STAND-ALONE ELECTRONIC CONTROL OF WINCHES

A piece of heavy construction or forestry equipment includes an internal combustion engine configured to generate power from combustion of fuel, a winch coupled to the internal combustion engine such that power generated by the internal combustion engine is transmitted to the winch by a non-mechanical connection, a first electronic control unit, wherein the first electronic control unit is configured to control operation of components of the piece of heavy construction equipment other than the winch, and a second electronic control unit, wherein the second electronic control unit is independent of the first electronic control unit and configured to control operation of the winch.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

Description of the Related Art

Heavy equipment, such as track-type or wheeled machinery, construction equipment, or vehicles, including tractors, skidders, bulldozers, loaders, graders, backhoes, harvesters, feller-bunchers, forwarders, and on-road or off-road trucks, often comprises mechanical, hydraulic, and/or electronic systems for driving various subsystems, attachments, or components thereof, including winches. Hydraulic systems typically include a tank or reservoir of hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic pump, and a valve stack including a plurality of control valves for controlling the flow of the hydraulic fluid between the reservoir, the pump, and/or the hydraulically-powered components. Traditionally, such valve stacks included a plurality of valves, with each of the valves selected or optimized for use with the specific hydraulically-powered components to which it was coupled, and to which it controlled the flow of the hydraulic fluid.

FIG.1illustrates one example of a hydraulic system including a tank of hydraulic fluid, a pump, a single-acting hydraulic cylinder, a double acting hydraulic cylinder, a unidirectional hydraulic motor, a bi-directional hydraulic motor, and a stack valve (or “valve stack”) that includes a plurality of individual hydraulic control valves (or “valve sections”) that are packaged together in a single housing with common connections to the hydraulic pump and tank.

FIG.2illustrates another example of a hydraulic system that is similar to the hydraulic system ofFIG.1, except that it includes four separately-housed hydraulic control valves rather than four valve sections within a single housing. The particular hydraulic actuators illustrated in the work loops of bothFIG.1andFIG.2(single-acting cylinder, double-acting cylinder, unidirectional motor, and bi-directional motor) are examples only, and real-world hydraulic systems may have any number of work loops (more or less than the four shown) and may have any combination of hydraulic actuator types (not necessarily limited to the four types shown in the illustrations).

FIG.3illustrates an example of a hydraulic system including a winch, a tank of hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic work loop, a hydraulic pump, which may be a variable displacement hydraulic pump and may be driven by mechanical power to pump hydraulic fluid around the hydraulic work loop, and a hydraulic motor, which may be a bi-directional variable or fixed displacement hydraulic motor and may be driven by hydraulic fluid flowing from the pump, around the hydraulic work loop through the hydraulic motor, and back to the hydraulic pump, to drive operation of the winch.

FIG.4illustrates an example of an electric system driven directly by an internal combustion engine of the piece of heavy equipment. For example,FIG.4illustrates that a mechanical drive powered by the internal combustion engine can power an electric generator, that generated electric power can be communicated from the generator, through a set of controls, to an electric motor, and that the electric motor can drive operation of a winch.

FIG.5illustrates an example of a hybrid-electric system driven directly by an internal combustion engine of the piece of heavy equipment. For example,FIG.5illustrates that a mechanical drive powered by the internal combustion engine can power an electric generator, that generated electric power can be communicated from the generator, through a set of controls, to an electric motor, and that the electric motor can drive operation of a winch.FIG.5further illustrates that the system can include an energy storage device. In use, the controls can route electrical energy from the generator to the energy storage device when more electrical energy is provided by the generator than is demanded by the motor. Additionally, the controls can route electrical energy from the motor to the energy storage device if the motor is used in reverse to recover energy from the winch. Furthermore, the controls can route electrical energy from the energy storage device to the motor when less electrical energy is provided by the generator than is demanded by the motor.

FIG.6illustrates an example of an electric system driven directly by a fuel cell system of the piece of heavy equipment. For example,FIG.6illustrates that generated electric power can be communicated from the fuel cell, through a set of controls, to an electric motor, and that the electric motor can drive operation of a winch.FIG.6further illustrates that the system can include an energy storage device. In use, the controls can route electrical energy from the fuel cell system to the energy storage device when more electrical energy is provided by the fuel cell system than is demanded by the motor. Additionally, the controls can route electrical energy from the motor to the energy storage device if the motor is used in reverse to recover energy from the winch. Furthermore, the controls can route electrical energy from the energy storage device to the motor when less electrical energy is provided by the fuel cell system than is demanded by the motor.

