System and method for re-directing a ripping path

A controller-implemented method for re-orienting a machine during a ripping operation, comprising:

• storing a ripping path;
• determining a position of the machine based upon data from a position sensing system;
• comparing the position of the machine to the ripping path;
• determining a drawbar pull of the machine;
• determining a maximum steering drawbar pull based upon a steering traction factor, the steering traction factor being within a range of approximately 0.3 to 0.65, the maximum steering drawbar pull being utilized when the machine is being re-oriented relative to the ripping path and being less than a maximum drawbar pull utilized when the machine is being steered in a straight line along the ripping path;
• comparing the drawbar pull to a maximum steering drawbar pull;
• raising a ripper on the machine relative to a work surface if the machine is positioned greater than a predetermined distance from the ripping path and the drawbar pull exceeds the maximum steering drawbar pull;
• re-orienting the machine relative to the ripping path by propelling a pair of ground engaging tracks at different speeds;
• and
• lowering the ripper relative to the work surface.

A machine comprising:

• a prime mover;
• a position sensing system associated with the machine for generating data indicative of a position of the machine;
• a pair of ground engaging tracks operatively connected to the prime mover for propelling the machine;
• a ripper on the machine configured to engage a work surface;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• store a ripping path;
• determine the position of the machine based upon data from the position sensing system;
• compare the position of the machine to the ripping path;
• determine a drawbar pull of the machine;
• determine a maximum steering drawbar pull based upon a steering traction factor, the steering traction factor being within a range of approximately 0.3 to 0.65, the maximum steering drawbar pull being utilized when the machine is being re-oriented relative to the ripping path and being less than a maximum drawbar pull utilized when the machine is being steered in a straight line along the ripping path;
• compare the drawbar pull to the maximum steering drawbar pull;
• raise the ripper relative to the work surface if the machine is positioned greater than a predetermined distance from the ripping path and the drawbar pull exceeds the maximum steering drawbar pull;
• re-orient the machine relative to the ripping path by propelling the pair of ground engaging tracks at different speeds;
• and
• lower the ripper relative to the work surface.