Smart Stability: Dual-Mode Hill Hold and Parking Brake Strategy in Electric Tractors Using Motor Torque and Electro-Hydraulic Actuation

Operating tractors on Sloped Terrains presents safety challenges, especially during shuttle operations, loader use, or start-stop maneuvers at slopes. Unlike Diesel Counterparts, feedback from the prime mover (Motor) is minimal and silence often masks terrain feedback. Driver response tends to vary, leading to rollback & challenges to safety demanding skill & expertise for safe operation. Based on field observations across Mahindra tractor platforms, we identified start-stop maneuver task to be offloaded from the operator to improve control and consistency and take skill element out of picture. This paper outlines the approach derived based on dual-mode Hill Hold and Parking Brake system, developed using traction motor torque control and SAHR-based hydraulic braking via proportional valves. The VCU works at the heart of this system to dynamically choose between electric and hydraulic modes based on vehicle state, ignition, and motor conditions. Parking brake automation logic has been customized to Mahindra's operational use cases, including implement load states. The solution has been validated under real time conditions, including gradients >18% till 28%. Results demonstrate improved vehicle stability, consistent hill starts, and reduced driver workload during implement operation and terrain transition.