UTILITY

UTILITY EQUIPMENT CONTROLLERS &
OPERATOR CONTROL SOLUTIONS

INDUSTRY: Utility

OEM Controls designs and manufactures configurable industrial controllers for utility vehicles and specialized mobile equipment where precise, repeatable operator input is required.

From single-axis functions to coordinated machine movements, the right control solution depends on the equipment, functions being controlled, operator interface, electrical architecture and operating environment.

Talk With A Sales Engineer

Utility Equipment Applications

Utility equipment can combine lifting, positioning, cable handling, digging, hydraulic and auxiliary functions within a single machine. Control requirements vary by equipment type and by how the operator interacts with those functions.

Boom & Lift Control

Aerial devices and other lift equipment can require proportional control of boom elevation, extension, rotation and positioning functions.

Single- or multi-axis controls can be selected based on the number of movements, required control response and operator interface.

Cable Handling & Line Work Equipment

Cable tractors and other cable-handling equipment require controlled machine movement and positioning during utility field operations.

Controller selection should account for the functions being controlled, operator position, required response and electrical interface.

Digging & Attachment Control

Trenchers, digging equipment and other specialized utility machines may combine hydraulic movement with mounted tools and auxiliary functions.

The operator interface can be configured around the primary movements while placing frequently used auxiliary functions where they are accessible to the operator.

Specialized Utility Vehicles

Utility fleets include specialized mobile equipment with control requirements that vary considerably by machine and application.

Rather than selecting a joystick by equipment category alone, engineers should consider the required movements, control axes, operator inputs, mounting constraints, electrical interface and operating environment.

Engineering the Right Utility Equipment Control

Utility equipment rarely has a one-size-fits-all operator interface. Selecting or configuring the controller starts with understanding what the machine must do and how the operator needs to control it.

Control Functions

Determine the motions and commands the operator must control: single-axis or multi-axis movement, proportional functions, switching functions, hydraulic control, traction or other machine commands.

Also consider whether functions are operated independently or simultaneously and which auxiliary functions need to remain within easy reach.

Operator Interface

Handle style, switch placement, controller travel, detents, spring return, mounting position, actuation requirements and available console space can all affect how the control should be configured.

For equipment with multiple functions, consider which commands belong on the primary controller and which are better handled through grip-mounted switches, separate controls or foot-operated inputs.

Electrical & System Integration

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

Depending on the product and configuration, OEM Controls offers analog, Hall-effect, CAN-based and other electronic interface options. CANopen and J1939 are available on supported controller configurations.

Output requirements should be verified against the specific controller rather than assumed across the entire product line.

Operating Environment

Utility equipment may operate outdoors and encounter moisture, dust, contaminants, vibration, temperature variation and repeated operating cycles.

Environmental protection should be specified for the actual controller, configuration and installation. Ingress-protection ratings, temperature ranges and other environmental specifications vary by product and should be verified during controller selection.

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

Talk With An Application Engineer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Electrical Outputs And Communication Options Are Available?

Available interfaces depend on the controller and configuration. OEM Controls products include analog and electronic output options, while supported products offer CAN-based communications including CANopen and J1939. Electrical requirements should be matched to the individual product and machine architecture.

How Should I Specify Environmental Protection For A Utility Controller?

Start with the actual installation rather than assuming a rating based on the industry. Consider moisture, dust, contaminants, temperature, vibration, mounting location and whether the controller is protected within a cab or console or directly exposed to the environment. Environmental ratings vary by OEM Controls product and configuration.

Can Switches Or Auxiliary Functions Be Added To The Operator Control?

Depending on the controller and handle configuration, additional switches and operator inputs can be incorporated into the control interface. The appropriate configuration depends on the functions the operator needs to access and how frequently they are used.

Can Oem Controls Help Replace An Existing Utility Equipment Controller?

Potentially. A replacement should be evaluated by more than the number of axes. Mounting footprint, controller travel, electrical output, wiring and connectors, handle configuration, environmental requirements and machine-system integration should all be compared before a replacement is specified.

Data Delivery

Tags, trackers and gateways for equipment and asset visibility.

Need Help Defining the Right Utility Control Solution?

OEM Controls can help review the machine functions, operator interface, electrical requirements, mounting constraints and environmental conditions of your utility equipment application.

Talk With A Sales Engineer