Automated Speed-Triggered Bed Lowering System and Method with Manual Override

A computerized control system controls a hydraulic subsystem of an articulated dump truck. Among other possible equipment, the hydraulic subsystem controls the raising and lowering of the dump truck bed. The control system detects the speed of the dump truck. Upon the dump truck traveling at or above a predetermined speed, the control system controls the hydraulic subsystem to automatically lower the dump truck bed. In various aspects, the predetermined speed may be preprogrammed, may be programmable by the truck operator, or may be programmable only by certain personnel (e.g., changing the speed may require entry of a password). In one aspect, a manual override switch prevents automatic lowering of the dump truck bed when the dump truck travels at or above the predetermined speed. In one aspect, the switch is a “dead man” switch, requiring continuous activation to prevent the automatic lowering.