Abstract: An operator identification control system and method are disclosed for a work vehicle having a cab, a work tool and a source of propulsion. The operator identification control system includes a source associated with the operator that actively transmits an operator identification to identify the operator. The operator identification control system also includes at least one controller onboard the work vehicle that receives and processes the operator identification to determine whether the operator is associated with the work vehicle, and based on the determination, enables an operation of the work tool and/or a motion of the work vehicle by the operator.

Abstract: An overload protection control system and method are disclosed for an articulated dump truck having a load bin movable between loaded and unloaded positions by hydraulic cylinders of a hydraulic circuit. The overload protection control system includes a source of load data associated with the load bin. The overload protection system also includes at least one controller that receives and processes the load data to determine an overload condition associated with the load bin and determines a speed associated with the work vehicle. The speed is reduced in the overload condition.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting blade pitch in crawler dozers, motor graders, and other bladed work vehicles includes estimating a current tractive force of the work vehicle utilizing one or more controllers that establish whether the current tractive force of the work vehicle can be reduced by rotating the blade to an optimized pitch angle. A command is transmitted from the one or more controllers to a blade actuation system to rotate the blade to the optimized pitch angle. The method may be performed iteratively to repeatedly adjust the blade pitch to optimized angles as the work vehicle operates and conditions affecting the optimal blade pitch angle vary.

Abstract: An operator identification control system and method are disclosed for a work vehicle having a cab, a work tool and a source of propulsion. The operator identification control system includes a source associated with the operator that actively transmits an operator identification to identify the operator. The operator identification control system also includes at least one controller onboard the work vehicle that receives and processes the operator identification to determine whether the operator is associated with the work vehicle, and based on the determination, enables an operation of the work tool and/or a motion of the work vehicle by the operator.

Abstract: A service verification system and method are disclosed for a work vehicle having a component that requires maintenance checks. The service verification system includes a zone associated with the component, and the zone includes a source that actively transmits a zone identifier over the zone. The service verification system also includes a controller that receives and processes the zone identifier when the controller is in the zone, and based on the received zone identifier, the controller outputs at least one maintenance check to be completed for the component.

Abstract: An overload protection control system and method are disclosed for an articulated dump truck having a load bin movable between loaded and unloaded positions by hydraulic cylinders of a hydraulic circuit. The overload protection control system includes a source of load data associated with the load bin. The overload protection system also includes at least one controller that receives and processes the load data to determine an overload condition associated with the load bin and determines a speed associated with the work vehicle. The speed is reduced in the overload condition.

Abstract: A hybrid power system for a vehicle which may include an internal combustion engine and a supplemental energy system for converting the mechanical energy generated by the engine to electrical energy and storing it as opportunity provides; and using the stored electrical energy to augment engine output as necessary. The supplemental energy system may include a motor-generator engaged with a flywheel.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprises an engine, a first traction element, a second traction element, a first electric drive system, and a second electric drive system. The engine is coupled operatively to the first traction element via the first electric drive system and to the second traction element via the second electric drive system.

Abstract: An electric drive work vehicle is provided having a chassis, at least one power distribution system, and a cabinet that houses the at least one power distribution system. The cabinet may be mounted atop the chassis to shield the cabinet and its contents from ground water and debris.

Abstract: A loader vehicle including a frame system, a plurality of wheels, a plurality of drive units and a controller. The plurality of wheels are subject to rapidly changing loads and are associated with the frame system. The plurality of drive units are each associated with a corresponding subset of at least one of the plurality of wheels. The controller is configured to compute a slip error for one of the plurality of wheels dependent on an integral term derived from a wheel speed of at least one other of the plurality of wheels. The controller computes a slip target value for the one wheel. The controller further uses the slip error and the slip target value to arrive at a command that is applied to the drive unit corresponding to the one wheel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a work machine having a frame and a front and rear wheel axle. The machine includes a cab coupled to the frame. The cab is configured to include controls for controlling the operation of the work machine. The machine also includes an electrically-powered drive assembly coupled to the frame and front and rear axles and an inverter electrically coupled to the electrically-powered drive assembly. The machine further includes a platform assembly disposed adjacent the cab and coupled to the frame. The platform assembly comprises an outer wall at least partially surrounding the inverter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a work machine having a frame and a front and rear wheel axle. The machine includes a cab coupled to the frame. The cab is configured to include controls for controlling the operation of the work machine. The machine also includes an electrically-powered drive assembly coupled to the frame and front and rear axles and an inverter electrically coupled to the electrically-powered drive assembly. The machine further includes a platform assembly disposed adjacent the cab and coupled to the frame. The platform assembly comprises an outer wall at least partially surrounding the inverter.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system includes a steering input and a feedback to the steering input. In another aspect of the disclosure, an adjustable gain is provided between steering inputs to the system and the steering output from the system.

