Inching systems and methods

A machine, comprising:

• a frame;
• a power source mounted to said frame;
• a transmission coupled to said power source, said transmission comprising at least one hydraulically actuated friction clutch;
• and
• an inching control system comprising:
• a variable position inching pedal disposed on said frame;
• a sensor configured to sense the position of said inching pedal and generate a position signal corresponding to the variable position of said inching pedal;
• a mode selector mounted on said frame;
• and
• an electronic control module configured to receive the position signal from said sensor and inputs from said mode selector and configured to employ at least one control curve based on the inputs from said mode selector, wherein the inputs from the mode selector set a starting point defining an initial torque value from a plurality of initial torque values that correspond to an initial engagement of a clutch and an endpoint defining a peak torque value from a plurality of peak torque values that correspond to full engagement of the clutch;
• wherein the electronic control module is configured to generate control commands based on the position signal of said sensor and the generated control curve and configured to control said at least one hydraulically actuated friction clutch of said transmission via the control commands.