Embracing Hand Controls in Heavy Equipment Operation

Heavy equipment operation is evolving, with operators becoming more accustomed to hand controls, in some cases even replacing the traditional large steering wheel. In the video above, GS Global Resources Business Development Manager, Mark Smith highlights how OEMs can adapt to changing preferences and the accompanying benefits.

New Steering Options

“Users are getting more and more used to hand controls, from video games and other smaller input devices. Now they’re looking at joysticks and other controls to function similar to a steering wheel.”

Designs featuring hand controls instead of steering wheels provide operators with a more ergonomic and efficient interface. In this video, Smith discusses how an OEM was looking for a new armrest solution that was both highly adjustable and movable to allow for operator entry and exit. The new design we created was able to flip up, slide out, and lock securely, allowing the operator to exit easily from the side. On top of that, to make operator movement even easier, we eliminated the existing steering wheel and integrated steering controls directly onto the end of an armrest.

This hand control is very ergonomic and provides position feedback through sensors. Operating in a drive-by-wire environment, the controls send electrical signals, enabling fine control with haptic resistance feedback. Similar to how car steering wheels provide extra resistance when turning sharply, this system modulates resistance dynamically through electrical current, helping prevent oversteering and improving precision.

Operators are increasingly comfortable with this style of control due to familiarity with similar input devices used in video games and smaller input devices, making joystick steering more approachable and intuitive.

Enhanced Visibility and Ergonomics

“With the steering wheel gone, they have a better line of sight right in front of them. The controls are over on an armrest now, which opens up that whole line of visibility in front of where the steering column originally was.”

As previously mentioned, a major advantage of moving away from the steering wheel is the improved line of sight for operators. Removing the bulky steering wheel from the center of the cab clears the operator’s view, allowing better visibility right in front of the machine. It also places the steering control in the same place as other essential switches like parking brakes and hazard lights on the armrests.

Because of our rapid prototyping ability, GS Global Resources played a key role in this transition by allowing the OEM to really experience the armrest and controls before doing any additional machining. We used 3D printing technology to produce multiple iterations to perfect refine the control knob and hand placement for maximum comfort and usability.

The move to hand controls in heavy equipment operation stems from a combination of technological innovation and operator-driven demand for better control, comfort, and visibility. By integrating the steering mechanism with a joystick or other smaller control, manufacturers are creating machines that align more closely with evolving operator habits and practical needs.