Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for controlling an industrial machine. The industrial machine includes, for example, a dipper, a boom, a hoist motor, a crowd motor, one or more operator control devices, and a controller. The control devices are configured to be manually controllable by an operator of the industrial machine. The controller receives an output signal associated with a desired movement of the dipper, receives a signal associated with a hoist motor characteristic, and receives a signal associated with a crowd motor characteristic. The controller determines a present position of the dipper with respect to a boom profile, determines a first future position of the dipper with respect to the boom profile and based on the output signal from the operator control devices, and automatically controls a movement of the dipper with respect to the boom profile when the first future position of the dipper approximately corresponds to a boom profile limit.

Abstract: A system for a loader controlling movement of a lift arm of the loader near a limit of travel of the lift arm receives a signal indicative of the loader engine speed and a signal indicative of actuation of a sensor on the lift arm. A controller determines a lift arm command signal based at least upon the engine speed signal, and transmits the lift arm command signal to an electro-hydraulic system to control the movement of the lift arm adjacent the limit of travel of the lift arm.

Abstract: A prime mover revolution speed control system for a hydraulic construction machine sets the revolution speed of the prime mover in accordance with the operating state invoked by an operating command and as a result of a determination of an excavation state so that that the revolution speed of the engine can be increased for a heavy load (speedup) in the excavation state. When the control lever is fully operated in the direction of arm crowding, the control lever 43 is also operated, and first judgment conditions are all met to conclude that an excavation state has begun. During excavation work, when the control lever 44 is subjected to a half or greater operation in the arm crowding direction, second judgment conditions are all met to conclude that the excavation state persists, and the speedup sequence is continued.

Abstract: A work machine (10) comprises an operator input device (28), an electro-hydraulic system (64), and a controller unit (46) that communicates with the operator input device (28) and the electro-hydraulic system (64). The controller unit (46) is programmed to operate the electro-hydraulic system (64) in a manual-control mode and an auto-control mode, and is adapted to activate the auto-control mode in response to displacement of the operator input device (28) to an activate-auto position relative to a neutral position (42) of the operator input device (28), and both deactivate the auto-control mode and activate the manual-control mode in response to displacement of the operator input device (28) from the neutral position through a non-responsive deadband (72) about the neutral position (42) to an activate-manual position. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention provides comprehensive design and installation management for agricultural water management systems. Maps and grade profiles are created from data collected by Global Positioning devices in the field. Latitude, longitude, and elevation are triangulated from GPS data to develop contour, grade, and profile maps, used to design drainage systems in real time. Customer billing information and vendor pricing information are produced from map and grade profile data. Interfacing and machine control for machines used to install drainage and/or irrigation systems are generated from contour, grade and profile data. Data is exported and imported in common file formats for efficient data exchange.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an excavation machine that is configured to minimize or otherwise account for the unintended stoppage (i.e., jamming/stalling) of a digger tool. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure a machine is provided with one or more drive systems that automatically stop and reverse to avoid excavation tool jamming. The machine and methods of the present disclosure provide an efficient method and machine for excavation operations.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment apparatus for a working machine is provided to reliably prevent a specific process that raises the exhaust temperature of an exhaust gas treatment section from being carried out during switching operation of a directional control valve.

Abstract: A device for controlling self-propelled mobile apparatus(es) (300), includes:—a stationary base station (200), provided with a receiver for a satellite location system, referred to as a stationary GNSS receiver, and a radiofrequency transmitter/receiver to enable communication with at least one mobile apparatus, and including: a positioning module, a command module, and a control module for controlling the movement of each mobile apparatus on the ground;—at least one mobile apparatus (200), including a moving element, a mobile GNSS receiver, and a radiofrequency transmitter/receiver for transmitting, to the base station (200), information received by the mobile GNSS receiver and receiving a movement command.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic drive system for a working machine, which enables to conduct forced regeneration continuously for a sufficient time. Based on an input of a lock detection signal S1 from a gate lock detection switch 40, a controller 50 detects that a gate lock lever 32 for controlling a gate lock on/off valve 33 is in a locked state, in other words, hydraulic actuators such as an arm cylinder 12 arranged on a hydraulic excavator 1 are all in non-operated states. Upon an input of a forced regeneration command signal So from a forced regeneration switch 53 in this detected state, control signals Cp,Cf are outputted to a boosting control valve 51 and regulator 52 to make a forced regeneration means (an arm cylinder control valve 27 and the regulator 52) conduct forced regeneration.

