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Electrohydraulics have other benefits, as well. For example, they enable what's called bi-directional shift. "When you flip to reverse, it will automatically put you in second gear," says Unger. "It's configurable - you can pick whichever gear you want - and it will automatically [select a] corresponding forward gear when you select forward, and a corresponding reverse gear when you shift into reverse."

You also have the ability to adjust how aggressive or soft the dozer will steer. "If you were in an application where, let's say, you're in deep mud and you need a power boost in the turn to maneuver in those kinds of underfoot conditions, you can dial that in," Drescher points out. "The computer technology and electrohydraulic controls allow you to make adjustments that weren't possible in the past."

Of course, there are some sacrifices associated with the switch to electrohydraulics. For one, they add cost and complexity to the machine. They also lessen an operator's ability to perceive what's happening at the edge of the blade.

"The primary thing operators will tell you on an electrohydraulic machine is you lose 'feel', because your handle is no longer mechanically connected to the blade or hydraulic system," says Unger. "If your blade comes up against a hard object or there is a lot of load on your blade, with a pilot-based handle, or certainly a direct spool actuation, you feel that additional pressure... With electrohydraulics, it's all sensors and electronics, so you lose some of that feel."

Yet, the gains tend to make up for any losses rather quickly. "In the greater scheme of things, if you have automation coupled with [electrohydraulics], you gain back the productivity and then some," Unger states.