Abstract: A work vehicle having a joint, a joint sensor, a lubricant reservoir, a pump, and a controller. The joint has a first member connected to a second member by a bearing. The joint sensor is configured to provide a joint signal indicative of at least one of a position, velocity, and acceleration of the joint. The pump is configured to dispense lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to the bearing when actuated. The controller receives the joint signal, determines a cumulative bearing travel based on the joint signal, determines a bearing lubrication value based on the cumulative bearing travel, and actuates the pump based on the bearing lubrication value.

Abstract: A work vehicle having a joint, a joint sensor, a lubricant reservoir, a pump, and a controller. The joint has a first member connected to a second member by a bearing. The joint sensor is configured to provide a joint signal indicative of at least one of a position, velocity, and acceleration of the joint. The pump is configured to dispense lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to the bearing when actuated. The controller receives the joint signal, determines a cumulative bearing travel based on the joint signal, determines a bearing lubrication value based on the cumulative bearing travel, and actuates the pump based on the bearing lubrication value.

Abstract: A method of determining a cycle time of an implement on a work machine includes providing a controller and an actuator for controlling the implement, sending a first instruction from the controller to move the implement to a first position, and sending a second instruction from the controller to move the implement from the first position to a second position. A distance between the first position and the second position is an approximate full stroke of the actuator. The method also includes measuring an amount of time it takes for the implement to move between a first threshold position and a second threshold position. The first threshold position and the second threshold position are defined positions between the first and second positions. The method further includes determining the cycle time of the implement based on the measuring step.

Abstract: A method of determining a cycle time of an implement on a work machine includes providing a controller and an actuator for controlling the implement, sending a first instruction from the controller to move the implement to a first position, and sending a second instruction from the controller to move the implement from the first position to a second position. A distance between the first position and the second position is approximate full stroke of the actuator. The method also includes measuring an amount of time it takes for the implement to move between a first threshold position and a second threshold position. The first threshold position and the second threshold position are defined positions between the first and second positions. The method further includes determining the cycle time of the implement based on the measuring step.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic implement pressure cutoff system is disclosed that includes a pump, one or more hydraulic functions, at least one valve, sensors and control unit. The pump powers the functions, and the valves control flow between the pump and their associated function. The sensor readings indicate system parameters. The control unit receives the readings and controls the valves. When the readings indicate a function is at or beyond a threshold, the control unit closes the associated valve to prevent flow to or from that function. The sensors can be pressure, position or other types of sensors. Operator control signals can be provided to control the functions. When the readings indicate a function is at or beyond a threshold in a stalled direction and the operator signals keep commanding the function in the stalled direction, the control unit can close the associated valve regardless of the operator signals.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic implement pressure cutoff system is disclosed that includes a pump, one or more hydraulic functions, at least one valve, sensors and control unit. The pump powers the functions, and the valves control flow between the pump and their associated function. The sensor readings indicate system parameters. The control unit receives the readings and controls the valves. When the readings indicate a function is at or beyond a threshold, the control unit closes the associated valve to prevent flow to or from that function. The sensors can be pressure, position or other types of sensors. Operator control signals can be provided to control the functions. When the readings indicate a function is at or beyond a threshold in a stalled direction and the operator signals keep commanding the function in the stalled direction, the control unit can close the associated valve regardless of the operator signals.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a cooling fan that selectively and/or periodically runs in reverse in order to discharge accumulated dirt or debris from one or more coolers. The reverse activation of the fan is prevented from initiating when the operator of the running vehicle is outside the operator cab in the vicinity of the coolers. In an exemplary embodiment, activation of a parking brake interrupts or prevents reverse activation of the fan, though a fuel door sensor may also be used. A minimum engine speed may be specified to ensure adequate power for maximum fan power during the reverse operation.

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.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a cooling fan that selectively and/or periodically runs in reverse in order to discharge accumulated dirt or debris from one or more coolers. The reverse activation of the fan is prevented from initiating when the operator of the running vehicle is outside the operator cab in the vicinity of the coolers. In an exemplary embodiment, activation of a parking brake interrupts or prevents reverse activation of the fan, though a fuel door sensor may also be used. A minimum engine speed may be specified to ensure adequate power for maximum fan power during the reverse operation.

Abstract: An operator selectable transmission and method for a vehicle with variable drivetrain and torque control. The operator selectable transmission includes a plurality of transmission modes, each mode including a plurality of selectable contour relationships between vehicle ground speed and transmission rim-pull, an operator mode selector for selecting transmission mode, and an operator contour selector for selecting a contour for the selected mode. There can be hydrostatic, torque converter, direct drive and other transmission modes. An operator interface can display the currently selected mode, and its affects on performance, fuel consumption, and brake wear. The contour selector can be a foot pedal, hand lever or other device.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided having an electric motor and a controller configured to control the electric motor. The controller may calculate the torque output of the motor based on the acceleration and deceleration rates of the motor. Moments of inertia for components rotationally coupled to the motor may be employed in the torque calculation.

Abstract: An operator selectable transmission and method for a vehicle with variable drivetrain and torque control. The operator selectable transmission includes a plurality of transmission modes, each mode including a plurality of selectable contour relationships between vehicle ground speed and transmission rim-pull, an operator mode selector for selecting transmission mode, and an operator contour selector for selecting a contour for the selected mode. There can be hydrostatic, torque converter, direct drive and other transmission modes. An operator interface can display the currently selected mode, and its affects on performance, fuel consumption, and brake wear. The contour selector can be a foot pedal, hand lever or other device.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided having an electric motor and a controller configured to control the electric motor. The controller may calculate the torque output of the motor based on the acceleration and deceleration rates of the motor. Moments of inertia for components rotationally coupled to the motor may be employed in the torque calculation.

Abstract: A method of determining wheel slippage in a work vehicle includes the steps of: sensing an absolute ground speed of the work vehicle; calculating a ground speed of the work vehicle using at least one drive train component; comparing the absolute ground speed with the calculated ground speed; generating a scaling factor based upon the comparison; and adjusting the calculated ground speed using the scaling factor. The method may also include the steps of scaling the absolute ground speed to a threshold value; comparing the calculated ground speed with the threshold value; and engaging a differential lock if the calculated ground speed is greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: A method of determining wheel slippage in a work vehicle includes the steps of: sensing an absolute ground speed of the work vehicle; calculating a ground speed of the work vehicle using at least one drive train component; comparing the absolute ground speed with the calculated ground speed; generating a scaling factor based upon the comparison; and adjusting the calculated ground speed using the scaling factor. The method may also include the steps of scaling the absolute ground speed to a threshold value; comparing the calculated ground speed with the threshold value; and engaging a differential lock if the calculated ground speed is greater than the threshold value.