Abstract: Work machines including automatic grading features and functions. One exemplary embodiment is a work machine including a chassis, ground contacting members rotatably coupled with the chassis and an actuator coupled with the chassis. A pole assembly extends above the chassis. A receiver is coupled with the pole assembly and structured to detect a wireless signal. An electronic controller is in operative communication with the receiver and the actuator, the electronic controller structured to adjust an actuator in response to a wireless signal detected by the receiver. The actuator is adjustable to vary position of the receiver and to vary position of a grading tool assembly coupled with a suspension.

Abstract: A driving assistance system for reversing a mining haulage vehicle, particularly for reversing a haul truck into a defined target position in a loading or dumping area, wherein the driving assistance system is configured that the target position is determined based on a logged loading tool position of the earthmoving machine, wherein steering instructions are provided to a light indicator when the transmission of the haulage vehicle is shifted to reverse.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating a pivotal movement of an implement relative to an arm of a machine includes a link. The link includes a first end segment, a second end segment, and an intermediate segment extending therebetween. Each of the first end segment and the second end segment includes an eyelet portion, and a stub portion that extends integrally and contiguously from the eyelet portion. The intermediate segment is coupled to the stub portion of the first end segment and to the stub portion of the second end segment.

Abstract: One or more embodiments are described for generating a two dimensional map of an environment using a set of submaps that include point clouds of the environment that are captured using multiple scanner systems that move independently from one position to another in the environment. Each 2D scanner system steers a beam of light within a first plane to illuminate object points in the environment, and a controller determines a distance value to at least one of the object points. The 2D submaps of the environment are generated based on an activation signal from an operator and based at least in part on the distance value, each submap generated from a respective point in the environment and by a respective 2D scanner system. A central processor generates the 2D image of the environment using the 2D submaps.

Abstract: A wheel loader includes: an operating state detecting unit detecting an operating state; a target setting unit setting a relationship between a target position of a working equipment and a travel distance of the wheel loader for the operating state detected by the operating state detecting unit; a travel distance detecting unit detecting the travel distance of the wheel loader; and a working equipment controlling unit moving a boom and a bucket to the target position of the working equipment determined depending on the travel distance detected by the travel distance detecting unit.

Abstract: A harvester including a frame supported by a drive assembly for movement along a support surface, a head unit coupled to the harvester and configured to selectively harvest crop material, a camera coupled to the frame and configured to generate one or more images of a field of view, and a controller in operable communication with the camera and the head unit, where the controller is configured to determine one or more crop attributes based at least in part on the one or more images produced by the camera.

Abstract: This description provides an autonomous or semi-autonomous excavation vehicle that is capable of navigating through a dig site and carrying out an excavation routine using a system of sensors physically mounted to the excavation vehicle. The sensors collects any one or more of spatial, imaging, measurement, and location data representing the status of the excavation vehicle and its surrounding environment. Based on the collected data, the excavation vehicle executes instructions to carry out an excavation routine. The excavation vehicle is also able to carry out numerous other tasks, such as checking the volume of excavated earth in an excavation tool, and helping prepare a digital terrain model of the site as part of a process for creating the excavation routine.

Abstract: A control system for a machine having a support structure, a track roller frame assembly coupled to the support structure and a machine body coupled to the support structure, the electronic control system including a lateral position sensor that is coupled to the track roller frame assembly and is configured to detect a lateral position of the track roller frame assembly relative to the support structure, an angular position sensor that is coupled to the machine body and is configured to detect an angular position of the machine body relative to the support structure, and a processor configured to determine a parameter for the tracked machine based on the detected lateral position of the track roller frame assembly, the detected lateral position indicative asymmetrical positioning a track roller frame assembly, and the detected angular position of the machine body, and provide feedback based on the parameter for the tracked machine.

Abstract: A combine harvester comprises a storage bin for storing harvested crop, an unload conveyor, a flow gate for regulating a flow of harvested material from the storage bin to the unload conveyor, a first sensor for detecting a position of the flow gate and a second sensor for detecting a position of the unload conveyor. The harvester further comprises a controller configured to enable a user interface for receiving from an operator of the combine harvester a set point for the flow gate, an on/off indicator for the unload conveyor and an unload conveyor position indicator, presenting a graphic element including a graphical depiction of the unload conveyor, and indicating, using only graphical variations of the graphical depiction of the unload conveyor, a position of the unload conveyor, an operating status of the unload conveyor, the set point of the flow gate and the position of the flow gate.

