Multi-pump control system and method

A hydraulic control system including:

• a first pump configured to pressurize a fluid;
• a second pump configured to pressurize the fluid;
• a fluid actuator movable by the pressurized fluid;
• and
• a controller in fluid communication with the first pump and the second pump, wherein the controller is configured to:
• determine a desired characteristic for the fluid actuator;
• initiate operation of the first pump as the desired characteristic exceeds a minimum value;
• and
• initiate operation of the second pump only as the desired characteristic exceeds the minimum value by a predetermined amount,
• wherein when the desired characteristic exceeds the minimum value by the predetermined amount, both the first pump and the second pump pressurize fluid simultaneously at level below full output capacities of each of the first pump and the second pump.

A method of operating a hydraulic system, comprising:

• receiving a control signal indicative of the position of an operator control device within a range of motion from a neutral position to a maximum position;
• affecting operation of a first pump in response to the control signal when the control signal indicates an operator control device position away from the neutral position;
• and
• affecting operation of a second pump in response to the control signal only when the control signal indicates an operator control device position a predetermined amount away from the neutral position, such that both the first pump and the second pump pressurize fluid simultaneously at a level below full output capacities of each of the first pump and the second pump.

A method of operating a hydraulic control system, comprising:

• determining a desired characteristic for a fluid actuator;
• initiating operation of a first pump as the desired characteristic exceeds a minimum value;
• and
• initiating operation of a second pump only as the desired characteristic exceeds the minimum value by a predetermined amount, such that both the first pump and the second pump pressurize fluid simultaneously at a level below full output capacities of each of the first pump and the second pump.

A machine, comprising:

• a power source configured to produce a power output;
• a first pump drivingly coupled to the power source to pressurize a fluid;
• a second pump drivingly coupled to the power source to pressurize the fluid;
• a work tool;
• a first fluid actuator operably coupled to the work tool, configured to receive the pressurized fluid, and configured to move the work tool;
• a first operator control device movable to control motion of the first fluid actuator;
• a second fluid actuator operably coupled to the work tool, configured to receive the pressurized fluid, and configured to move the work tool;
• a second operator control device configured to control motion of the second fluid actuator;
• and
• a controller in communication with the first and second pumps and the first and second operator control devices, the controller configured to:
• receive a first input indicative of a desired motion of the first fluid actuator;
• initiate operation of the first pump in response to the first input exceeding a minimum value;
• initiate operation of the second pump in response to the first input exceeding the minimum value by a first predetermined amount;
• and
• bring operation of the first and second pumps substantially simultaneously to their maximum output flow capacities in response to the first input exceeding the minimum value by a second predetermined amount.