Patent ID: 6148939
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A control system for controlling the steering of a work machine wherein the work machine utilizes differential speed control for turning the machine and likewise includes left and right drive motors for enabling the work machine to move in a plurality of directions, said control system comprising:an operator input device actuatable to command a particular direction of movement of the work machine including fore and aft movement and turning movement of the work machine;operator selectable means for selecting any one of a plurality of different steering mode correlations between the actuation of the operator input device and operation of the respective left and right drive motors, each steering mode correlation representing a different mode of operation of the left and right drive motors for the same input to the operator input device; andan electronic controller coupled with said operator input device and with said operator selectable means for receiving signals therefrom, said controller being operable to receive a signal from said operator selectable means indicative of which steering mode correlation has been selected for use, and a signal from said operator input device indicative of a particular direction of movement of the work machine being commanded by the operator;said controller outputting a signal to control the operation of the left and right drive motors in accordance with the selected steering mode correlation when said controller receives a signal from the operator selectable means indicative of which steering mode correlation has been selected for use, and a signal from said operator input device indicative of the particular direction of movement of the work machine being commanded by the operator.