Control apparatus and method for a hydrostatically actuated vehicle

摘要

A method and apparatus for controlling operation of an engine (30) in a hydrostatically driven vehicle (20) having high and economy modes may include monitoring one or more control inputs. When in the economy mode the engine (30) may be operated: at a fixed propel neutral speed when a propel control input (78) is in a neutral position; at a fixed propel drive speed when the propel control input (78) is in a drive position and a propel pump displacement signal is less than a maximum displacement position of a propel pump (52); and at a variable drive speed when the propel control input (78) is in the drive position and the propel pump displacement signal indicates a maximum displacement position. The economy mode conserves fuel while ensuring that sufficient engine (30) power is maintained to operate the propel and any implement pumps (52) provided on the vehicle (20).