FIG.7illustrates an example of an electric system driven directly by a battery of the piece of heavy equipment (a “pure electric” system or a “battery-electric” system). For example,FIG.7illustrates that electric power can be communicated from the battery, which operates as an energy storage device, through a set of controls, to an electric motor, and that the electric motor can drive operation of a winch. In use, the controls can route electrical energy from the motor to the battery if the motor is used in reverse to recover energy from the winch.

FIG.8illustrates a perspective view of a first end102of a winch100that has a central longitudinal axis106.FIG.9illustrates a perspective view of a second end104of the winch100, which is opposite to the first end102illustrated inFIG.8along the central longitudinal axis106.FIG.1illustrates that the winch100includes a first mounting flange108at its first end102, which is oriented perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis106and includes a plurality of holes or apertures extending therethrough along respective axes parallel to the central longitudinal axis106. In use, the winch100can be mounted to another piece of machinery by mechanical fasteners such as bolts or screws that extend through the apertures in the first mounting flange108and through corresponding apertures in a mounting flange of the other piece of machinery. When the winch100is mounted to another piece of machinery in this way, the mounting first flange108is rigidly coupled to the other piece of machinery and remains stationary with respect to the other piece of machinery during use.

FIG.9illustrates that the winch100also includes a second mounting flange110at its second end104, which is oriented perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis106and parallel to the first mounting flange108, and includes a plurality of holes or apertures extending therethrough along respective axes parallel to the central longitudinal axis106. In use, the winch100can be mounted to the other piece of machinery by mechanical fasteners such as bolts or screws that extend through the apertures in the second mounting flange110and through corresponding apertures in a mounting flange of the other piece of machinery. When the winch100is mounted to another piece of machinery in this way, the second mounting flange110is rigidly coupled to the other piece of machinery and remains stationary with respect to the other piece of machinery during use.

FIGS.8and9illustrate that the winch100includes a spool or drum112that is rotatable about the central longitudinal axis106with respect to the mounting flanges108and110. In use, a cable, rope, wire, or chain having a first end and a second end opposite the first end may be fastened at the first end thereof to the drum112. The cable may be wound up about the drum112, and the second end of the cable may be coupled to a load to be pulled by the winch100. The winch100can be operated to drive rotation of the drum112about the central longitudinal axis106with respect to the mounting flanges108and110and with respect to the piece of machinery to which the winch100is mounted, such as to wind up the cable onto the drum112to pull the load toward the winch100.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A piece of heavy construction or forestry equipment may be summarized as comprising: an internal combustion engine configured to generate power from combustion of fuel; a winch coupled to the internal combustion engine such that power generated by the internal combustion engine is transmitted to the winch by a non-mechanical connection; a first electronic control unit, wherein the first electronic control unit is configured to control operation of components of the piece of equipment other than the winch; and a second electronic control unit, wherein the second electronic control unit is independent of the first electronic control unit and configured to control operation of the winch.

The non-mechanical connection may be a hydraulic connection. The winch may be powered by an open-loop hydraulic system or a closed-loop hydraulic system. The non-mechanical connection may be an electric connection. The first electronic control unit may be configured to control operation of at least one of: a steering component of the piece of equipment; an operative end-effector of the piece of equipment, a ripper, a movable boom, a movable blade, a grapple, a pipelayer drawworks, a wheel drive, a track drive, a swing drive, a chipper, a tiller, a grinder, a sweeper, a hoist, a capstan, and a fan. The second electronic control unit may include a programmable logic controller.

A piece of heavy construction or forestry equipment may be summarized as comprising: a source of electrical power; a winch coupled to the source of electrical power; a first electronic control unit, wherein the first electronic control unit is configured to control operation of components of the piece of equipment other than the winch; and a second electronic control unit, wherein the second electronic control unit is independent of the first electronic control unit and configured to control operation of the winch.

