System and method for operating a work machine

A method for operating a work machine (1) having a drive device (5) with a hydrodynamic torque converter (2) and a powershift transmission (3) with at least a first powershift-capable friction clutch (4), the method comprising the steps of:

• determining at least a first converter slip while
• the drive device (5) is idling, wherein a transmission input shaft (6) that is able to be driven in rotation by a drive machine (1) rotates at a constant idling speed,
• the at least powershift-capable first friction clutch (4) is in a first shifting state in which no torque is transmitted via the at least first friction clutch (4),
• a turbine wheel (8), operatively connected to the transmission input shaft (6), of the torque converter (2) is running at a lower speed than a pump wheel (7) of the torque converter(2);
• and
• carrying out an inching control operation, wherein the at least first powershift-capable friction clutch is activated to set the determined first converter slip such that friction partners (9, 10) of a particular friction pairing of the at least first powershift-capable friction clutch are brought into frictional contact with one another.