Abstract: A self-propelled road roller comprising a machine frame, a drive unit; and a control device, wherein the self-propelled road roller comprises a tandem roller or a single-drum roller, to compact ground in a working direction; and wherein a sensor device for determining the thickness of a paved layer is provided, the sensor device comprising a height reference sensor and a distance sensor, the height reference sensor being configured to determine its height position in relation to a height reference, and the distance sensor being configured to determine the height position of the height reference sensor in relation to the ground, and that the control device is configured to ascertain the thickness of the paved layer from the measurements of the sensor device and a predetermined reference height.

Abstract: The present invention achieves technical advantages as a pilot and passenger seating. An aircraft employs a pilot seat, comprising a contoured structure having ergonomically formed and padded surfaces, with left and right arm supports that include an articulated control knob, movable in three rectangular axes and rotatable about a vertical axis to provide one or more aircraft steering functions for an aircraft, and a touch-sensitive control surface for controlling one or more power system components. A passenger seat, having a contoured structure, having ergonomically formed and padded surfaces, a headrest, a seat, a left support member, and a right support member are adapted to cradle a portion of a passenger's body to support the passenger during travel.

Abstract: An agricultural spraying machine having a defined transport width includes a chassis supported on the ground and configured to be set into motion in a forward direction, and a sprayer boom mounted on the chassis. A controller operably controls an actuator influencing the propulsion speed or driving direction of the chassis or the sprayer boom for reducing an oscillation of the sprayer boom in the forward direction. The controller triggers the actuator in response to a detected or expected oscillation of the boom due to a resulting change of speed or travel direction of the chassis or sprayer boom. An oscillation in an opposite phase to the detected or expected oscillation of the sprayer boom is induced in the sprayer boom adapted to lead to the reduction or cancellation of the oscillation of the sprayer boom.

Abstract: In a work vehicle provided with: a working device including an arm and a bucket; a vehicle speed detection device that detects a vehicle speed; a travel drive device that outputs a travel driving force increasing in response to a decrease in the vehicle speed at a time of excavation; and a control device that controls the travel driving force by the travel drive device, the control device is characterized by including a limit control section that limits the travel driving force during a specified time which passes from when the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection device becomes a predetermined first vehicle speed threshold value or less and the work vehicle plunges into an object to be excavated until an operation of the working device is started.

Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor outputs a signal indicating an actual traveling direction of the work vehicle. The controller communicates with the sensor. The controller is programmed so as to execute the following processing. The controller acquires the actual traveling direction of the work vehicle. The controller sets the actual traveling direction as a target traveling direction when a condition that indicates that the work vehicle has started straight travel has been met. The controller calculates a bearing difference between the target traveling direction and the actual traveling direction. The controller moves the work implement at a target tilt angle corresponding to the bearing difference so as to reduce the bearing difference.

Abstract: Methods and systems for asset and work flow management are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method for work cycle management includes creating one or more work zones, creating a work cycle of events between the created work zones, creating an operating schedule for the events of work cycle at the zones, monitoring activity at the work zones and comparing the activity to the operating schedule and identifying schedule violations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for compensating dipper swing control. One method includes, with at least one processor, determining a direction of compensation opposite a current swing direction of the dipper and applying the maximum available swing torque in the direction of compensation when an acceleration of the dipper is greater than a predetermined acceleration value. The method can also include determining a current state of the shovel and performing the above steps when the current state of the shovel is a swing-to-truck state or a return-to-tuck state. When the current state of the shovel is a dig-state, the method can include limiting the maximum available swing torque and allowing, with the at least one processor, swing torque to ramp up to the maximum available swing torque over a predetermined period of time when dipper is retracted to a predetermined crowd position.

