Patent ID: 7293376

Claim:
A grading control system for a machine including a work implement for grading as the machine is propelled about a work site and along a grade defined by a laser plane generator, comprising: a tilt actuator associated with the work implement and configured to tilt the work implement; a lift actuator configured to selectively raise and lower the work implement; a laser receiver configured to receive a laser signal from the laser plane generator indicative of a desired grade, the laser receiver being configured to communicate a height signal based on the laser signal, the height signal being indicative of a position of the machine or work implement relative to the laser plane; a lift sensor configured to communicate a lift signal indicative of a lift position of the work implement; a tilt sensor configured to monitor a tilt position of the work implement and configured to communicate a tilt signal; and a control module in communication with the laser receiver, the lift sensor, and the tilt sensor, the control module being configured to generate a control signal based on the height signal, the lift signal, and the tilt signal, and also being configured to communicate the control signal to actuate at least one of the lift and tilt actuators to maintain the work implement at a position substantially corresponding to the desired grade as the machine is propelled about a work site.