Screed control system for an asphalt paver and method of use

A control system for a floating screed assembly for a paving machine comprising:

• a screed assembly including a main screed unit and an extension screed unit;
• a hydraulic cylinder for moving the extension screed unit relative to the main screed unit substantially transverse to the direction of machine travel;
• a plurality of hydraulic cylinders for raising, lowering and pivoting the extension screed unit relative to the main screed unit;
• operator control means for producing operator control signals indicative of a desired position of the extension screed unit;
• a plurality of linear position sensor for sensing the linear extension of respective hydraulic cylinders and for producing position signals in response to the position of the extension screed unit;
• and
• a controller for receiving the operator control and position signals and delivering command signals to the hydraulic cylinders in order to control the position of the extension screed unit to the desired position.