Abstract: It is contemplated to arrange a plurality of operational levers without inviting complications of the arrangements or enlargement of the vehicle body, intensively for better operability between the driver's seat and one of the right and left rear fenders. In a riding work vehicle, a plurality of operational levers 25, 26 are disposed adjacent on the right and left sides between a driver's seat and one of right and left rear fenders 7. Of the plurality of operational levers 25, 26, an inner operational lever 25 disposed on the side of the driver's seat is displaceable in a front-rear direction of a vehicle body.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator drive system includes: a control valve for a cylinder that swings a swinging unit; an operation device that outputs an operation signal in accordance with an inclination angle of an operating lever when receiving a first operation of moving the swinging unit closer to a cabin or a second operation of moving the swinging unit farther from the cabin; a solenoid proportional valve connected to a first pilot port of the control valve, the first pilot port being intended for the first operation; and a controller that, when the operation device receives the first operation, controls the solenoid proportional valve such that: a pilot pressure outputted from the solenoid proportional valve is proportional to the operation signal outputted from the operation device until the pilot pressure reaches an upper limit pressure; and the closer the swinging unit to the cabin, the higher the upper limit pressure.

Abstract: A rear frame for a motor grader includes a pair of arms that are disposed equidistantly from a mid-plane. Each arm has a front portion, a rear portion, and a mid-portion located between the front and rear portions. The front portion of each arm is configured to pivotally couple with a front frame of the motor grader. The rear frame also includes a ripper mounting arrangement, a bumper, and a torque resisting member. The ripper mounting arrangement is located at a rear end of the rear portion of each arm. The bumper is laterally disposed with respect to the mid-plane and rigidly attached to a position on the rear portion of each arm located adjacent the rear end of the rear portion of each arm. The torque resisting member is laterally disposed with respect to the mid-plane and rigidly attached to the mid-portion of each arm.

Abstract: A control system for an autonomous agricultural system includes a display configured to display at least one control function associated with at least one operation. The display is configured to output a first signal indicative of a first input. The control system includes a controller comprising a processor and a memory. The controller is communicatively coupled to the display and configured to receive the first signal indicative of the first input and to send a second signal to the display indicative of instructions to display a second control in an unlocked state. The display is configured to output a third signal to the controller indicative of the second input. The controller is configured to receive the third signal and to output a fourth signal indicative of instructions to control the at least one operation of the autonomous agricultural system.

Abstract: A method for controlling loading material to a bucket of a work machine from a stack of material is disclosed. The method includes the steps: of selecting a control profile to be used as a basic control profile including indications for positions of at least one of the bucket and the boom of the work machine as a function of a distance traveled by the work machine with reference to a reference location; obtaining information of a distance traveled by the work machine while loading material to the bucket; examining at least one condition regarding the work machine during loading; and determining, on the basis of the examined condition, whether another position than indicated by the selected control profile is to be used for at least one of the bucket and the boom.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for an earth-moving vehicle with an automatic grade control system that hydraulically powers the height of the blade through the hydraulic accessory port. When using a laser based system the main arms are controlled through the accessory port and a pitch movement of the blade is limited. When using a GPS based system the accessory hydraulic is disconnected from the main arm and reconnected to the pitch hydraulic to affect the height of the blade.

Abstract: Work machines and methods and systems to control and determine a position of an associated implement are disclosed. An example work machine including a first vehicle component movable relative to a second vehicle component; and a processor to: cause the first vehicle component to move toward a commanded position; predict a first position of the first vehicle component of the work machine using first processes; determine a second position of the first vehicle component using second processes; and in response to a difference between the first position and the second position, to cause the first vehicle component to move further toward the commanded position to correct for the difference.

Abstract: A management system 1 for a work machine includes: a plurality of dump trucks 2 each creating a map information piece DTI of a sectioned region DT around the own vehicle; and a management device 10 that manages map information pieces DTI of a plurality of sectioned regions DT created by the plurality of dump trucks 2 and transmits, to each of the dump trucks 2, a map information piece DTI of a sectioned region DT where each of the dump trucks 2 exists and a map information piece DTI of a sectioned region DT adjacent to the sectioned region DT where each of the dump trucks 2 exists on the basis of information related to a position of each of the dump trucks 2.

Abstract: A method for controlling a lift assembly for a work vehicle may include receiving an input command associated with controlling movement of a loader arm of the lift assembly, and determining a travel velocity at which a reference location on the loader arm is to be moved based on the input command. In addition, the method may include determining at least one lift cylinder command and at least one control cylinder command based at least in part on the determined travel velocity and position-based inputs associated with moving the reference location along a predetermined travel path, and actively controlling an operation of a lift cylinder and a control cylinder of the lift assembly based on the lift cylinder command(s) and the control cylinder command(s), respectively, such that the reference location on the loader arm is moved along the predetermined travel path at the determined travel velocity.