Abstract: A backhoe loader 10 with a controller 100 that uses angular signals from at least one sensor to calculate a loader tool angle with respect to the vehicle frame 12 or with respect to the earth and to maintain the loader tool angle via controller generated commands to a tool actuator 61 as a function of the angular signals and commands to a boom actuator 50. The controller 100 enables proportional control of the tool angle via a command input device such as an electronic joystick 21. If the electronic joystick 21 is moved to an appropriate detent position, the controller executes a return to carry function. If the boom 31 is at or below the return to carry angle at the time the joystick 21 is moved to the detent position, the controller 100 executes a float function allowing the bucket 36 and the boom 31 to rest on the ground and follow the contours of the earth as the vehicle moves over the earth.

Abstract: A prime mover rotation speed control system for hydraulically driven vehicle includes: a hydraulic pump driven by a prime mover; a hydraulic motor for traveling driven with pressure oil supplied from the hydraulic pump; an operation member that outputs a travel command in accordance with an amount of operation by the operation member; a flow control device that controls one of a flow of the pressure oil from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor and a flow rate of the pressure oil discharged from the hydraulic motor, based on the travel command that is output in accordance with the amount of operation by the operation member; a target rotation number outputting device that outputs a target rotation number of the prime mover based on a command; a rotation number control device that controls a rotation number of the prime mover to be the target rotation number; a vehicle speed detection device that detects a vehicle speed; and a vehicle speed calculation device that calculates a target vehicle speed in acco

Abstract: A simulation system for a machine is disclosed. The simulation system has a user interface configured to display a simulated environment, and a controller in communication with the user interface. The controller is configured to receive historical information related to performance of a machine, and recreate a past operation of the machine from the received historical information. The controller is also configured to provide to the user interface the recreated past operation for display in the simulated environment.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a computer program product for processing sensor data and controlling the movement of a vehicle. In an illustrative embodiment, an operating environment around the vehicle is identified and sensor data is selected from a set of sensors. A dynamic condition is identified using a plurality of different types of sensors on the vehicle. In response to the dynamic condition being identified, the movement of the vehicle is controlled. In another illustrative embodiment, an environment around the vehicle is identified to form an operating environment. Sensor data is selected from a set of sensors in a plurality of redundant sensors based on the operating environment.

Abstract: A rotation drive control unit configured to control the driving of the rotation mechanism of a construction machine driven to rotate by an electric motor includes a speed command output part configured to output a speed command controlling the rotation speed of the electric motor based on the amount of operation input via the operation part of the construction machine; a torque direction detection part configured to detect the direction of torque applied on the rotation shaft of the rotation mechanism; and a drive control part configured to generate a drive command driving the electric motor based on the speed command output from the speed command output part and to control the driving of the electric motor, wherein in starting rotation of the rotation mechanism, the drive control part starts driving the electric motor using the drive command if the direction of the rotation represented by the speed command output from the speed command output part and the direction of the torque detected by the torque direct

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a machine configured so that its ground speed is at least in part dependent on the measured force that is applied to an attachment attached thereto. The present disclosure also provides an attachment for a machine that is configured to provide feedback to the machine it is configured to be attached to, wherein the feedback is representative of the force applied to the attachment. The present disclosure also provides a method of automatically controlling the ground speed of a machine based on feedback measured in an attachment attached to the machine.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a control system for a machine implement. The control system includes a measurement sensor configured to provide an implement measurement signal indicative of a velocity of a machine implement, and a controller. The controller is configured to provide an implement measurement signal and an operator command signal, and to determine an adjusted implement command based signal based on the implement measurement signal and the operator command signal.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit system for a hydraulic excavator, which has a hydraulic circuit for an attachment, includes: a directional control valve 16 that supplies a hydraulic fluid to an attachment connected to the hydraulic circuit for an attachment; a first over-load relief valve unit 38 that is provided in one of lines of the hydraulic circuit for an attachment; a second over-load relief valve unit 39 that is provided in the other of the lines of the hydraulic circuit for an attachment; a first proportional solenoid valve 40 that controls set relief pressure of the first over-load relief valve unit 38; and a second proportional solenoid valve 41 that controls set relief pressure of the second over-load relief valve unit 39. The attachment having various characteristics and capacity, such as a hydraulic breaker or a crusher, can be applied to the hydraulic circuit for an attachment in a simple configuration.