The first electronic control unit may be configured to control operation of at least one of: a steering component of the piece of equipment; an operative end-effector of the piece of equipment, a ripper, a movable boom, a movable blade, a grapple, a pipelayer drawworks, a wheel drive, a track drive, a swing drive, a chipper, a tiller, a grinder, a sweeper, a hoist, a capstan, and a fan. The second electronic control unit may include a programmable logic controller.

A method of operating a piece of heavy construction or forestry equipment may be summarized as comprising: running an internal combustion engine, thereby generating power from combustion of fuel; transmitting power generated by the internal combustion engine to a winch by a non-mechanical connection; controlling operation of components of the piece of heavy construction or forestry equipment other than the winch using a first electronic control unit; and controlling operation of the winch using a second electronic control unit independent of the first electronic control unit.

The method may further comprise: storing information regarding operation of the winch in the second electronic control unit; using the information stored in the second electronic control unit to detect an undesired condition of the operation of the winch; and upon detecting the undesired condition of the operation of the winch, generating an alarm indicating the detection of the undesired condition. The method may further comprise: storing information regarding operation of the winch in the second electronic control unit; and using the information stored in the second electronic control unit to control operation of the winch. The internal combustion engine may be a diesel engine and the fuel may be diesel. The non-mechanical connection may interrupt mechanical transmission of power from the internal combustion engine to the winch.

A method of operating a piece of heavy construction or forestry equipment may be summarized as comprising: transmitting electrical power from a source of electrical power to a winch; controlling operation of components of the piece of heavy construction or forestry equipment other than the winch using a first electronic control unit; and controlling operation of the winch using a second electronic control unit independent of the first electronic control unit.

The method may further comprise: storing information regarding operation of the winch in the second electronic control unit; using the information stored in the second electronic control unit to detect an undesired condition of the operation of the winch; and upon detecting the undesired condition of the operation of the winch, generating an alarm indicating the detection of the undesired condition. The method may further comprise: storing information regarding operation of the winch in the second electronic control unit; and using the information stored in the second electronic control unit to control operation of the winch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG.1illustrates a schematic diagram of a hydraulic system.

FIG.2illustrates a schematic diagram of another hydraulic system.

FIG.3illustrates a schematic diagram of another hydraulic system.

FIG.4illustrates a schematic diagram of an electric system driven directly by an internal combustion engine.

FIG.5illustrates a schematic diagram of a hybrid-electric system driven directly by an internal combustion engine.

FIG.6illustrates a schematic diagram of an electric system driven directly by a fuel cell system.

FIG.7illustrates a schematic diagram of a battery electric system.

FIG.8illustrates a perspective view of a winch.

FIG.9illustrates another perspective view of the winch ofFIG.8.

FIG.10illustrates a diagram showing relationships between features of a winch control system.

FIG.11illustrates a piece of heavy equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Also, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Terms of geometric alignment may be used herein. Any components of the embodiments that are illustrated, described, or claimed herein as being aligned, arranged in the same direction, parallel, or having other similar geometric relationships with respect to one another have such relationships in the illustrated, described, or claimed embodiments. In alternative embodiments, however, such components can have any of the other similar geometric properties described herein indicating alignment with respect to one another. Any components of the embodiments that are illustrated, described, or claimed herein as being not aligned, arranged in different directions, not parallel, perpendicular, transverse, or having other similar geometric relationships with respect to one another, have such relationships in the illustrated, described, or claimed embodiments. In alternative embodiments, however, such components can have any of the other similar geometric properties described herein indicating non-alignment with respect to one another.

Various examples of suitable dimensions of components and other numerical values may be provided herein. In the illustrated, described, and claimed embodiments, such dimensions are accurate to within standard manufacturing tolerances unless stated otherwise. Such dimensions are examples, however, and can be modified to produce variations of the components and systems described herein. In various alternative embodiments, such dimensions and any other specific numerical values provided herein can be approximations wherein the actual numerical values can vary by up to 1, 2, 5, 10, 15 or more percent from the stated, approximate dimensions or other numerical values.

