OEM Controls designs and manufactures configurable industrial controllers for cranes, hoists, winches and lifting equipment where precise, predictable operator control is critical.

Crane applications can place demanding requirements on the operator interface, from coordinated multi-axis movement and proportional hoist control to auxiliary functions and repetitive operating cycles. Controller selection depends on the motions being controlled, operator requirements, system interface and operating environment.

Crane and lifting systems require different control approaches depending on machine architecture, operating environment and the functions the operator needs to command.

Start with the type of crane or lifting equipment and the functions the operator needs to control.

Answer a few questions about machine functions, operator requirements, electrical integration and operating environment to narrow the OEM Controls products that may fit your application.

Crane controls should be specified around the machine and operator requirements rather than selected by joystick type alone. Four areas are particularly important when evaluating a control solution.

Identify the motions and commands the operator must control, including hoist, trolley, boom, rotation, winch, travel and auxiliary functions. Determine which require proportional control, switching functions or coordinated multi-axis operation.

Axis arrangement, handle style, switch placement, detents, spring return, lever travel, mounting position and available console space can all influence how the controller should be configured.

The controller must match the machine’s electrical and control architecture. Output type, switching requirements, connectors, wiring and communication interfaces should be evaluated against the specific crane system and controller configuration.

Crane controls may encounter vibration, moisture, dust, contaminants, temperature variation and repeated operating cycles. Environmental requirements should be defined for the actual controller installation rather than assumed from the equipment category alone.

OEM Controls works with equipment manufacturers and system integrators to configure controls around these application requirements.

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

Configurable grips and controls for operator-accessible auxiliary functions.

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

Supporting electronic control products for appropriate machine-control and system-integration requirements.

OEM Controls can help review the machine functions, operator interface, electrical requirements, mounting and environmental conditions of your crane or lifting-equipment application.