Abstract: A method for mitigating powertrain abuse on a grade can include determining the grade a machine is on, the machine including an impeller clutch located between an engine and a powertrain so as to connect and disconnect engine power from the powertrain; and if the grade is over a threshold, a controller ignores any operator input to the impeller clutch such that machine speed retarding is utilized to keep the machine at a proper speed.

Abstract: A method for mitigating powertrain abuse on a grade can include determining the grade a machine is on, the machine including an impeller clutch located between an engine and a powertrain so as to connect and disconnect engine power from the powertrain; and if the grade is over a threshold, a controller ignores any operator input to the impeller clutch such that machine speed retarding is utilized to keep the machine at a proper speed.

Abstract: A system and method for limiting articulation between a front frame and a rear frame of an articulated machine are disclosed. The system and method receive steering signals and determine impending contact between the front frame and the rear frame based on the received steering signals. Additionally, an amount by which to reduce torque at a hitch coupled between the front and rear frames so as to limit an articulation characteristic of the front frame relative to the rear frame to a predetermined value is determined, responsive to determination of impending contact. Prior to contact, rimpull of the articulated machine is reduced based on the determined amount of torque.

Abstract: A system and method for limiting articulation between a front frame and a rear frame of an articulated machine are disclosed. The system and method receive steering signals and determine impending contact between the front frame and the rear frame based on the received steering signals. Additionally, an amount by which to reduce torque at a hitch coupled between the front and rear frames so as to limit an articulation characteristic of the front frame relative to the rear frame to a predetermined value is determined, responsive to determination of impending contact. Prior to contact, rimpull of the articulated machine is reduced based on the determined amount of torque.

Abstract: A system for derating rimpull on a machine, and a related method and computer program product are disclosed. The system may comprise a one or more front wheels, one or more rear wheels, one or more front powertrains, one or more rear powertrains, a hydraulic system, an engine, and a controller. The controller configured to determine a Total Rimpull Derate for the machine, determine a Final Rear Derate Amount, derate rear wheel rimpull by the Final Rear Derate Amount, and, if the Final Rear Derate Amount is less than the Total Rimpull Derate for the machine, derate front wheel rimpull by the Shortfall.

Abstract: A system for derating rimpull on a machine, and a related method and computer program product are disclosed. The system may comprise a one or more front wheels, one or more rear wheels, one or more front powertrains, one or more rear powertrains, a hydraulic system, an engine, and a controller. The controller configured to determine a Total Rimpull Derate for the machine, determine a Final Rear Derate Amount, derate rear wheel rimpull by the Final Rear Derate Amount, and, if the Final Rear Derate Amount is less than the Total Rimpull Derate for the machine, derate front wheel rimpull by the Shortfall.

Abstract: A machine includes a chassis, a linkage having a first end pivotally attached to the chassis at a first pivot point, and a bucket pivotally attached to a second end of the linkage at a second pivot point and rotatable about the second pivot point from a first position where gravity resists rotation of the bucket to a second position where gravity assists rotation of the bucket. A tilt actuator rotates the bucket about the pivot point and one or more sensors provide physical data of the bucket. A processor of the machine receives the physical data, determines from the physical data an equilibrium position of the bucket, determines a location of the center of gravity of the bucket with payload from the physical data and the equilibrium position, and estimates the weight of the payload based on the physical data and the location of the center of gravity.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the weight of a payload in a bucket of a machine where the bucket is attached to a chassis of the machine by a linkage. The apparatus comprises an energy storage device for storing potential energy of the bucket, payload, and linkage when the bucket is moved from a first suspended position to a second suspended position. A mechanism provides physical data corresponding to a physical change in the energy storage device caused by storage of the potential energy and a processor calculates the weight of the payload using the physical data.

Abstract: A performance management system for use a plurality of machines operating at a common worksite is disclosed. The performance management system may have at least one data acquisition module configured to monitor performance of the plurality of machines, and a controller in communication with the at least one data acquisition module. The controller may be configured to collect machine performance data from the at least one data acquisition module, and detect a performance irregularity based on the collected machine performance data. The controller may be further configured to analyze the collected machine performance data, and determine which of a machine condition, an operator condition, and a site condition is the predominant cause of the performance irregularity based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method of operating a machine having a lockable differential includes monitoring a first operating parameter indicative of wheel slip, and monitoring a second operating parameter different from the first parameter, the method further including controlling locking and unlocking of the differential responsive to the second operating parameter. A machine is provided having an electronic controller including software control logic for controlling locking and unlocking of a differential, the electronic controller being configured to lock the differential where the machine is in an operating mode where wheel slip is likely, such as a digging/dozing mode. Satisfaction of criteria for locking may be recognition by the controller of a predetermined pattern of sensor inputs corresponding with a likely wheel slip condition, or actual slip detection.

Abstract: A machine for transferring a payload from one location to another. The machine includes a chassis, a linkage having a first end pivotally attached to the chassis at a first pivot point, and a bucket pivotally attached to a second end of the linkage at a second pivot point and rotatable about the second pivot point from a first position where gravity resists rotation of the bucket to a second position where gravity assists rotation of the bucket. The machine also includes a tilt actuator for rotating the bucket about the pivot point and one or more sensors for providing physical data of the bucket. A processor of the machine receives the physical data, determines from the physical data an equilibrium position of the bucket between the first position and second position, determines a location of the center of gravity of the bucket with payload from the physical data and the equilibrium position, and estimates the weight of the payload based on the physical data and the location of the center of gravity.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the weight of a payload in a bucket of a machine where the bucket is attached to a chassis of the machine by a linkage. The apparatus comprises an energy storage device for storing potential energy of the bucket, payload, and linkage when the bucket is moved from a first suspended position to a second suspended position. A mechanism provides physical data corresponding to a physical change in the energy storage device caused by storage of the potential energy and a processor calculates the weight of the payload using the physical data.

Abstract: A performance management system for use a plurality of machines operating at a common worksite is disclosed. The performance management system may have at least one data acquisition module configured to monitor performance of the plurality of machines, and a controller in communication with the at least one data acquisition module. The controller may be configured to collect machine performance data from the at least one data acquisition module, and detect a performance irregularity based on the collected machine performance data. The controller may be further configured to analyze the collected machine performance data, and determine which of a machine condition, an operator condition, and a site condition is the predominant cause of the performance irregularity based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method of operating a machine having a lockable differential includes monitoring a first operating parameter indicative of wheel slip, and monitoring a second operating parameter different from the first parameter, the method further including controlling locking and unlocking of the differential responsive to the second operating parameter. A machine is provided having an electronic controller including software control logic for controlling locking and unlocking of a differential, the electronic controller being configured to lock the differential where the machine is in an operating mode where wheel slip is likely, such as a digging/dozing mode. Satisfaction of criteria for locking may be recognition by the controller of a predetermined pattern of sensor inputs corresponding with a likely wheel slip condition, or actual slip detection.

Abstract: During operation of a vehicle, an operator actuates a primary brake system to slow or stop the vehicle. The present invention detects when the primary brake system is not retarding vehicle motion as desired and responsively applies a secondary brake system. The secondary brake system is provided as a backup to the primary brake system.