Multi-mode throttle control

One of the key features of the electronic fuel injection (EFI) gas engine is the electronic capabilities for precise engine control. As a result of this technology, controlling engine rpm for spraying, topdressing, and spreading is now easier and more precise than ever before with the optional multi-mode throttle control.

The multi-mode throttle control sets the maximum engine rpm for product applications. The reason the system is called multi-mode is that the system can be utilized in three different ways – normal throttle mode (Mode 0), a PTO mode for stationary applications (Mode 1), and a mobile mode for moving applications (Mode 2). If an operator wants to spray at 5.6 km/h (3.5 mph) in second gear at 40 psi (2.8 bar), the result would be an engine rpm of 2800. This lower rpm occurs when the multi-mode throttle control is set so that while the operator is spraying, the maximum engine rpm with the throttle pedal fully depressed would be 2800 rpm instead of the normal 3400 rpm.

The multi-mode throttle control includes four sets of switches. The first switch at the top is a hand-throttle-control dial that is used to set the engine rpm in PTO mode. This would be used for walk spraying and handgun operation, applications which require the ProGator™ Utility Vehicle to be stationary for application.

The second switch is the mode-select switch. Toggle the mode-select switch to the left for PTO mode, toggle to the right for mobile mode, and toggle to the center for normal mode. The reverse Z-shaped line on the decal shows which switches are used for PTO mode (dial only), and which ones for mobile mode (bottom two switches). For walk spraying, simply toggle the mode-select switch to PTO mode then, with the parking brake set and the operator off the seat, turn the dial clockwise to increase engine rpm and counterclockwise to decrease engine rpm . Simply toggling the mode-select switch back to the middle position allows the engine to return to a full operating rpm for transporting. When arriving at the next green, toggle the mode-select switch back to PTO mode, and the rpm will automatically return to the rpm as set by the dial.

The mobile mode is for applications that require the ProGator to be moving during product application. The first switch below the mode-select switch is the set/clear switch. Once the operator achieves the desired target speed, simply toggle the mode-select switch to mobile mode and the set/clear switch to the right (set position) to set the maximum rpm. The operator can then push the pedal to the floor, and the engine rpm will not exceed the new maximum rpm that has been set. As the operator lets off the throttle, the engine will also reduce the throttle, but a new maximum will have been set. To go back to full rpm for transporting, simply stop the machine, toggle the mode-selector switch back to the center (normal) position to return to the normal operating rpm range. As the operator arrives at the next area and is ready for application, toggle the mode-select switch back to the mobile mode position to return to the preset maximum rpm established earlier.

The bottom switch is the accelerate/decelerate switch. To increase or decrease engine rpm in 100 rpm increments while in mobile mode, simply toggle the switch to the right to increase or to the left to decrease rpm. This is a momentary switch, so each push of the button represents a 100 rpm increase or decrease.

This innovative, easy-to-use system sets a new standard for the ultimate in application control.

2020A ProGator™ Utility Vehicle