A hydraulic system for controlling a pair of steerable caster wheels includes a left steering command valve, a right steering command valve, and a rear steering control valve. A supply pressure fluid circuit interconnects a pressure source and the rear steering control valve. A command valve supply fluid circuit interconnects the rear steering control valve with both the right steering command valve and the left steering command valve. A left side steering fluid circuit interconnects a left side actuator and the left steering command valve. A right side steering fluid circuit interconnects a right side actuator and the right steering command valve. A fluidic tie rod fluid circuit interconnects both the left side actuator and the right side actuator with the rear steering control valve. A tank return fluid circuit interconnects the rear steering control valve, the left and right steering command valves, and a tank.

A system for controlling turning of vehicle may include a steering angle detection sensor; a front inner wheel speed detection sensor detecting a front inner wheel speed; a front outer wheel speed detection sensor detecting a front outer wheel speed; a rear outer wheel speed detection sensor detecting a rear outer wheel speed based on a turning direction; and a braking controller receiving detection signal of the steering angle detection sensor to determine that the vehicle turns, estimating the rear inner wheel speed in the turning direction based on detection signals of the front inner wheel speed detection sensor and the front outer wheel speed detection sensor and detection signal of the rear outer wheel speed detection sensor, and executing a mode for decreasing the estimated speed as compared to the rear outer wheel speed, as a control mode for reducing a minimum rotation radius at the time of turning.

The invention relates to a method for controlling a motion of a counter balance forklift truck, the method comprises: detecting that a steering command generated with an endless rotating steering device corresponds to a reference steering point, in response to the detection providing at least two states for selecting a travel direction of the counter balance truck, detecting a selected state in accordance with a detection of a change in a steering command, and generating control signals individually to a plurality of electric drive motors for controlling the motion of the counter balance truck to meet the travel direction selected with the steering device. The invention also relates to a forklift truck implementing the method and to a computer program product.

The disclosure relates to a steering control system useful for providing stable control during high-speed operation of harvesters, such as self-propelled windrowers. The steering control system utilizes sensors for detecting a ground drive wheel speed or a swash plate position of hydraulic pumps for determining an angle of curvature used as input for controlling a steering cylinder associated with a first caster.

A method for executing multi-mode turns with a work vehicle includes transmitting initial steering and braking commands for controlling an operation of a steering actuator(s) and a steering brake(s), respectively, of the work vehicle to initiate execution of a multi-mode turning operation. The method also includes determining allowable steering and braking rates for the work vehicle based at least in part on an actual steering rate and an actual braking rate, respectively, of the work vehicle during execution of the multi-mode turning operation, and determining updated steering and braking commands based at least in part on the allowable steering and braking rates. In addition, the method includes transmitting the updated steering and braking commands to control the operation of the steering actuator(s) and the steering brake(s), respectively, to continue execution of the multi-mode turning operation.

Mower castor swivel and steering control systems may include a pair of castor wheel engaging assemblies carried by the lawnmower frame of the riding lawnmower. The pair of castor wheel engaging assemblies may be configured for selective actuation to prevent swiveling of the pair of front castor wheels, respectively, on the riding lawnmower. At least one actuating device may operably engage the pair of castor wheel engaging assemblies. The at least one actuating device may be configured to actuate the pair of castor wheel engaging assemblies responsive to selective actuation by a mower operator of the riding lawnmower. A castor wheel steering assembly may operably engage the pair of castor wheel engaging assemblies. The castor wheel steering assembly may be configured to steer the pair of front castor wheels responsive to selective actuation by the mower operator simultaneous with actuation of the at least one actuating device.

In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.

In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.

Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability.

Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability.