the predetermined constant hill descent speed.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for adjusting the speed of a vehicle travelling on a gradient to a predetermined desired speed, wherein the vehicle is equipped with an ABS and/or ASR system, comprises determining the actual speed of the vehicle travelling on a gradient, determining a control deviation for the vehicle, the control deviation being the difference between the actual speed of the vehicle and the desired speed, and actively applying the brakes of the vehicle when the control deviation is greater than a predetermined amount. Only the brakes of the downhill axle are braked so long as the control deviation is less than a predetermined control deviation, or so long as the slip of the braked wheels are less than a predetermined slip. The brakes of the uphill axle are applied only if the predetermined control deviation is exceeded.