Hitch assembly control system with slip control

Abstract

A system for controlling wheel slippage of a vehicle carrying or trailing an implement when slip above a slip limit is detected. The implement is coupled to an implement positioning system including an actuator for raising and lowering the implement in response to a control signal. The system includes a first sensor for sensing an operating parameter such as draft force or implement position, a second sensor for sensing the vehicle's apparent speed, and a third sensor for sensing the vehicle's ground speed. The system may include a fourth sensor for sensing a second operating parameter. The system also includes a control circuit configured to generate a slip signal based upon the apparent speed and the ground speed, and to operate in a first manner when the slip signal is below a slip limit and in a second manner when the slip signal is above the slip limit. When operating in the first manner, the control circuit generates the control signal for moving the actuator based upon the difference between the first or second operating parameter and a reference value. When operating in the second manner, the control circuit can override control based on this difference by using a control signal based upon the difference between the slip signal and a slip reference value.