Variable system pressure based on implement position

A method of operating a hydraulic system, the method comprising:

• operating a work machine and controlling an implement of the work machine with a hydraulic system;
• monitoring a factor relating to implement position;
• operating the hydraulic system at a first of a plurality of available system pressures unless and until the implement position dictates switching to a second of the plurality of available system pressures;
• switching to the second pressure by controlling the output of the hydraulic system and adjusting a pressure setting of a pressure relief valve;
• operating the hydraulic system at the second pressure unless and until the implement position dictates switching back to the first pressure.

A work machine comprising:

• an implement;
• a hydraulic system for controlling the implement, comprising:
• a hydraulic reservoir;
• a hydraulic pump in fluid communication with the reservoir;
• a central valve in fluid communication with the pump and configured for controlling the implement;
• a pressure relief valve arranged in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump and the central valve;
• and
• a controller configured for controlling the hydraulic pump and selecting between operating the hydraulic system at a first pressure and a second pressure based on a factor relating to implement position, wherein selecting between operating pressures comprises receiving the system pressure from the system pressure sensor and controlling the hydraulic pump to limit the pressure in the hydraulic system by comparing the system pressure to a selected stored pressure setting and limiting operation of the hydraulic pump when the selected stored pressure setting is met or exceeded.