A method of operating a machine at a worksite includes determining data associated with at least one of a machine operation at the worksite and a worksite condition, and determining, based on the data, that one of machine propulsion and machine retarding will be required for greater than a corresponding threshold. The method also includes determining, in response to determining that machine propulsion will be required, a desired propulsion gear, and recommending the propulsion gear to an operator of the machine. The method further includes determining, in response to determining that machine retarding will be required, a desired retarding gear, and recommending the retarding gear to the operator. In such a method, the retarding gear is determined based on a maximum temperature associated with the machine.