The 18 speed full powershift transmission in Ford 8030 series agricultural tractors has a fully electronic, drive-by-wire control system. New control strategies were devised to provide advanced features while using simple operator controls.
The operator communicates with the control module using a single shift lever, an inching pedal, a digital gear indicator, and the tractor key switch. Normal powershift capability, advanced shuttle shift capability, diagnostics, test modes for service, clutch pressure calibration, and programmability are all provided without requiring additional equipment.
This paper describes the control strategies used to attain some of these capabilities.