Patent ID: 8025114
Filing Date: 2011-09-27
Classification: B60K,B60W,B62D,Y02T,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of steering a machine having an engine, a continuously variable transmission, a steering differential, and a steering control system including a steering motor adapted to operate said steering differential for steering said machine in a leftward or rightward direction, said steering control system having an actuable steering device, the steering control system further including a control unit in electrical communication with said steering device, said engine, said continuously variable transmission, and said steering motor, and wherein said control unit is configured to monitor and control direction and speed of said machine, said method of steering comprising the following steps: a) said control unit determines at least one of a speed of said continuously variable transmission and a load on said engine; b) said control unit determines a desired turn radius of said machine based upon inputs from said steering device; and c) said control unit modifies speed of said steering motor in response to at least one or both of said determined speed of said continuously variable transmission and said load on said engine to maintain said desired turn radius.