A machine is controlled to operate according to a first control configuration. Enhancement criteria values, that are indicative of an enhancement metric, are evaluated based on operation in the first control configuration. The machine is then controlled to operate according to a second control configuration, and the enhancement criteria are again evaluated. The machine is iteratively switched between operating in the first and second control configurations until a signal-to-background-variation-ratio with respect to the evaluated enhancement criteria is sufficient. One of the first and second control configurations are then identified as corresponding to a best enhancement criteria value.

A high efficiency work vehicle drivetrain contains a variator having an inline dual planetary configuration. The work vehicle drivetrain includes an engine, an auxiliary power takeoff (PTO) shaft coupled to the engine and rotatable about a primary power path axis when driven by the engine, and the variator assembly. The variator assembly includes a variator motor and a variator gearbox. The variator gearbox contains a planetary gear system, which is coupled to the variator motor and to the auxiliary PTO shaft. The planetary gear system is rotatable about a planetary axis, which is coaxial with the primary power path axis.

High efficiency work vehicle drivetrains containing variator assemblies are provided. In one embodiment, the work vehicle drivetrain includes an engine, a variator assembly, and an auxiliary power takeoff (PTO) shaft, which is coupled to the engine and rotatable about a primary power path axis when driven by the engine. The variator assembly includes, in turn, a variator motor and a variator gearbox. The variator gearbox contains a planetary gear system, which is coupled to the variator motor and to the auxiliary PTO shaft. The planetary gear system is rotatable about a planetary axis substantially parallel and offset from the primary power path axis.

A machine is controlled to operate according to a first control configuration. Enhancement criteria values, that are indicative of an enhancement metric, are evaluated based on operation in the first control configuration. The machine is then controlled to operate according to a second control configuration, and the enhancement criteria are again evaluated. The machine is iteratively switched between operating in the first and second control configurations until a signal-to-background-variation-ratio with respect to the evaluated enhancement criteria is sufficient. One of the first and second control configurations are then identified as corresponding to a best enhancement criteria value.

A harvester having a harvesting structure for harvesting crop and a crop receptacle for receiving harvested crop. The harvester comprises a crop conveying fan configured to operate at a fan speed to facilitate transfer of harvested crop from the harvesting structure to the crop receptacle. A control system for controlling the fan speed based on crop mass flow comprises a crop mass flow feedback device that provides a crop mass flow feedback signal indicative of crop mass flow. A controller is in communication with the crop mass flow feedback device and is configured to automatically lower the fan speed when the crop mass flow feedback signal indicates a lower crop mass flow and automatically raise the fan speed when the crop mass flow feedback signal indicates a higher crop mass flow.

A harvester having a harvesting structure, an accumulator, and a module builder having a throat. A plurality of meter rollers are positioned to receive crop and transfer crop at a feed rate in cooperation with a beater roller. A feeder belt receives crop from the meter rollers and the beater roller and transfers the crop to the throat. A feed rate control system comprises at least one crop mass flow feedback device providing a crop mass flow feedback signal indicative of crop mass flow. A controller is provided that is in communication with the at least one crop mass flow feedback device and configured to operate in a first mode by lowering the feed rate when the crop mass flow feedback signal indicates a threshold has been reached and by raising the feed rate when the crop mass flow feedback signal indicates the threshold has not been reached.

A harvester having a harvesting structure, an accumulator, and a module builder having a throat. A plurality of meter rollers are positioned to receive crop and transfer crop at a feed rate in cooperation with a beater roller. A feeder belt receives crop from the meter rollers and the beater roller and transfers the crop to the throat. A feed rate control system comprises at least one crop mass flow feedback device providing a crop mass flow feedback signal indicative of crop mass flow. A controller is provided that is in communication with the at least one crop mass flow feedback device and configured to operate in a first mode by lowering the feed rate when the crop mass flow feedback signal indicates a threshold has been reached and by raising the feed rate when the crop mass flow feedback signal indicates the threshold has not been reached.

A control system for controlling a pitch of a plurality of fan blades of a variable pitch fan driven by an engine of a harvester. The control system comprises first, second, and third feedback devices that provide first, second, and third feedback signals indicative of at least one harvester temperature, an ambient temperature, and an engine load. A controller is operable to receive the first, second, and third feedback signals, lookup an initial pitch setting, generate an initial pitch setting signal, and compare the harvester temperature to a harvester temperature limit and generate a fan reversal signal if certain conditions are met.

A control system for controlling a pitch of a plurality of fan blades of a variable pitch fan driven by an engine of a harvester. The control system comprises first, second, and third feedback devices that provide first, second, and third feedback signals indicative of at least one harvester temperature, an ambient temperature, and an engine load. A controller is operable to receive the first, second, and third feedback signals, lookup an initial pitch setting, generate an initial pitch setting signal, and compare the harvester temperature to a harvester temperature limit and generate a fan reversal signal if certain conditions are met.

A harvester having a harvesting structure for harvesting crop and a crop receptacle for receiving harvested crop. The harvester comprises a crop conveying fan configured to operate at a fan speed to facilitate transfer of harvested crop from the harvesting structure to the crop receptacle. A control system for controlling the fan speed based on crop mass flow comprises a crop mass flow feedback device that provides a crop mass flow feedback signal indicative of crop mass flow. A controller is in communication with the crop mass flow feedback device and is configured to automatically lower the fan speed when the crop mass flow feedback signal indicates a lower crop mass flow and automatically raise the fan speed when the crop mass flow feedback signal indicates a higher crop mass flow.