Joystick with improved control for work vehicles

A system for controlling a work vehicle, the system comprising:

• a controller configured to control motion of the work vehicle;
• an electronic joystick communicatively coupled to the controller, the electronic joystick configured to transmit signals to the controller as the electronic joystick is moved between a neutral position and a full stroke position, the electronic joystick being configured such that a varying joystick force is required to move the electronic joystick between the neutral and full stroke positions,
• wherein a rate of change of the joystick force is varied as the electronic joystick is moved across a start/stop position defined between the neutral and full stroke positions, and
• wherein the rate of change in the joystick force is varied at least once as the electronic joystick is moved between the start/stop position and the full stroke position.

A work vehicle, comprising:

• an engine;
• a hydrostatic drive unit coupled to the engine, the hydrostatic drive unit being configured to adjust a travel speed of the work vehicle;
• a controller communicatively coupled to the hydrostatic drive unit;
• and
• an electronic joystick communicatively coupled to the controller, the electronic joystick configured to transmit signals to the controller for controlling the hydrostatic drive unit as the electronic joystick is moved between a neutral position and a full stroke position, the electronic joystick being configured such that a varying joystick force is required to move the electronic joystick between the neutral and full stroke positions, wherein a rate of change of the joystick force is varied as the electronic joystick is moved across a start/stop position defined between the neutral and full stroke positions;
• and
• a first spring and a second spring associated with the electronic joystick, the first spring being configured to apply a first force against the electronic joystick as the electronic joystick is moved from the neutral position, the second spring being configured to apply a second force against the electronic joystick as the electronic joystick is moved across the start/stop position such that the rate of change in the joystick force is increased across the start/stop.

A work vehicle, comprising:

• an engine;
• a hydrostatic drive unit coupled to the engine, the hydrostatic drive unit being configured to adjust a travel speed of the work vehicle;
• a controller communicatively coupled to the hydrostatic drive unit;
• and
• an electronic joystick communicatively coupled to the controller, the electronic joystick configured to transmit signals to the controller for controlling the hydrostatic drive unit as the electronic joystick is moved between a neutral position and a full stroke position, the electronic joystick being configured such that a varying joystick force is required to move the electronic joystick between the neutral and full stroke positions,
• wherein a rate of change of the joystick force is varied as the electronic joystick is moved across a start/stop position defined between the neutral and full stroke positions, and
• wherein the rate of change in the joystick force is varied at least once as the electronic joystick is moved between the start/stop position and the full stroke position.