Creating Ergonomic & Efficient Operator Environments
A heavy equipment cab is essentially an office for its operator during very lengthy shifts. Consequently, it must be designed in a way that keeps the most-used function controls at the operator’s fingertips, supports operator comfort, and considers sight lines and other machine safety concerns.
Ergonomic Armrests & Consoles
Everyone is built differently, and you must accommodate anyone who will run the machine, while still maintaining rigidity and creating a robust product. From plastics and ergonomics to custom electronic integration, every detail matters. Control layout and efficiency is a key aspect of armrest design. Primary machine function controls should be kept close at hand, like on a joystick or switch at the end of an armrest. To avoid overcrowding, however, controls that are used less can be moved further away from the operator to a post pillar or dashboard console. That is one of the numerous reasons why the operator’s experience from when they enter the machine, to when they finish a shift, must be kept in mind in armrest design.
Fully Tested Populated Cabs
Expanding past an operator’s primary controls, the overall cab design is full of details that impact productivity and experience. Again, put yourself in the place of the operator is key when designing a cab. Is the machine typically in extreme climates, greatly impacting the HVAC and filtration needs? What are the size restrictions on the cab in terms of available machine space? What safety certifications are required by the industry? If the machine will be in a populated work site and could therefore benefit from a radar or camera system? Working through all of these machine needs with an experienced partner will ultimately lead to an environment in which operators can be both comfortable and productive.
Contact us to start a conversation with one of our experienced account managers and engineering team about your cabs needs and how we can create an optimized environment for your end-users.
