A system for the estimation of a pitch angle of machine includes a pitch rate sensor movable with the work implement and a position sensor mounted on the work implement. A controller is configured to determine a first estimate of the pitch angle of the machine based at least in part upon the pitch rate of the machine and determine a second estimate of the pitch angle of the machine based at least in part upon the position signals from the position sensor. The controller is configured to determine a combined estimate of the pitch angle of the machine based at least in part on the first estimate of the pitch angle and in part on the second estimate of the pitch angle.