An agricultural work system has an agricultural work machine to which at least one mounted implement can be fitted via at least one implement interface. A work machine configuration is associated with the work machine, and a mounted implement configuration is associated with the mounted implement. A drive unit is provided which acts via a drivetrain on ground engaging elements, particularly on tires. A system control and a control/display unit associated with the work machine are provided. It is proposed that the system control is adapted to determine the mounted implement configuration, to calculate the implement interface load transmitted via the implement interface based on the determined mounted implement configuration, and to evaluate and/or optimize the work machine configuration based on the calculated implement interface load.

A method for determining a mass of an implement includes providing a rear powerlift having at least one upper link and at least one lower link and a support structure disposed at the rear of a utility vehicle. The method includes defining an angle (Ψ) between the upper link and a vehicle horizontal line, an angle (φ) between the lower link and the vehicle horizontal line, an angle of inclination (θ) of a vehicle horizontal line relative to a terrestrial horizontal line, a path (LV) representative of a connection along the lower link between the support structure and the implement, and a force (F.sub.U) impinging on a connection between the upper link and the implement and acting along the upper link. The mass is determined by at least one of the angle (Ψ), the angle (φ), the angle of inclination (θ), the path (LV), and the force (F.sub.U).

A method for determining a mass of an implement attached to a vehicle includes providing a powerlift having at least one upper link and one lower link, a support structure, and the implement. The method also includes defining an angle (ψ) between the upper link and a vehicle horizontal line, an angle (φ) between the lower link and a vehicle horizontal line, an angle of inclination (θ) of a vehicle horizontal line relative to a terrestrial horizontal line, a path (AK) that represents a connection along the lower link between the support structure and the implement, and a force (F.sub.E) impinging on a connection between the upper link and the implement and acting along the upper link. The mass is determined as a function of at least one of the angle (ψ), the angle (φ), the angle of inclination (θ), the path (AK), and the force (F.sub.E).

A force sensor is suitable for an electrohydraulic hitch control system of an agricultural tractor. The force sensor has an outer cylindrical part with a bore and a measuring rod fixed on one side in the bore. A central section of the cylindrical part is provided as force introduction section. Two outer sections of the cylinder part are removed equally far axially from the center of the force introduction section and are provided as abutment sections. The measuring rod is clamped in an area of the force introduction section.

Self-propelled vehicles for supporting and operating a device are disclosed. Example devices include agricultural devices. The vehicle includes mounting arms that allow the device to be extended forward or rearward of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the device is releasably coupleable to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes rear drive wheels and front caster wheels.

Self-propelled vehicles for supporting and operating a device are disclosed. Example devices include agricultural devices. The vehicle includes mounting arms that allow the device to be extended forward or rearward of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the device is releasably coupleable to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes rear drive wheels and front caster wheels.

A work vehicle multi-coupler assembly having a controlled breakaway feature include a pair of coupling elements that mate along a coupling axis. A shear pin is carried by one of the coupling elements. A coupler mechanism connected to the second coupling element and configured to engage the shear pin to bring the first coupling element into mating engagement with the second coupling element. The coupler mechanism is configured to shear the shear pin to permit movement of the first coupling element away from the second coupling element along the coupling axis during a breakaway event.

A method for determining a mass of an implement includes providing a rear powerlift having at least one upper link and at least one lower link and a support structure disposed at the rear of a utility vehicle. The method includes defining an angle () between the upper link and a vehicle horizontal line, an angle () between the lower link and the vehicle horizontal line, an angle of inclination () of a vehicle horizontal line relative to a terrestrial horizontal line, a path (LV) representative of a connection along the lower link between the support structure and the implement, and a force (F.sub.U) impinging on a connection between the upper link and the implement and acting along the upper link. The mass is determined by at least one of the angle (), the angle (), the angle of inclination (), the path (LV), and the force (F.sub.U).

An agricultural work system has an agricultural work machine to which at least one mounted implement can be fitted via at least one implement interface. A work machine configuration is associated with the work machine, and a mounted implement configuration is associated with the mounted implement. A drive unit is provided which acts via a drivetrain on ground engaging elements, particularly on tires. A system control and a control/display unit associated with the work machine are provided. It is proposed that the system control is adapted to determine the mounted implement configuration, to calculate the implement interface load transmitted via the implement interface based on the determined mounted implement configuration, and to evaluate and/or optimize the work machine configuration based on the calculated implement interface load.

A method is provided for determining a weight of a payload carried by a support structure of an agricultural utility vehicle via a hitch. The hitch includes at least one upper link and at least one lower link. The method includes determining the weight based on at least one of (1) an angle between the upper link and a vehicle horizontal, and (2) a holding force that arises at a connection between the upper link and the payload and is effective along the upper link.