FIG.10illustrates a diagram showing relationships between features of a winch control system200. As illustrated inFIG.10, the winch control system200includes a human-machine interface202, which can include any known components for receiving input from a human operator and converting such input into mechanical, electrical, and/or hydraulic signals, which may be used to control operation of a winch. Such components may include a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, a microphone, a camera, a joystick, buttons, dials, and/or switches, etc. As illustrated inFIG.10, the winch control system200also includes an electronic control unit (“ECU”)204for coordinating control of the winch based on signals received by the human-machine interface202. In some embodiments, the electronic control unit204may include a microcontroller and/or a programmable logic controller (“PLC”). As used herein, the term “programmable logic controller” may include an industrial solid-state computer that monitors inputs and outputs, and makes logic-based decisions for automated processes or machines. The electronic control unit204may also include one or more memory-storage components, such as SRAM, EEPROM, and/or Flash devices. The electronic control unit204may be configured to receive input including digital and/or analog input signals, such as from the human-machine interface202. The electronic control unit204may also include one or more electronic valve drivers or actuator drivers, and may be configured to provide output signals to a winch, including through the one or more electronic valve drivers or actuator drivers.

As illustrated inFIG.10, the winch control system200also includes a powertrain206for directly supplying power to the winch based on signals received from the electronic control unit204. The powertrain206may be mechanically, hydraulically, and/or electrically powered, and may convert the supplied power to mechanical power in the form of rotation of a drum of a winch. As illustrated inFIG.10, the powertrain206can supply power to the winch and drive the drum of the winch to rotate, and is thereby capable of driving the winch to operate in two fundamental modes: a powered “reel-in” mode, in which the winch reels in and pulls in the cable, rope, wire, or chain wound onto its drum (spooling rope under power onto the winch drum), and a powered “reel-out” mode, in which the winch pushes out and reels out the cable, rope, wire, or chain wound onto its drum (unspooling rope under power off of the winch drum). That is, the powertrain206can drive the winch to operate in a first direction by providing a first torque to the drum of the winch, or can drive the winch to operate in a second direction opposite the first by providing a second torque opposite the first to the drum of the winch.

As illustrated inFIG.10, the electronic control unit204can control the winch so that it has additional functionality, and/or to operate in additional modes of operation. For example, the electronic control unit204can control the winch to either apply or release an internal mechanical static brake within or on the winch, such as to prevent or allow, respectively, motion of a gear train and/or the drum of the winch. This can be referred to as a “brake release” function, and release of the brake may be required before other functions can be performed or other modes of operation can be engaged. For example, the brake release function may need to be performed before the winch can be used in either the “reel-in” mode or the “reel-out” mode. As another example, the electronic control unit204can control the winch to either engage the drum of the winch with the gear train of the winch, or to disengage the drum of the winch from the gear train of the winch while applying a braking or drag force to the drum of the winch to allow unspooling of the cable, rope, wire, or chain wound onto the drum while maintaining tension in the cable, rope, wire, or chain wound onto the drum, such as to prevent “bird-nesting” of the cable, rope, wire, or chain as it unspools, and/or to prevent inadvertent or uncontrolled unspooling of the cable, rope, wire, or chain as it unspools. This can be referred to as a “drive-away release,” “brake-off,” “drum clutch release,” or “motor bypass” mode of operation.

As another example, the electronic control unit204can control the winch to either engage the drum of the winch with the gear train of the winch, or to disengage the drum of the winch from the gear train of the winch without applying a braking or drag force to the drum of the winch to allow unspooling of the cable, rope, wire, or chain wound onto the drum without resistance (other than small resistances such as those resulting from friction), such as to allow the cable, rope, wire, or chain to be unwound from the drum easily (with minimal resistance). This can be referred to as a “free-spool release” mode of operation.

In some embodiments, the electronic control unit204can provide the winch with additional functionality and/or with additional modes of operation beyond those illustrated inFIG.10. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic control unit204can control the winch to operate a variable displacement hydraulic motor thereof at its maximum displacement, such as to maintain a maximum output torque of the winch, a lowest speed of the winch, and a highest control resolution of the winch. This can be referred to as a “low lock” mode of operation. As another example, in some embodiments, the electronic control unit204can control the winch to operate in accordance with a variety of safety interlocks, such as to prevent the winch from operating in an unsafe manner and/or under unsafe conditions.

