ATTACHMENT CONTROLLER
A controller for a power machine attachment. The controller includes a computing device, a memory, and at least one sensor. The memory is programmed with an application program specific to the type of attachment, and operating parameters specific to planned use of the attachment.
1 . A controller for a power machine attachment, the controller comprising:
a computing device;
a memory associated with the computing device, the memory programmed with an application program specific to the type of attachment and operating parameters specific to planned use of the attachment; and
at least one sensor coupled to the computing device.
2 . The controller of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to communicate with and control a master computer of a power machine.
3 . The controller of claim 1 , further comprising an operator interface on a power machine, the operator interface displaying data from the at least one sensor.
4 . The controller of claim 1 , further comprising an operator interface coupled to the controller.
5 . The controller of claim 1 , wherein an hydraulic pressure supplied to the attachment is controlled based on the application program and the operating parameters.
6 . The controller of claim 1 , wherein the controller maintains one or more operating parameters in memory.
7 . The controller of claim 6 , wherein the operating parameter is an error code.
8 . The controller of claim 6 , wherein the error code is for an error with a power machine.
9 . The controller of claim 8 , wherein the controller maintains error codes for a plurality of power machines.
10 . The controller of claim 6 , wherein the operating parameter is at least one of a cycle count and an hours of use.
11 . The controller of claim 1 , wherein the controller optimizes operation of the attachment based on input from the at least one sensor.
12 . A method of manufacturing an attachment for a power machine, comprising:
mounting a controller on the attachment, the controller configured to communicate with and control a master computer on the power machine;
identifying the attachment;
programming the controller with an application program specific to the type of the attachment;
programming the controller with operating parameters, the operating parameters based on a specific use of the attachment; and
coupling at least one sensor to the controller.
13 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising providing at least one hydraulic interface for linking to a power machine.
14 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising providing an interface for serial communication between the controller and a master computer of a power machine.
15 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising mounting an operator interface to the attachment, the operator interface coupled to the controller.
16 . A power machine including an attachment, comprising:
a master computer configured to operate the power machine;
a hydraulic power system, controlled by the master computer and providing hydraulic power to the attachment;
an attachment controller coupled to the master computer, the controller controlling the master computer during operation of the attachment; and
at least one sensor on the attachment, the at least one sensor coupled to the attachment controller;
wherein the attachment controller includes an application program specific to the type of attachment and operating parameters specific to planned use of the attachment.
17 . The power machine of claim 16 , further comprising a first operator interface on the power machine and a second operator interface on the attachment.
18 . The power machine of claim 16 , wherein the attachment controller records error codes for the power machine and for the attachment.
19 . The power machine of claim 16 , wherein the attachment controller records at least one of a cycle count and an operating time.
20 . The power machine of claim 16 , wherein the attachment controller optimizes performance of the attachment based on input from the at least one sensor.