Compaction Machine Steering System

A compaction machine system comprising:

• a mobile chassis, the mobile chassis including a first subframe pivotably connected to a second subframe about a pivot connection;
• a steering actuator configured to cause the first and second subframes to pivot with respect to one another;
• a steering angle sensor configured to provide data indicative of a machine steering angle;
• a control unit in communication with the steering angle sensor and the steering actuator, the control unit being configured to control operation of the steering actuator and to determine an operational stroke of the steering actuator,
• a remote control exterior to the compaction machine, the remote control including a direction control and a transmitter configured to transmit an operator-generated steering command from the direction control to a receiver on the control unit of the compaction machine;
• wherein the control unit is configured to control the steering actuator based on the operator-generated steering command from the direction control and the determined operational stroke of the steering actuator;
• and
• wherein the control unit is configured such that, in the absence of the operator-generated steering command, the control unit adjusts the operational stroke of the steering actuator to a neutral position resulting in straight-line travel.

A method of operating a compaction machine having a mobile chassis including a first subframe pivotably connected to a second subframe about a pivot connection and a steering actuator configured to cause the first and second subframes to pivot relative to one another and turn the compaction machine, the method comprising:

• providing a remote control in communication with the compaction machine, the remote control including a direction control and a transmitter;
• operating a control unit of the compaction machine to:
• receive data indicative of a machine steering angle from a steering angle sensor;
• determine an operational stroke of the steering actuator based on the machine steering angle and orientation of the pivot connection;
• receive an operator-generated steering command from the direction control of the remote control via the transmitter;
• automatically adjust the operational stroke of the steering actuator based on the operator-generated steering command from the direction control of the remote control and the determined stroke of the steering actuator;
• and
• based on the data from the steering angle sensor, automatically return the steering actuator to a neutral position in the absence of the operator-generated steering command.