Abstract: Equipment having an energy management system includes an articulated arm, a work implement, an energy management system, and a hydraulic circuit. The articulated arm includes hydraulic actuators designed to maneuver the articulated arm, and the work implement is fastened to the articulated arm. The energy management system is adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration, and includes a hydraulic rotating machine and an electric rotating machine coupled to the hydraulic rotating machine. When the energy management system is in the first configuration, the hydraulic rotating machine and the electric rotating machine function as an electric motor powering a hydraulic pump. When the energy management system is in the second configuration, the hydraulic rotating machine and the electric rotating machine function as a hydraulic motor powering an electric generator.

Abstract: A machine configured so that its ground speed is at least in part dependent on the measured force that is applied to an attachment attached thereto is provided. An attachment for a machine that is configured to provide feedback to the machine it is configured to be attached to, wherein the feedback is representative of the force applied to the attachment is also provided. Also provided is a method of automatically controlling the ground speed of a machine based on feedback measured in an attachment attached to the machine.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for an earth-moving vehicle may include first and second hydraulic cylinders, first and second hydraulic pumps and control valves including a combiner valve to modulate hydraulic fluid and pressure from the first and second hydraulic pumps to the first and second hydraulic cylinders as appropriate for the task being performed. If the task is digging, the first and second cylinders may be associated with tilting and lifting, respectively, and the control valves may be oriented so as to make each pump dedicated to one of the cylinders, and if demand is not being met, to then diminish power to the drivetrain to allow the tilting and lifting to be performed. The combiner valve may or may not be open during this time. If the task is not digging, the combiner valve can be opened to allow for cross-flow between the pumps and the cylinders.

Abstract: A hydraulic system with thermal shock protection. The hydraulic system can include a controller that limits when hot hydraulic fluids may be directed to cold hydraulic components. The hydraulic system can be used in machines such as trenchers to protect hydraulic components such as hydraulic motors from failure due to thermal shock.

Abstract: A power generation control method of a hybrid construction machine capable of maintaining voltage of a capacitor in an appropriate range while minimizing capacitance of the capacitor and of surely preventing a system from being rendered inoperative, and the hybrid construction machine are provided. For this purpose, swing power corresponding to electric power consumed by a swing motor for swinging a part of a body relative to other parts is sequentially calculated, a value of the calculated swing power is converted to a smaller value, a power generation command of a generator motor is sequentially generated using the converted value, and the generated power generation command is output to an inverter for driving the generator motor.

Abstract: A real-time path-directed controller is disclosed. The controller is extraordinarily well-suited for navigating a vehicle along a desired path across a field for agricultural applications. The controller comprises several important assemblies. It comprises a position sensor which produces an object position signal to an object position signal conditioning module (which, in turn, produces a conditioned object position signal to a controller summer). The controller also comprises a heading conditioning module for receiving the object position signal and conditioning the object position signal to produce a conditioned heading signal to the controller summer. The controller also comprises a control apparatus sensor for producing a control apparatus signal to a control apparatus signal conditioning module (which, in turn, produces a conditioned control apparatus signal to the controller summer).

Abstract: A displacement-controlled hydraulic system for installation on a multi-function machine, and multi-function machines equipped with the hydraulic system and having devices for propelling the machine, at least a first implement, and multiple actuators that perform multiple functions of the machine. The multiple actuators include first actuators that control the first implement and second actuators that control the propelling devices. The hydraulic system comprises multiple pumps for controlling the first actuators and optionally the second actuators, and valves that enable at least one of the pumps to sequentially control two of the multiple actuators and a corresponding two functions of the multiple functions performed thereby. None of the pumps sequentially controls the second actuators in combination with any of the first actuators.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a machine. The method includes receiving data relating to a current state of multiple parameters. The method also includes determining a parameter signature for each parameter of the multiple parameters based on the received data. In addition, the method includes comparing each parameter signature to reference data to determine which operating modes of the machine are indicated by each parameter signature. The method further includes adjusting one or more components of an implement control system according to the operating mode indicated by a threshold number of parameter signatures.