Abstract: A turf sprayer comprises a transport vehicle that carries a laterally extending spray boom assembly. The spray boom assembly is both laterally displaceable and angularly displaceable relative to the transport vehicle. A controller uses a defined path represented by GPS coordinates to control the operation of various actuators to automatically maintain a reference point on the spray boom assembly on the desired path and to automatically maintain the spray boom assembly perpendicular to the desired path.

Abstract: A lift cylinder is attached to a center part of a vehicle body in a vehicle width direction. The lift cylinder causes a work implement to move up and down. A supporting member is attached to the center part of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction and extends upward from the vehicle body. An imaging device is supported by the supporting member and captures images of a region in front of the vehicle body. A penetrating part is formed in the supporting member. The lift cylinder is disposed through the penetrating part.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device for planning a path of a mobile robot and a method for planning a path of a mobile robot. The device for planning a path of a mobile robot and the method for planning a path of a mobile robot, according to the present invention, extend a route planning tree by sampling grid-based nodes between a start point and a target point of the mobile robot. Therefore, the present invention can configure a path plan of the mobile robot to be a path optimized within a quick time.

Abstract: A system is provided that can include a 3D sensor. The 3D sensor can be configured to detect an area of an elevator on a harvester. The 3D sensor can further be configured to transmit a first signal associated with the area. The system can also include a processing device in communication with the 3D sensor. The system can further include a memory device in which instructions executable by the processing device are stored for causing the processing device to receive the first signal and determine a volume of a material on the elevator based on the first signal.

Abstract: A combination touch and transducer input system is provided, which facilitates user input into an electronic system with a finger and/or a transducer (e.g., a stylus). The system includes a transducer configured to generate an electric field, and a sensor including an array of electrodes and a controller. The transducer is configured to transmit digital data, such as pen pressure data and switch status data, to the sensor. For example, the transducer comprises electronic circuitry configured to encode the digital data in a signal for transmission to the sensor. The sensor controller is configured to operate both in a touch sensing mode and in a transducer sensing mode. During the touch sensing mode, the controller determines a position of a proximate object (e.g., a finger) by capacitively sensing the object with the array of electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for driving a mining and/or construction machine, where said machine is arranged to be controlled by an operator by means of maneuvering means, where said operator, when driving said machine, provides steering commands by means of said maneuvering means for maneuvering said machine. The method comprises, when said machine is being driven in an environment having at least a first obstacle: when said machine is within a first distance from said first obstacle, estimate a first path that has been requested by said operator by means of said steering commands, by means of a control system, determining whether said machine when moving according to said requested first path will be driven within a second distance from said first obstacle, and when it is determined that said machine, when travelling according to said first path, will be driven within said second distance from said first obstacle, retard said machine by means of said control system.

Abstract: A three-dimension position tracking system is presented. The system includes transmitters and receivers. A transmitter scans continuous or pulsed coherent light beams across a target. The receiver detects the reflected beams. The system recursively determines the location of the target, as a function of time, via triangulation and observation of the time-of-flight of the incoming and outgoing beams. The transmitter includes ultra-fast scanning optics to scan the receiver's field-of-view. The receiver includes arrays of ultra-fast photosensitive pixels. The system determines the angles of the incoming beams based on the line-of-sight of the triggered pixels. By observing the incoming angles and correlating timestamps associated with the outgoing and incoming beams, the system accurately, and in near real-time, determines the location of the target.

Abstract: Work machines including automatic grading features and functions. One exemplary embodiment is a work machine including a chassis, ground contacting members rotatably coupled with the chassis and an actuator coupled with the chassis. A pole assembly extends above the chassis. A receiver is coupled with the pole assembly and structured to detect a wireless signal. An electronic controller is in operative communication with the receiver and the actuator, the electronic controller structured to adjust an actuator in response to a wireless signal detected by the receiver. The actuator is adjustable to vary position of the receiver and to vary position of a grading tool assembly coupled with a suspension.

Abstract: A method of forming an internally-arranged laser-beam weld from within a composite structure. The method includes arranging a welding apparatus within an internal passage of the composite structure, and emitting a laser beam from the welding apparatus to form the internally-arranged laser-beam weld between layers of the composite structure.

