Patent ID: 8401751

Claim:
A machine has a power train that includes a prime mover connected to a transmission having two or more selectable gear settings, the machine further comprising: an electronic controller configured to receive and transmit signals indicative of machine parameters, the electronic controller containing computer executable instructions, the computer executable instructions comprising: instructions for determining a current value for at least one efficiency metric of the machine that is at least partially based on engine speed during operation at a current gear setting of the transmission; instructions for determining a first expected value for the at least one efficiency metric of the machine during operation at a first alternative gear setting of the transmission; instructions for comparing the current value for the at least one efficiency metric with the first expected value for the at least one efficiency metric to determine whether a gear shift should be made as between the current gear setting and the first alternative gear setting; and instructions for at least one of indicating a gear shift recommendation for an operator and performing the gear shift it is determined that a gear shift should be made.