Abstract: An excavator has a controller capable of setting target torque of a rotation motor in accordance with a speed deviation between target speed set in accordance with an operation amount of an operating lever and actual rotation speed and is provided with an inverter for detecting necessary torque for rotating an upper rotating body, the necessary torque being changed in accordance with a working state of the upper rotating body. The controller calculates a correction amount which is increased as increasing the torque and subtracts the correction amount from the target speed so as to set new target speed. A controller sets first target torque for driving the motor and second target torque for maintaining the upper rotating body on the spot on the basis of the actual speed, and operates the motor in accordance with the torque which has a larger absolute value in the same direction as the first target torque among both the torque.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention provides comprehensive design and installation management for agricultural water management systems. Maps and grade profiles are created from data collected by Global Positioning devices in the field. Latitude, longitude, and elevation are triangulated from GPS data to develop contour, grade, and profile maps, used to design drainage systems in real time. Customer billing information and vendor pricing information are produced from map and grade profile data. Interfacing and machine control for machines used to install drainage and/or irrigation systems are generated from contour, grade and profile data. Data is exported and imported in common file formats for efficient data exchange.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a blade, a lifting mechanism configured to raise and lower the blade, and a pitching mechanism configured to pitch the blade forward and backward. A control system of the vehicle is configured to automatically maintain at least one of a depth of the blade during pitching of the blade and a pitch of the blade during lifting of the blade.

Abstract: A hydraulic unit is switched among a first region A where a flow rate is adjusted by controlling a rotational speed of an electric motor while maintaining a displacement of a variable displacement pump at a maximum value, a second region B where the flow rate is adjusted by changing the displacement of the variable displacement pump while maintaining the rotational speed of the electric motor at a minimum value lower than the rotational speed in the first region A, and a third region C where, in a range where a discharge pressure of the variable displacement pump is larger than that in the first region A, the flow rate is adjusted by changing the rotational speed of the electric motor in a range larger than the minimum rotational speed, while maintaining the displacement of the variable displacement pump at an allowable maximum value that is derived from the discharge pressure and a maximum shaft torque of the electric motor.

Abstract: A work machine (10) comprises an operator input device (28), an electro-hydraulic system (64), and a controller unit (46) that communicates with the operator input device (28) and the electro-hydraulic system (64). The controller unit (46) is programmed to operate the electro-hydraulic system (64) in an auto-control mode, and adapted to override the auto-control mode in response to predetermined behavior of the operator input device (28). An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for determining the elevation of a part of an implement, with the implement being attached to the ends of a pair of lift arms of a loader machine, includes a laser transmitter providing a reference beam of laser light. The beam may be a thin beam that is swept in a reference plane, or it may be a pair of fan shaped beams that are continuously rotated. A first beam detector is mounted on one of the pair of lift arms of the loader machine for detecting said reference beam and providing a first output. A second beam detector is mounted on the same lift arm and is spaced along the lift arm from the first beam detector for detecting the reference beam and providing a second output. A control circuit, responsive to the first beam detector and to the second beam detector, determines the elevation of the part of the implement based on the first and second outputs, and provides a projected implement elevation.

