Work linkage position determining system

A method for determining the position of a work implement on a work machine relative to a desired grade defined by a laser beam, the work machine having a body and a work linkage, comprising:

• detecting the laser beam at a laser receiver;
• communicating a height signal based on the laser beam from the laser receiver, the height signal being indicative of a position of the work machine body relative to the laser beam;
• pivoting a swing frame of the work linkage in a lateral direction relative to the work machine body about a swing axis;
• monitoring the swing position of the swing frame;
• communicating a signal indicative of the position of the swing frame;
• monitoring a position of a digging arm of the work linkage with at least one digging arm sensor;
• communicating a signal indicative of the position of the digging arm;
• and
• determining a position of a portion of the work linkage relative to the desired grade.

A backhoe, comprising:

• a backhoe body;
• a work linkage supported by and extending from the backhoe body, the work linkage including a swing frame, a boom, a stick, and a work implement, wherein the swing frame is configured to pivot in a lateral direction relative to the backhoe body about a swing axis, and wherein the boom, the stick, and the work implement are supported by the swing frame;
• a swing frame sensor configured to monitor the swing position of the swing frame;
• a boom sensor, a stick sensor, and a work implement sensor configured to monitor a position of the boom, the stick, and the work implement, respectively;
• a laser receiver disposed on the backhoe body and configured to detect a laser beam, the laser receiver being configured to communicate a height signal indicative of the height of the backhoe body relative to the laser beam;
• and
• a control module in communication with the laser receiver, the swing frame sensor, the boom sensor, the stick sensor, and the work implement sensor, the control module being configured to determine a position of a portion of the work implement relative to the desired grade.