Abstract: A user input device in accordance with one features of the present invention includes one or more joysticks, movable by a user in an operator compartment of a power machine. The joysticks control direction of movement of the power machine, as well as travel speed.

Abstract: A control system controls actuation of a hydraulic cylinder on a skid steer loader. The control system includes a movable element, such as a hand grip. The hand grip is intelligent in that each contains a microprocessor or other digital controller which monitors user actuable elements (such as switches, buttons, paddles, etc.). The controller sends a communication signal to a main control computer. The communication signal is indicative of the state of the user actuable elements and is, in one embodiment, a serial communication signal.

Abstract: A clock stores time data indicative of time of operation of a power machine. A timing circuit provides a timing signal and a controller is coupled to a timing circuit and to a memory, which includes a plurality of memory locations. An elapsed time value is maintained, based on the timing signal, by the timing circuit, and a subset of a plurality of memory locations is intermittently updated with the elapsed time value.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a user interface to a computer-based control system for controlling hydraulic and/or electro-mechanical actuators, or electrical actuators on a power machine. The user interface provides one or more features to increase functionality or usefulness in the user interface. In one illustrative embodiment, the user interface includes a display device, such as a bit-mapped liquid crystal display screen which displays the status of a number of vital functions associated with the power machine. In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the control system senses a number of parameters and records warning conditions associated with the sensed parameters. The user interface can allow the user to view active warning conditions, scroll through active warning conditions and view help screens designed to enhance trouble shooting associated with the active warnings.

Abstract: A control system controls actuation of a hydraulic cylinder on a skid steer loader. The control system includes a movable element, movable by an operator. A position sensor is coupled to the movable element and provides a position signal indicative of a position of the movable element. A controller is coupled to the position sensor to receive the position signal and provide a control signal based on the position signal. A valve spool controls flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder. An actuator is coupled to the controller and the valve spool and moves the valve spool in response to the control signal from the controller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer based control system for controlling hydraulic and electromechanical actuators on a power machine, such as a skid steer loader. The computer based control system is configured to implement a number of features to enhance certain operational aspects of the power machine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer based control system for controlling hydraulic and electromechanical actuators on a power machine, such as a skid steer loader. The computer based control system is configured to implement a number of features to enhance certain operational aspects of the power machine. One such feature includes an operator actuable selector which provides a selector signal based on an operator input. A controller receives the selector signal and provides an auxiliary output signal to control an auxiliary valve in a selected one of an on/off mode and a proportional mode based on the selector signal.

Abstract: A control system on a power machine which includes a first sensor sensing a first operating condition and providing a first sensor signal. An operator actuable override mechanism provides an override signal in response to actuation thereof. A controller is coupled to the first sensor, a power circuit, a traction lockout mechanism, and the override mechanism. The controller is configured to instate a lockout condition in response to the first sensor signal. The controller selectively overrides the lockout condition based on the override signal, and the first sensor signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment for use with a power machine. An attachment control device includes an ignition switch and a stop switch and allows a user to operate the attachment from outside the operator compartment of the power machine, when the power machine is started from the attachment control device.

Abstract: A power attachment is attachable to a power machine which has a power circuit. The power machine also includes an operator input device receiving an operator input and providing an output signal indicative of the operator input. The attachment includes a tool and an actuator, coupled to the tool, to drive the tool. The actuator is also connectable to the power circuit of the power machine. A controller is operably coupled to the actuator and is operably couplable to the operator input device. The controller controls operation of the tool based on an operator input signal provided by the operator input device.

Abstract: A power machine includes a frame and a plurality of power actuators operable coupled to the frame. A power circuit is coupled to the power actuators and provides power to the power actuators. A cab is operably coupled to the frame and defines an operator compartment. The cab includes a seat supported in the operator compartment. A non-contact operator presence sensor is coupled proximate the cab and is configured to sense presence of an occupant in a predefined volume proximate the seat. The operator presence sensor provides a sensor output signal indicative of operator presence. A controller is coupled to the operator presence sensor and is configured to control operation of at least one of the plurality of power actuators based on the sensor output signal.

Abstract: A control system controls actuation of a hydraulic cylinder on a skid steer loader. The control system includes a movable element, movable by an operator. A position sensor is coupled to the movable element and provides a position signal indicative of a position of the movable element. A controller is coupled to the position sensor to receive the position signal and provide a control signal based on the position signal. A valve spool controls flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder. An actuator is coupled to the controller and the valve spool and moves the valve spool in response to the control signal from the controller.

Abstract: A skid steer loader has an auxiliary coupling device connected to the hydraulic circuit of the skid steer loader. An auxiliary control circuit includes a hydraulic valve coupled between the hydraulic circuit of the skid steer loader and the auxiliary coupling device. The auxiliary control circuit is coupled to an operator input and controls flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic circuit of the skid steer loader and the auxiliary coupling device based on a control signal received from the operator input. In addition, a controller is coupled to an operating mode sensor and to the auxiliary control circuit and provides an output to control operation of the hydraulic valve controlling flow to the auxiliary coupling device based on the status of the operating mode sensor.

Abstract: A sensor for a power machine includes a seat bar which is movably coupled relative to a seat on the power machine. A magnet and a Hall effect sensor are coupled to the seat bar and to the power machine so that they are movable relative to one another based on movement of the seat bar. The seat bar is movable from a first position to a second position. The Hall effect sensor provides a position sensing signal indicating when the seat bar is in one of the first or second positions.

Abstract: An apparatus controls operation of a power machine which has a frame, a seat supported by the frame, wheels supporting the frame, a drive mechanism for driving the wheels, a lift arm structure manipulated by power actuators, and a power circuit for controlling the actuators. An occupancy sensor is coupled to the power machine for providing an occupancy signal indicative of occupancy in the seat. A traction lockout mechanism locks the drive mechanism to preclude the drive mechanism from driving the wheels. A controller is coupled to the occupancy sensor, the traction lockout device and the power lockout device and controls the traction lockout device and power lockout device based upon the input from the occupancy sensor. A display is coupled to the controller for displaying the indicia indicative of an operational state based on a display output signal provided by the controller.