Abstract: One embodiment is a work machine including an actuator coupled with a chassis, a suspension coupled with the actuator, and a tool mount coupled with the suspension. A grading tool assembly is coupled with the tool mount. A wireless receiver is coupled with the suspension. An electronic controller in operative communication with the receiver and the actuator is structured to adjust the actuator in response to a signal received by the receiver effective to simultaneously adjust the position of the receiver and the force applied to the suspension. A grading indicator is coupled with the suspension and provides a visually perceptible indication of a current state of grading relative to a desired state of grading.

Abstract: Techniques are described for automated vehicle crash detection and prevention. In one exemplary embodiment, information from one or more sensors, e.g., accelerometer and gyroscope, or from event data recorder (EDR) through OBD-II ECU, is received and recorded in a system. The system saves the received information in a memory for later use. The status of the vehicle may be sent to appropriate recipients. For example, a report of vehicle malfunction may be sent, e.g., through 2G/3G communication, to the driver's mobile phone or a maintenance center, and a report of the accident may be sent to an emergency center, police and/or an insurance company.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation (10) for making a continuous wall in ground (S), the installation comprising: an excavation machine (14) having a frame (16) with a bottom end (16b); determination means (80) for periodically determining the offset between the frame and a first screen while making a second screen in the ground juxtaposed with the first screen; and correction means (50) for periodically correcting the position of the frame (16) so as to reduce the offset as determined by the determination means between the frame (16) and the first screen (E1), and maintain overlap between the longitudinal side of the frame and the longitudinal side of the first screen in such a manner that the second screen is secant with the first screen (E1) over the entire length of the shorter of the first and second screens, thereby forming the wall that is continuous.

Abstract: A method of detecting a defect in a surface of an infrastructure includes providing a work machine having a controller, a plurality of sensors including an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a global positioning sensor (GPS), and a camera oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface. The camera takes a first image of the surface at a first location, and information is collected with the IMU and the GPS at the first location. The method includes linking the first image with the information collected at the first location, and storing the first image and the information collected at the first location in a database.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement is provided which includes an electronic sensor assembly supported by a harrow frame and in communication with a hydraulic system. The electronic sensor assembly includes a pivoting arm movable in conjunction with the movement of a first set of smoothing tools and is configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the angle of the first set of smoothing tools. The electrical signal is transmitted to a controller and/or an operator in the tractor cab for continuously monitoring the angle of the smoothing tools. The electrical signal is used to allow for the continuous adjustment of the smoothing tools during a tilling session.

Abstract: A framework comprises a laser distance meter (LDM), reflector, and excavator comprising a boom, a stick, boom and stick sensors, implement, and a controller. The LA comprises a boom and stick defining LA positions. The LDM is configured to generate a DLDM and ?INC between the LDM and the reflector, and the controller is programmed to generate ?B at a plurality of boom positions, generate ?S at a plurality of stick positions, and calculate a height H and a distance D between a node on the stick and the LDM based on DLDM and ?INC, build a set of H, D measurements and a corresponding set of ?B, ?S, and execute a linear least squares optimization process based on the H, D set and corresponding set of ?B, ?S to determine and operate the excavator using LB and LS.

Abstract: A guidance system for a mobile machine includes a location determining device for determining a location of the machine, a user interface and a controller. The controller is configured to receive location information from the location determining device, detect a path followed by the machine using the location information, present a plurality of preliminary waypoints to a user via the user interface, receive waypoint information from the user via the user interface indicating one or more selected waypoints corresponding to one or more of the preliminary waypoints, and automatically guide the machine using the one or more selected waypoints. The controller may automatically generate the plurality of preliminary waypoints as the machine traverses the path.

Abstract: For easy setting of a path of an autonomously-traveling autonomous travel work vehicle, provided is a method for setting a path for an autonomous travel work vehicle to run and operate by determining positions with the use of a satellite positioning system so as to drive and carry out an agricultural field operation. The method includes inputting a front-to-back length of a vehicle body, a width of an implement and an overlapping amount of implements (24) in a width direction, positioning a work vehicle at inflection points successively along an outer circumference of the agricultural field and determining positions with the use of the satellite positioning system, setting a work area, an operation start position and an operation end position, a direction for starting reference traveling, headlands (HB) on both ends of the work area (HA), and a travel path (R) within the agricultural field.

