Abstract: A system and technique for determining functionality of a hydraulic system including first and second motors mutually coupled in driving relation with a pump, a sensor generating a signal representative of a monitored condition, and a controller configured to selectively control activation and deactivation of the motors. Fitness detection logic stored in memory of the controller is executable by a processor to: determine, based on the signal while the first motor is activated and second motor is deactivated during a first test interval, whether the monitored condition meets a predefined threshold prior to expiration of the first test interval; determine, based on the signal while the second motor is activated and first motor is deactivated during a second test interval, whether the monitored condition meets the predefined threshold prior to expiration of the second test interval; and generate a readiness signal representative of the determined functionality of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A mobile work machine includes a propulsion subsystem that propel the mobile work machine about a worksite. The mobile work machine includes a steering subsystem that steers the mobile work machine about the worksite. The mobile work machine includes a stability determination system that determines a stability factor based on a characteristic of the steering subsystem. The mobile work machine also includes a control system that controls the mobile work machine based on the stability factor.

Abstract: A work machine may include an idler wheel, a drivable track engaged with the idler wheel, and an actuator configured to move the idler wheel to adjust the tension in the drivable track. A controller may actively instruct the actuator to adjust the tension in the drivable track based on the pressure in the actuator and variables associated with the drivable track and the work machine.

Abstract: An auxiliary hydraulic system including an accumulator, a control valve, and a hydraulic connector. The accumulator connects to a primary hydraulic system including a hydraulic pump, a brake circuit, and a steering circuit. The control valve selectively allows or prevents flow from an accumulator to at least one of the brake circuit and the steering circuit. The hydraulic connector selectively connects an external source to the accumulator and the control valve.

Abstract: A steering system for controlling a direction of travel of a work machine includes a steering device controllable by an operator of the work machine. The steering device is coupled to an axle of the work machine for controlling an angular orientation of the wheels. A brake is coupled to the steering device and is controllably applied to apply a first amount of resistance to the steering device. A motor is coupled to the steering device and is controllably activated to apply a second amount of resistance to the steering device. A controller controls the steering system of the work machine in at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the controller controls the brake between an applied position and an unapplied position, whereas in the second operating mode, the controller controls the motor between an active position and a de-activated position.

Abstract: A steering system for controlling a direction of travel of a work machine includes a steering device controllable by an operator of the work machine. The steering device is coupled to an axle of the work machine for controlling an angular orientation of the wheels. A brake is coupled to the steering device and is controllably applied to apply a first amount of resistance to the steering device. A motor is coupled to the steering device and is controllably activated to apply a second amount of resistance to the steering device. A controller controls the steering system of the work machine in at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the controller controls the brake between an applied position and an unapplied position, whereas in the second operating mode, the controller controls the motor between an active position and a de-activated position.

Abstract: A method of controlling a work machine having at least one wheel includes providing a controller, an operator control, and a steering system including a steering wheel position sensor, a road wheel angle sensor, a speed sensor, and a feedback device. The method includes detecting a change in steering wheel position via the steering wheel position device and a wheel speed of the at least one wheel via the speed sensor. A predicted lateral acceleration is calculated by the controller as a function of wheel speed and a feedback torque is determined by the controller as a function of the predicted lateral acceleration. The feedback torque is determined from a plurality of feedback torque curves stored by the controller, where each of the plurality of feedback torque curves corresponds to a sensitivity level selectable from the operator control. The feedback torque is commanded to the feedback device.

Abstract: A system and technique for determining functionality of a hydraulic system including first and second motors mutually coupled in driving relation with a pump, a sensor generating a signal representative of a monitored condition, and a controller configured to selectively control activation and deactivation of the motors. Fitness detection logic stored in memory of the controller is executable by a processor to: determine, based on the signal while the first motor is activated and second motor is deactivated during a first test interval, whether the monitored condition meets a predefined threshold prior to expiration of the first test interval; determine, based on the signal while the second motor is activated and first motor is deactivated during a second test interval, whether the monitored condition meets the predefined threshold prior to expiration of the second test interval; and generate a readiness signal representative of the determined functionality of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A mobile work machine includes a propulsion subsystem that propel the mobile work machine about a worksite. The mobile work machine includes a steering subsystem that steers the mobile work machine about the worksite. The mobile work machine includes a stability determination system that determines a stability factor based on a characteristic of the steering subsystem. The mobile work machine also includes a control system that controls the mobile work machine based on the stability factor.

Abstract: A method of controlling a work machine having at least one wheel includes providing a controller, an operator control, and a steering system including a steering wheel position sensor, a road wheel angle sensor, a speed sensor, and a feedback device. The method includes detecting a change in steering wheel position via the steering wheel position device and a wheel speed of the at least one wheel via the speed sensor. A predicted lateral acceleration is calculated by the controller as a function of wheel speed and a feedback torque is determined by the controller as a function of the predicted lateral acceleration. The feedback torque is determined from a plurality of feedback torque curves stored by the controller, where each of the plurality of feedback torque curves corresponds to a sensitivity level selectable from the operator control. The feedback torque is commanded to the feedback device.

Abstract: A work machine may include an idler wheel, a drivable track engaged with the idler wheel, and an actuator configured to move the idler wheel to adjust the tension in the drivable track. A controller may actively instruct the actuator to adjust the tension in the drivable track based on the pressure in the actuator and variables associated with the drivable track and the work machine.