Method for operating a multiple speed hydraulic motor

1. A method of operating a hydraulic motor, the method comprising:

measuring a temperature of hydraulic fluid associated with the hydraulic motor;

comparing the measured temperature of the hydraulic fluid to a first temperature threshold;

controlling an operational state of one or more hydraulic motor functions based at least partially on the comparison of the measured temperature of the hydraulic fluid and the first temperature threshold;

actuating a valve to force the hydraulic fluid through a pre-warming path if the measured temperature of the hydraulic fluid is below the first temperature threshold;

identifying an error condition associated with either he valve or with measuring the temperature of the hydraulic fluid; and

limiting a speed of the hydraulic motor upon identifying the error condition associated width either the valve or with measuring the temperature of the hydraulic fluid.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising setting the first temperature threshold to approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein controlling an operational state includes disabling a speed function of the hydraulic motor based at least partially on the comparison of the measured temperature of the hydraulic fluid and the first temperature threshold.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the speed function is disabled when the temperature of the hydraulic fluid is below the first temperature threshold.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising requiring a confirmation that a change in the operational state of one or more of the hydraulic motor functions is desired.

6. A method of operating a machine having a hydraulic motor that utilizes hydraulic fluid, the method comprising:

measuring a temperature of the hydraulic fluid;

determining whether the temperature of the hydraulic fluid is below a first temperature threshold;

enabling a flow of hydraulic fluid into a warming flow path when the temperature of the hydraulic fluid is below the first temperature threshold, the warming flow path being independent of a driving flow path used to drive the hydraulic motor;

limiting a speed with which the hydraulic motor operates, in response to an operator control, to a first speed while prohibiting the hydraulic motor from operating at a second higher speed when the temperature of the hydraulic fluid is below the first temperature threshold; and

disabling the flow of hydraulic fluid into the second flow path and removing the speed limit upon the temperature of the hydraulic fluid meeting or exceeding the first temperature threshold.

7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising enabling the flow of hydraulic fluid into the warming path by actuating a first valve.

8. The method of claim 6 , further comprising limiting the speed with which the hydraulic motor operates by preventing the actuation of a second valve.

9. The method of claim 6 , further comprising enabling the flow of hydraulic fluid into the warming flow path by diverting the hydraulic fluid into the warming flow path using a pump.

10. The method of claim 6 , further comprising enabling the flow of hydraulic fluid into the warming path when the hydraulic motor is prevented from operating and the temperature of the hydraulic fluid is below a second temperature threshold.

11. The method of claim 6 , further comprising indicating that the speed of the hydraulic motor is being limited, the indication being visual or audible.

12. The method of claim 6 , further comprising requiring a confirmation that an increased speed is desired upon the speed limit being removed.

13. The method of claim 6 , further comprising identifying an error condition associated with measuring the temperature of the hydraulic fluid or limiting the speed of the hydraulic motor.

14. A method for controlling a hydraulic system that includes a pump for causing a flow of hydraulic fluid, a motor capable of multiple speed operation in response to the flow of hydraulic fluid, the motor having a lubrication circuit, and brake preventing operation of the motor when the brake is on and permitting operation of the motor when the brake is off, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) determining whether the brake is on;

(b) determining whether an operator is requesting operation of the motor at a high speed;

(c) determining a temperature of the hydraulic fluid;

(d) flowing the hydraulic fluid through a pre-warming circuit into the lubrication circuit in the motor upon the determination that the brake is on and the temperature of the hydraulic fluid is below a high limit,

(e) flowing the hydraulic fluid through a pre-warming circuit into the lubrication circuit and preventing operation of the motor at high speed upon the determination that the brake is off and the temperature of the hydraulic fluid is below a low limit;

(f) alerting the operator that the motor is being prevented from operation at high speed when the operator attempts to operate the motor at high speed operation during step (e);

(g) enabling operation of the motor at high speed following step (e) when the temperature of the hydraulic fluid is equal to or above the low limit and while the brake is off; and

(h) requiring a confirmatory act of the operator prior to permitting operation of the motor at high speed in the event the operator was alerted during step (f).