FIG.11illustrates a piece of heavy construction equipment300that includes a winch control system similar to the winch control system200. The piece of heavy construction equipment300is illustrated as a wheel loader, although the piece of heavy construction equipment300could, in alternative embodiments, be any piece of mobile construction, forestry, service, or agricultural equipment (including track-type or wheeled machinery, construction equipment, or vehicles, including tractors, skidders, bulldozers, loaders, graders, backhoes, harvesters, feller-bunchers, forwarders, and on-road or off-road trucks). As illustrated inFIG.11, the piece of heavy construction equipment300includes an internal combustion engine302, which may be a diesel engine, that generates mechanical power from combustion of a fuel such as diesel. The mechanical power is transmitted from the internal combustion engine302to other components of the piece of heavy construction equipment300by mechanical connections304, which may include mechanical drive shafts, etc. The mechanical connections304are illustrated in an abstract manner inFIG.11by paired dotted lines. The other components of the piece of heavy construction equipment300to which the mechanical connections304supply the mechanical power may include driving wheels306(or in alternative embodiments a driving track), steering components configured to steer the wheels306and/or the piece of heavy construction equipment300as it drives across a ground surface, and a hydraulic pump308or other hydraulic component configured to provide hydraulic power to hydraulic components of the piece of heavy construction equipment300, such as within a closed-loop or an open-loop hydraulic system. The other components of the piece of heavy construction equipment300to which the mechanical connections304supply the mechanical power may also include operative end-effector components of the piece of heavy construction equipment300, rippers, movable booms, movable blades, grapples, pipelayer drawworks, wheel drives, track drives, swing drives, chippers, tillers, grinders, sweepers, hoists, capstans, fans, and steering systems.

As further illustrated inFIG.11, the piece of heavy construction equipment300can transmit hydraulic power from the hydraulic pump308to other components of the piece of heavy construction equipment300by hydraulic connections310, which may include hydraulic lines or conduits carrying hydraulic fluid, etc. The hydraulic connections310are illustrated in an abstract manner inFIG.11by paired dotted lines. The other components of the piece of heavy construction equipment300to which the hydraulic connections310supply the hydraulic power may include the driving wheels306(or in alternative embodiments the driving track), steering components configured to steer the wheels306and/or the piece of heavy construction equipment300as it drives across a ground surface, and a winch312(which may include a winch powertrain having the features described herein for the winch powertrain206) or other hydraulic components configured to provide power to the winch312. Thus, the hydraulic connections310can interrupt mechanical transmission of power from the internal combustion engine302to the winch312. The other components of the piece of heavy construction equipment300to which the hydraulic connections310supply the hydraulic power may also include operative end-effector components of the piece of heavy construction equipment300, hydraulic cylinder-driven rippers, movable booms, movable blades, grapples, and steering systems, each of which may be driven by one or more hydraulic cylinders, and/or hydraulic motor-driven pipelayer drawworks, wheel drives, track drives, swing drives, chippers, tillers, grinders, sweepers, hoists, capstans, fans, and steering systems, each of which may be driven by one or more hydraulic motors.

WhileFIG.11illustrates that the piece of heavy equipment300includes a hydraulic pump308and hydraulic connections310, in alternative implementations, such hydraulic features may be replaced by counterpart electric components, such as an electric generator and electrical wires, cables, conduits, or other similar components.

FIG.11also illustrates that the piece of heavy construction equipment300includes a first electronic control unit314configured to receive inputs from a human operator of the piece of heavy construction equipment300, such as via a first human-machine interface integrated with the first electronic control unit314, and transmit corresponding control signals to various components of the piece of heavy equipment300. Such components may include the internal combustion engine302, the driving wheels306(or in alternative embodiments the driving track), steering components configured to steer the wheels306and/or the piece of heavy construction equipment300as it drives across a ground surface, and the hydraulic pump308or other hydraulic components configured to provide hydraulic power to hydraulic components of the piece of heavy construction equipment300. Such components may also include operative end-effector components of the piece of heavy construction equipment300, rippers, movable booms, movable blades, grapples, pipelayer drawworks, wheel drives, track drives, swing drives, chippers, tillers, grinders, sweepers, hoists, capstans, fans, and steering systems. Such components may not include the winch312.

The first electronic control unit314may transmit such corresponding control signals to such components via a first wired or wireless communications network316, which may include any one of various industry-accepted networking systems using any generally accepted networking communications protocol. For example, the first communications network316may use and operate in accordance with Society of Automotive Engineers standard SAE J1939. The first wired or wireless communications network316is illustrated in an abstract manner inFIG.11by single dotted lines.

