AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT

INDUSTRIAL CONTROLS
AND DATA SOLUTIONS

INDUSTRY: Agriculture

OEM Controls provides configurable joystick controllers and operator controls for agricultural machinery, with options that can be selected around the machine’s functions, operator interface, electrical requirements, and operating environment.

Agricultural equipment requires operator controls that support precise machine movement, implement functions, auxiliary controls, and demanding day-to-day operation.

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Agricultural Equipment Applications

Agricultural machinery can combine machine movement, hydraulic or electronic implement functions, attachments, and auxiliary controls within a single operator environment.

The right control configuration depends on what the equipment needs to do and how the operator needs to interact with it.

Tractors & Specialty Equipment

Tractors and specialty agricultural machines may require operators to manage attachments, implements, hydraulic functions, and other machine operations from the cab.

Joystick and multi-function controls can consolidate frequently used functions into an operator interface configured around the requirements of the equipment.

Harvesting & Hay Equipment

Combines, harvesters, balers, and other crop and hay equipment can place multiple machine and implement functions within the operator’s control.

The controller should provide the movement, proportional control, and auxiliary inputs required by the application while keeping frequently used functions accessible to the operator.

Sprayers, Applicators & Planting Equipment

Sprayers, applicators, planters, and seeders may combine machine movement with specialized implement functions that require repeatable operator input.

Control selection should account for the number and type of functions being managed, how frequently they are used, and how those controls integrate with the machine.

Specialized Agricultural Machinery

Not every agricultural machine fits a standard control layout.

Specialty equipment may require a specific combination of axes, proportional functions, switches, handle controls, mounting, and electrical interfaces. A configurable control platform allows these requirements to be considered as part of the overall machine design.

Engineering the Right Agriculture Control Solution

Selecting a controller for agricultural machinery involves more than determining how many directions a joystick needs to move.

The complete operator interface should be evaluated around four areas: the functions being controlled, how the operator interacts with those functions, how the controller integrates with the machine, and the conditions in which the equipment operates.

Control Functions

Start with what the machine needs the operator to control.

Depending on the application, requirements may include:

Single-axis or multi-axis movement
Proportional control
Directional functions
Implement and attachment functions
Auxiliary machine functions
Switch-operated commands
Multiple functions incorporated into the joystick handle

Defining these functions early helps determine the appropriate controller type and handle configuration.

Operator Interface

Agricultural machinery may be operated for extended periods with frequent interaction with the same controls.

Consider:

Grip and handle configuration
Control movement
Switch and button placement
Number of functions within reach
Frequency of operation
Mounting position
Operator ergonomics

The objective is to create an interface that gives the operator access to the necessary machine functions without adding unnecessary control complexity.

Electrical & System Integration

The controller must also fit the machine’s electrical and control architecture.

Application requirements can include:

Controller output
Signal requirements
Connectors and wiring
Switch outputs
Mounting constraints
Interface with the machine’s control system

These requirements should be considered alongside the mechanical and operator-interface requirements rather than after a controller has already been selected.

Operating Environment

Agricultural controls can be exposed to demanding operating conditions.

The application review should consider factors such as:

Dust and dirt
Moisture
Vibration
Temperature variation
Frequency and duration of use
Controller location and installation conditions

Understanding the operating environment helps identify the controller and configuration appropriate for the machine.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How should operator workflow influence joystick and handle configuration?

Consider which functions operators use most frequently, which functions may need to be operated simultaneously, and which controls should remain accessible without changing hand position. Grip style, joystick movement, switch placement, and function density should support the way the operator actually uses the machine rather than simply maximizing the number of controls available on the handle.

When does a multi-axis controller make more sense than separate single-axis controls?

A multi-axis controller can be appropriate when related machine or implement movements need to be managed from one operator interface. Separate single-axis controls may be preferable when functions are independent or require dedicated operator input. The decision should be based on the machine’s functional requirements and intended operator interaction rather than axis count alone.

What environmental conditions should be considered when specifying agricultural equipment controls?

Engineers should evaluate where the controller will be installed and the conditions it will encounter, including dust, dirt, moisture, vibration, temperature variation, frequency of operation, and other application-specific exposure. These requirements should be established early enough to influence controller and configuration selection.

How many functions should be incorporated into an agricultural joystick handle?

There isn’t a universal number. The appropriate function count depends on the machine and operator workflow. Frequently used functions may benefit from placement within the primary grip, while less frequently used or unrelated functions may be better positioned elsewhere. The goal is an intuitive operator interface, not simply putting as many controls as possible on one handle.

Explore Agriculture Control Solutions

Joystick Controllers

Single- and multi-axis controls for proportional and coordinated machine functions.

Handles & Operator Interfaces

Configurable grips and controls for operator-accessible auxiliary functions.

Switches & Foot Pedals

Alternative input devices for switching, selector and specialized control requirements.

Data Delivery

Tags, trackers and gateways for equipment and asset visibility.

Start With The Machine. Build The Control Around The Application.

The right agricultural equipment control starts with understanding what the machine needs to do, how the operator needs to interact with it, and how the controller needs to integrate with the system.

Share your equipment, control functions, operator requirements, environmental conditions, and interface requirements with OEM Controls. Our engineers can help you identify an appropriate control solution for the application.

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