Abstract: An operator controllable machine is retrofitted to be operator controlled or to be automatically controlled. An electrical joystick output is provided by a manually actuated joystick control, including a joystick, to a machine control in the manually controlled machine. An interface is added between the joystick control and the machine control to permit an external source, such as a GPS receiver or a laser receiver, to apply an electrical automatic control output to the machine control, as well. The interface includes a number of optical isolation circuits and a microprocessor. The isolated microprocessor output is supplied to the machine control, which produces valve control signals to control the hydraulic valves of the machine. The application of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders of the machine is then controlled by either the joystick control output or the automatic control output.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling and actuating an excavation implement during excavation between an above-ground position and an operator specified below-ground position and for maintaining the specified below-ground position once achieved. The actuation of the excavation implement is regulated by use of an operator modifiable relationship between an engine operating speed and an actuator speed. The actuation of the excavation implement is further regulated by use of an operator modifiable relationship between an attachment drive speed and the actuator speed. A computer network controls the actuation of the excavation implement in response to inputs from the operator and feedback from the engine speed, the attachment drive speed, and an actuator position sensor as the excavation implement progresses through the earth.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as a loader, includes a chassis, a plurality of traction devices positioned to support the chassis, a tool supported by the chassis to move material, and a rear object detector. The object detector may be supported by the chassis of the vehicle and configured to detect objects around the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for use with an excavation machine is disclosed. The control system may have a boom member, a linear actuator connected to pivot the boom member in a first direction, a rotary actuator connected to swing the boom member in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, and an operator input device configured to generate a command signal indicative of a desired movement of the boom member. The control system may also have a tilt sensor configured to detect an inclination of the excavation machine, and a controller in communication with the rotary actuator, the operator input device, and the tilt sensor. The controller may be configured to receive a swing end stop for the boom member, to control the rotary actuator to move the boom member based on the command signal, and to modify the command signal to inhibit movement of the boom member past the swing end stop based on the detected inclination of the excavation machine.

Abstract: An excavation control system for a machine is disclosed. The excavation control system may have a tool, at least one operator input device configured to provide manual control over movement of the tool, and a controller in communication with the at least one operator input device. The controller may be configured to receive an input related to an operator desired tool location, and determine that an operator is manually controlling movement of the tool toward the operator desired tool location. The controller may be further configured to automatically assume control over movement of the tool toward the operator desired tool location based on the determination.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling propulsion and steering of a track trencher excavation machine powered by an engine includes a multiple mode propulsion and steering control system that performs a plurality of functions depending on a selection of one of a plurality of operational modes. A controller generates a vehicle propulsion hydrostatic drive signal optionally using a track drive hydraulic pressure or a track drive speed as a variable for modifying the propulsion drive signal. The controller optionally uses a hydraulic attachment drive pressure as a variable for further modifying the propulsion drive signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the depth of a hoe bucket, including a hoe bucket defining a cutting edge, an elongated member pivotably connected to the bucket, an actuator operationally connected to the elongated member, an electronic controller operationally connected to the actuator, and a position sensor operationally connected to the cutting edge and operationally connected to the electronic controller. The actuator may be energized to pivot the elongated member to a position adjacent the cutting edge for engaging ground, and positioning of the elongated member adjacent the cutting edge prevents the cutting edge from digging ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a surface-modifying machine, wherein information on the desired condition and on the actual condition of ground to be prepared is provided and is used to derive control statements for the machine based on a comparison of the desired and the actual condition. The information on the actual condition is represented by a point cloud as a spatial distribution of discrete surface points. In order to derive control statements, at least two surface points each from the point cloud are used for every horizontal position so that non-differentiated information can be derived that for example also allow to identify various planes.

Abstract: A method and system for automated operation of a work vehicle comprises a boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom. A first sensor detects a boom angle of a boom with respect to a support near the first end. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second sensor detects an attachment angle of attachment with respect to the boom. A second cylinder is associated with the attachment. A switch accepts a command to enter a ready position state from another position state. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a boom angle within the target boom angular range and for controlling the second cylinder to attain an attachment angle within a target attachment angular range associated with the ready position state in response to the command.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling and actuating an excavation implement during excavation between an above-ground position and an operator specified below-ground position and for maintaining the specified below-ground position once achieved. The actuation of the excavation implement is regulated by use of an operator modifiable relationship between an engine operating speed and an actuator speed. The actuation of the excavation implement is further regulated by use of an operator modifiable relationship between an attachment drive speed and the actuator speed. A computer network controls the actuation of the excavation implement in response to inputs from the operator and feedback from the engine speed, the attachment drive speed, and an actuator position sensor as the excavation implement progresses through the earth.

Abstract: A method and system for creating a levelling surface for use in levelling a substantially uneven ground surface, optimised for a single plane, row cropping, or dryland cropping with no rows (a surface for row cropping will typically optimise the surface with a defined water flow direction and a surface for dryland cropping will typically optimise the surface to allow water flow in any direction). Terrain data is collected, at least one constraint corresponding to desired surface characteristics is inputted, and a data transformation engine is operated, wherein the data transformation engine optimises the terrain data for at least one terrain variable, generates an optimised terrain model that substantially complies with the at least one constraint, and outputs a levelling surface. The levelling surface may be outputted to a three-dimensional controller for land-levelling machinery which could then shift the soil from the existing terrain to match the levelling surface.

