Caterpillar Inc.
System and Method for Determining Usage of Work Implement

Abstract:

A system for tracking usage of a work implement includes a movement characteristic sensor, a wireless transmitter, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine whether movement of the work implement exceeds a movement characteristic threshold based upon the movement characteristic signals, increase a work implement usage time by a cycle time interval if the movement of the work implement exceeds the movement characteristic threshold, and transmit with a wireless transmitter on the work implement the work implement usage time and the unique identification number to a system remote from the work implement. Further, the controller is configured to sequentially operate in a standard power mode and in a low power mode, and while in the low power mode, power to at least one of the movement characteristic sensor and the wireless transmitter is terminated.