FIG.11also illustrates that the piece of heavy construction equipment300includes a second electronic control unit318configured to receive inputs from a human operator of the piece of heavy construction equipment300, such as via a second human-machine interface integrated with the second electronic control unit318, and transmit corresponding control signals to the winch312. Thus, the winch312is provided with a dedicated, stand-alone second electronic control unit318, which is independent of the first electronic control unit314. For example, there may be no electrical, electronic, or other signal-carrying wired or wireless connection between the first electrical control unit314and the second electrical control unit318.

In some embodiments, information regarding operation of the winch (or “winch parameters”) can be stored in the second electronic control unit318. In some embodiments, such information may include data provided by one or more pressure, speed, temperature, or strain gauges or any other suitable sensor, and may be useful in determining safety, operability, condition, and/or durability of one or more parts of the winch. Such information stored in the second electronic control unit318can be used to detect an undesired condition of the operation of the winch312. Upon detecting the undesired condition of the operation of the winch312, a service code and/or an alarm can be generated to indicate the detection of the undesired condition. Such service codes and/or alarms can include failure and/or overload alarms and/or failure event “freeze frames” useful in troubleshooting malfunctions. In some embodiments, upon detection of an undesired condition, a correctable action can be suggested and/or taken to address or correct the undesired condition.

In some embodiments, information regarding operation of the winch (or “winch parameters”) can be stored in the second electronic control unit318. In some embodiments, such information may include data provided by various sensors including transducers, encoders, proximity sensors, load cells, etc. Such information stored in the second electronic control unit318or signals carrying such information can be used to provide brake release timing, and/or to prevent/block, delay, sequence, and/or actuate any one of the functions of the winch312, such as the winch functions or modes of operation described herein, and/or any other primary or secondary winch functions or modes of operation known in the art. Thus, the winch312can include a variety of sensors that output signals carrying information, and such information can be actively used by the second electronic control unit to modify or otherwise control operation of the winch312.

The second electronic control unit318may transmit control signals to the winch312via a second wired or wireless communications network320, which may include any one of various industry-accepted networking systems using any generally accepted networking communications protocol. For example, the second communications network320may use and operate in accordance with Society of Automotive Engineers standard SAE J1939. The second wired or wireless communications network320is illustrated in an abstract manner inFIG.11by single dotted lines. There may be no electrical, electronic, or other signal-carrying wired or wireless connection between the first communications network316and the second communications network320. Thus, the first electronic control unit314and the first communications network316may be electrically, electronically, and/or communicatively disconnected from or unconnected to the second electronic control unit318and the second communications network320.

The second electronic control unit318, the second communications network320, and the winch312may include components and functionality matching that described herein for the winch control system200. Further, these components are configured to provide all of the features, functionality, and modes of operation described herein with respect to the winch control system200. In particular, the second electronic control unit318is configured to receive inputs from a human operator indicating that the human operator would like the winch to perform any of the operations described herein or operate in any of the modes of operation described herein, and generate and transmit corresponding output signals through the second communications network320to the winch312. The second communications network320is configured to carry such signals from the second electronic control unit318to the winch312. The winch312is configured to receive such signals and perform the desired operations and/or perform in the desired mode of operation.

A winch system including the second electronic control unit318, the second human-machine interface integrated with the second electronic control unit318, the second communications network320, and the winch312, including the winch powertrain thereof, may be retrofittable onto a wide variety of different pieces of equipment or machinery, including mobile construction, forestry, service, and agricultural equipment (including track-type or wheeled machinery, construction equipment, or vehicles, including tractors, skidders, bulldozers, loaders, graders, backhoes, harvesters, feller-bunchers, forwarders, and on-road or off-road trucks). Thus, due to this wide-ranging compatibility, a single winch system may be usable with a much wider array of equipment or machinery than before. Furthermore, such a winch system can be developed and updated independently of the equipment or machinery onto which it will be or is intended to be installed or retrofitted. Thus, where a manufacturer of the equipment or machinery is a different entity than a manufacturer of the winch system, each manufacturer can design and optimize its own products without compromising compatibility with the other's products.