The Toro Company

A utility vehicle, control system, and method are described to allow relief of hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic system of the vehicle once the source of hydraulic pressure (e.g., pump) is de-energized. In some embodiments, a hydraulic control input is provided and operably coupled to the hydraulic system, and an operator control switch is provided and also operably coupled to the hydraulic system. The operator control switch has at least two positions, wherein pressure within the hydraulic system is relieved when the operator control switch is in a relief position and the hydraulic control input is engaged.

A compact utility loader is operated by a standing operator at the rear of a frame. A loader arm assembly comprises a scissors linkage on either side of the frame nesting around the prime mover. Each scissors linkage has an upper loader arm that is pivoted at its rear end to rears ends of a pair of lower loader arms such that the pivot connections to the upper loader arm move upwardly and forwardly relative to the frame during elevation of the loader arm assembly to provide a high lift capability. The frame is self-propelled by a differential drive and steering system that is operated by dual levers. A hand grip extends between and unifies the operation of the levers to permit the operator to more easily move the levers in the ways that are needed to provide either straight motion of the frame or turns of the frame.

A ridable work vehicle includes an electric traction drive and an arm drive unit that is operable to move a loader arm assembly. The loader arm assembly includes a mechanical interface operable to mount a work attachment. The work vehicle includes a detachable operator control operable to wirelessly communicate with a controller of the work vehicle. One or both of the controller and the detachable operator control is operable to measure a proximity distance between the work vehicle and the detachable operator control. A platform sensor is operable to provide a platform signal in response to detecting an operator on the platform. The controller is operable to: determine a disposition of the operator relative to the work vehicle based on the proximity distance and the platform signal; and change an operating setting of the work vehicle based on a change in the disposition of the operator.

A compact utility loader is operated by a standing operator at the rear of a frame. A loader arm assembly comprises a scissors linkage on either side of the frame nesting around the prime mover. Each scissors linkage has an upper loader arm that is pivoted at its rear end to rears ends of a pair of lower loader arms such that the pivot connections to the upper loader arm move upwardly and forwardly relative to the frame during elevation of the loader arm assembly to provide a high lift capability. The frame is self-propelled by a differential drive and steering system that is operated by dual levers. A hand grip extends between and unifies the operation of the levers to permit the operator to more easily move the levers in the ways that are needed to provide either straight motion of the frame or turns of the frame.

A control system and method of controlling a utility vehicle. The system may include a controller, an energy mode input associated with a user input request to select one of at least two power modes, an implement control input associated with a user input request to select a movement of an implement, a drive control input associated with a user input request to select a movement of a drive system to propel the utility vehicle, and an attachment type input to further refine the allowed operating power states. The controller is adapted to determine a change between the plurality of operating power states in response to user input requests to automatically optimize machine performance and efficiency. Each of the plurality of operating power states includes a maximum electric current output and a maximum speed output of the electric motor.

A control system and method of controlling a utility vehicle. The system may include a controller, an energy mode input associated with a user input request to select one of at least two power modes, an implement control input associated with a user input request to select a movement of an implement, a drive control input associated with a user input request to select a movement of a drive system to propel the utility vehicle, and an attachment type input to further refine the allowed operating power states. The controller is adapted to determine a change between the plurality of operating power states in response to user input requests to automatically optimize machine performance and efficiency. Each of the plurality of operating power states includes a maximum electric current output and a maximum speed output of the electric motor.

A utility vehicle, control system, and method are described to allow relief of hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic system of the vehicle once the source of hydraulic pressure (e.g., pump) is de-energized. In some embodiments, a hydraulic control input is provided and operably coupled to the hydraulic system, and an operator control switch is provided and also operably coupled to the hydraulic system. The operator control switch has at least two positions, wherein pressure within the hydraulic system is relieved when the operator control switch is in a relief position and the hydraulic control input is engaged.

A compact utility loader incorporating a boom of adjustable length. The boom may include one or more lift arm assemblies, with each lift arm assembly including a first lift arm that telescopically receives a second lift arm. Each lift arm assembly also includes a telescoping actuator adapted to telescopically extend and retract its second lift arm relative to its first lift arm. A load-sensing system may be provided and adapted to limit lift arm assembly extension based at least in part upon a tool load applied at a tool supported by the boom.

A compact utility loader is operated by a standing operator at the rear of a frame. A loader arm assembly comprises a scissors linkage on either side of the frame nesting around the prime mover. Each scissors linkage has an upper loader arm that is pivoted at its rear end to rears ends of a pair of lower loader arms such that the pivot connections to the upper loader arm move upwardly and forwardly relative to the frame during elevation of the loader arm assembly to provide a high lift capability. The frame is self-propelled by a differential drive and steering system that is operated by dual levers. A hand grip extends between and unifies the operation of the levers to permit the operator to more easily move the levers in the ways that are needed to provide either straight motion of the frame or turns of the frame.