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Certain functions are also being moved from the control console and placed on the joysticks. For example, shift buttons built into the joysticks enable upshifting or downshifting at the touch of a thumb. A similar approach has been taken with blade tilt and pitch control - operators are able to make blade adjustments at the push of a button.

"You can activate/deactivate or modify those types of functions all without taking your hands off the implement controls," Unger points out. "You're not taking your hand off to push some button on the right-hand console or the front dash." This means the operator can maintain sight of the blade and retain full control of the machine at all times.

Electrohydraulic benefits
According to Unger, the primary reason behind the move from pilot controls to electrohydraulics is automated grade control.

"That's really the sole purpose of making that transition," he asserts, "to facilitate automation features and give an easy way to get into the system and control the implements, engine, transmission, etc."

"With the electrohydraulic controls on board, it's easier to integrate grade control into the machine," Drescher agrees, "because the GPS system or the laser [can] send a signal to the grade control sensor that's on the tractor." The sensor in turn communicates with the electrohydraulic valve to control the blade functions.