Abstract: In an excavator equipped with an offset boom, an offset command value generating device of a rotation control device offsets a second boom arranged on a distal end side in a rotation direction relative to a first boom arranged on a proximal end side when an acceleration start judging device judges that a rotation operation is started, and offsets the second boom in a reverse rotation direction when a deceleration start judging device judges that a rotation deceleration operation is started. Accordingly, when a rotation acceleration is performed using a reaction force generated in the offset, clearances between members of a work machine can be contracted in advance in the rotation direction, while when the rotation deceleration operation is performed, these clearances can be contracted in advance in the rotation reverse direction, thereby reducing an impact in the acceleration and deceleration.

Abstract: A work vehicle that includes a boom; a boom actuator connected to the boom, the boom actuator being adapted to controllably move the boom about a boom pivot in response to receiving a boom control signal; and a controller having computational and time-keeping capabilities. The controller communicates with the boom actuator, and calculates the boom velocity, compares the calculated velocity to a commanded velocity to obtain a velocity error, and, if necessary, de-rates the tractive effort of the wheels to prevent the boom from stalling. The controller also determines if the operator is actuating the boom, and reads the boom position to calculate the boom velocity based upon the current boom position and a previous boom position. The controller uses a predefined algorithm to de-rate the tractive effort of the wheels as a function of the power train configuration.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a bucket excavation controller. The bucket excavation controller can be adapted to control one or more digging functions of a mining excavator. For example, the bucket excavation controller can be adapted to automatically control a crowd motion of the mining excavator.

Abstract: A method and system for automated operation of a work vehicle comprises a boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom. A first sensor detects a boom position based on a first linear position of a first movable member associated with the first hydraulic cylinder. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second hydraulic cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment position based on a second linear position of a second movable member associated with the second hydraulic cylinder. A switch accepts a command to move to or enter a preset position state from another position state. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a target boom position and for controlling the second cylinder to attain a target attachment position associated with the preset position state in response to the command.

Abstract: A real-time path-directed controller for navigating an object along a desired path is disclosed. The controller comprises: a position sensor which contributes to the production of a conditioned object position signal to a controller summer; a heading conditioning module which contributes to the production of a conditioned heading signal to the controller summer; a control apparatus sensor which contributes to the production of a conditioned control apparatus signal to the controller summer; and a control apparatus null position conditioning module which contributes to the production of a conditioned null position signal to the controller summer. The controller summer sums the signals to produce a controller summer signal to a controller summer conditioning module so as to produce a control apparatus control signal to a control apparatus controller so as to direct the control apparatus and thereby direct the object by feedback control along the desired path.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling propulsion and steering of a track trencher excavation machine powered by an engine includes a multiple mode propulsion and steering control system that performs a plurality of functions depending on a selection of one of a plurality of operational modes. A controller generates a vehicle propulsion hydrostatic drive signal using an engine speed to determine a load multiplier. The load multiplier being defined as a function of the engine speed and an operator adjustable load control setting.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling and actuating an excavation implement during excavation between an above-ground position and an operator specified below-ground position and for maintaining the specified below-ground position once achieved. The actuation of the excavation implement is regulated by use of an operator modifiable relationship between an engine operating speed and an actuator speed. The actuation of the excavation implement is further regulated by use of an operator modifiable relationship between an attachment drive speed and the actuator speed. A computer network controls the actuation of the excavation implement in response to inputs from the operator and feedback from the engine speed, the attachment drive speed, and an actuator position sensor as the excavation implement progresses through the earth.

Abstract: A method of controlling a machine during an excavating operation is provided. Stabilizers are deployed to ground contact to stabilize the machine at a first set-up position. Excavating is performed with an excavating assemblage during a first excavating phase while the machine is stabilized at the first set-up position. An automated machine preparation for repositioning mode is initiated for preparing the machine, after the excavating phase, for repositioning to a second set-up position for a second excavating phase, by activating an input device to send input signals to a controller. Output signals are delivered from the controller to control automated machine preparation for repositioning to the second set-up position.