Abstract: A control system for a machine traveling on a work surface is provided. The control system includes a perception system generating data indicative of a contour of the work surface. The control system includes a controller communicably coupled to the perception system. The controller receives a signal indicative of a current position of the machine on the work surface as the machine travels along a first direction. The controller initiates a scanning of the work surface by the perception system. The controller receives the signal indicative of the contour of the work surface from the perception system and identifies a raised contour and a contour edge within a target area on the work surface. The controller determines a location of the contour edge within the target area based on the identification and controls a positioning of the machine within the target area and relative to the raised contour.

Abstract: A system for determining an optimized cut location for a work implement includes a position sensor and a controller. The controller is configured to determine the position of a work surface and determine a plurality of potential cut locations along a path between an initial cut location and an end location. The controller is further configured to determine an efficiency for moving an amount of material for each of the initial cut location and the plurality of potential cut locations based upon the amount of material to be moved, a parameter associated with moving the amount of material, and a loading profile, and select the optimized cut location from one of the initial cut location and the plurality of potential cut locations based upon the efficiency of each of the initial cut location and the plurality of potential cut locations.

Abstract: A vehicle is described, and includes a drivetrain system including an internal combustion engine and a geartrain, an accessory device, and a route monitoring system. A controller includes an instruction set to monitor operation of the accessory device, and a request to operate the accessory device. When the request to operate the accessory device includes a request to activate the accessory device based upon not exceeding a limit for an operating parameter of the accessory device, the instruction set executes to determine a horizon for the vehicle based upon the projected path for the vehicle, determine a projected road load and a speed constraint based upon the horizon for the vehicle, and determine a projected axle torque command based upon the projected road load. A first routine determines a first command for operating the accessory device that minimizes fuel consumption and meets the projected axle torque command.

Abstract: An agricultural machine arrangement includes at least one traction machine and at least one attachment device adapted to the traction machine with a driver assistance system optimizing the operation of the traction machine and/or of the respective attachment device. The drive assistance system includes a computing unit and at least one display unit, wherein the computing unit processes information generated by machine-internal sensor systems, external information and information storable in the computing unit. The driver assistance system is structured so that it forms an automatic traction machine adjusting unit and/or an automatic attachment device adjusting unit, wherein the respective automatic adjusting units independently of one another or as a function of one another bring about an “optimization” of the mode of operation of the traction machine and/or of the at least one attachment device.

Abstract: A shovel may include a lower travelling body, an upper swinging body mounted on the lower travelling body, an excavation attachment attached to the upper swinging body, an orientation detecting device configured to detect an orientation of the excavation attachment, and a controller. The controller may have a ground surface shape information obtaining part that obtains information relating to a current shape of an excavation target ground surface based on a transition of the orientation of the excavation attachment detected by the orientation detecting device, and an excavation controlling part that controls the excavation attachment based on the information relating to the current shape of the excavation target ground surface obtained by the ground surface shape information obtaining part.

Abstract: A controller uses a Kalman filter to develop an estimated position of an implement based on a previous implement position, an implement pitch, an implement pitch rate and an estimated implement linkage velocity. The controller moves the implement to a desired position based on the estimated position of the implement.

Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle having a work implement includes a first operating lever for the work implement, a first operating member and a controller. The first operating member is provided on the first operating lever. The controller is configured to perform an automatic control of the work implement. The controller is configured to perform a function of the automatic control, which is allocated to the first operating member, in response to operating the first operating member when a performance condition, including that the first operating lever is located in a neutral position thereof, is satisfied.

Abstract: A grade control system for a motor grader configured to adjust the speed of the motor grader based on a difference between a desired grade and a current grade. The difference between the desired grade and the current grade provides a current error signal which is compared to a predetermined acceptable error signal or a predetermined range of acceptable error signals. If the current error signal is outside the range of acceptable error signals, the vehicle is automatically slowed down. If the vehicle is within the range of acceptable error signals, the vehicle speed either remains the same or the vehicle speed is increased to improve productivity, while maintaining the current error signal within the range of acceptable error signals. The desired grade is provided to an electronic control unit resident on the grader from either a 2D cross slope machine control system or a 3D machine control system.