Abstract: An electric drive work vehicle is provided having a chassis, at least one power distribution system, and a cabinet that houses the at least one power distribution system. The cabinet may be mounted atop the chassis to shield the cabinet and its contents from ground water and debris.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprises an engine, a first traction element, a second traction element, a first electric drive system, and a second electric drive system. The engine is coupled operatively to the first traction element via the first electric drive system and to the second traction element via the second electric drive system.

Abstract: A loader vehicle including a frame system, a plurality of wheels, a plurality of drive units and a controller. The plurality of wheels are subject to rapidly changing loads and are associated with the frame system. The plurality of drive units are each associated with a corresponding subset of at least one of the plurality of wheels. The controller is configured to compute a slip error for one of the plurality of wheels dependent on an integral term derived from a wheel speed of at least one other of the plurality of wheels. The controller computes a slip target value for the one wheel. The controller further uses the slip error and the slip target value to arrive at a command that is applied to the drive unit corresponding to the one wheel.

Abstract: A ground engaging vehicle including a movable member, a hydraulically driven actuator, a hydraulic pump, a plurality of valves and at least one hydraulic conduit. The hydraulically driven actuator is coupled to the movable member and the actuator has a first chamber and a second chamber. The plurality of non-proportional valves include a first valve, a second valve, a third valve and a fourth valve. The at least one hydraulic conduit couples the pump with the first valve and the second valve. The first valve is in direct fluid communication with the first chamber. The second valve is in direct fluid communication with the second chamber. The third valve is in direct fluid communication with the first chamber and the fourth valve is in direct fluid communication with the second chamber. The first valve and the second valve each include an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A power distribution system for a work machine includes a power electronics module having a set of power connectors to receive electrical power. A module rack has an opening for slidably receiving the power electronics module. A power bus assembly is mounted to the module rack. The power bus assembly has a set of power bus connectors located to be mechanically engaged by the set of power connectors of the power electronics module when the power electronics module is installed in the module rack. A gasket is interposed in a sealing arrangement between the power electronics module and the power bus assembly. The gasket is configured to extend completely around all power connectors of the set of power connectors and is configured to extend completely around each individual power connector of the set of power connectors.

Abstract: A power distribution system for a work machine includes a power electronics module having a set of power connectors to receive electrical power. A module rack has an opening for slidably receiving the power electronics module. A power bus assembly is mounted to the module rack. The power bus assembly has a set of power bus connectors located to be mechanically engaged by the set of power connectors of the power electronics module when the power electronics module is installed in the module rack. A gasket is interposed in a sealing arrangement between the power electronics module and the power bus assembly. The gasket is configured to extend completely around all power connectors of the set of power connectors and is configured to extend completely around each individual power connector of the set of power connectors.

Abstract: A ground engaging vehicle including a movable member, a hydraulically driven actuator, a hydraulic pump, a plurality of valves and at least one hydraulic conduit. The hydraulically driven actuator is coupled to the movable member and the actuator has a first chamber and a second chamber. The plurality of non-proportional valves include a first valve, a second valve, a third valve and a fourth valve. The at least one hydraulic conduit couples the pump with the first valve and the second valve. The first valve is in direct fluid communication with the first chamber. The second valve is in direct fluid communication with the second chamber. The third valve is in direct fluid communication with the first chamber and the fourth valve is in direct fluid communication with the second chamber. The first valve and the second valve each include an open position and a closed position.