A work machine includes an internal combustion (IC) engine, and an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) coupled with the IC engine. At least one sensor provides an output signal representing a real-time load value on the IC engine. At least one electrical processing circuit is configured for controlling an output of the IVT, dependent upon a threshold load value for the IC engine and the real-time load value for the IC engine. In one embodiment, the at least one electrical processing circuit includes an engine control unit (ECU) associated with the IC engine, and a transmission control unit (TCU) associated with the IVT. The ECU provides an output signal to the TCU representing the real-time load value. The TCU controls the output of the IVT dependent upon a comparison between the threshold load value and the real-time load value.