Displacement-controlled hydraulic system for multi-function machines

A displacement-controlled hydraulic system for a multi-function machine, the hydraulic system comprising:

• first and second travel actuators for propelling the machine, the first travel actuator associated with a first side of the machine and the second travel actuator associated with an oppositely-disposed second side of the machine;
• a plurality of function actuators for performing other functions of the machine;
• a plurality of pumps having outputs, the plurality of pumps including a first pump wherein the output thereof is dedicated for powering the first travel actuator, a second pump wherein the output thereof is dedicated for powering the second travel actuator, and multiple pumps wherein the outputs thereof power the function actuators;
• and
• means for switching the output of at least one of the multiple pumps between two or more of the function actuators to sequentially control two or more functions of the other functions of the machine.

An excavator comprising:

• means for propelling the excavator;
• at least a first earthmoving implement;
• multiple actuators that perform multiple functions of the excavator, the multiple actuators comprising first actuators that control the first earthmoving implement and second actuators that control the means for propelling the excavator;
• a system for controlling and actuating the multiple actuators, the system comprising multiple pumps having outputs that control the first actuators or control the first actuators and the second actuators;
• and
• valve means for switching the output of at least one of the pumps between two of the multiple actuators to sequentially control a corresponding two functions of the multiple functions performed thereby, and the valve means does not switch the outputs of the pumps to control the second actuators in combination with any of the first actuators.