The application: precise telehandler control at height and reach
A telehandler combines a lifting boom, a telescopic section and an attachment carriage. The operator lifts and lowers the boom and extends and retracts the telescope, often simultaneously. Especially at full reach and height, every movement must be smooth and predictable.
Modern telehandlers use electrohydraulic controls and longitudinal load moment control (LLMC) systems to manage machine stability. EN 15000 specifies safety requirements for longitudinal load moment control. The machine controller can use joystick signals when managing permitted movements. Accurate, reliable and fault-detectable joystick inputs support this control architecture.
The challenge
- Fine metering: Smooth, simultaneous boom and telescope movements at height and reach.
- Signal integrity: Reliable joystick signals that allow the machine controller to detect faults.
- Operator presence: Boom functions should only be enabled when the operator activates the deadman switch.
- Site conditions: Resistance to dust, rain, cold starts, vibration and shock loads.
The solution
The C25 telehandler joystick is configured for dual-axis operation with spring return. The Y-axis controls boom lift and lower, while the X-axis controls telescope extension and retraction. Contactless Hall effect sensing provides smooth, proportional control over a travel angle of ±20°.
Each axis provides two redundant analog signals: one ranging from 0.5 to 4.5 V and the other inversely from 4.5 to 0.5 V. The machine controller can compare these signals to detect deviations and initiate an appropriate safety response. This supports fault detection within the machine's electrohydraulic control and safety architecture.
The K5 handle combines a deadman switch with a top rocker switch. The deadman switch provides an operator presence input that the machine controller can use to enable boom functions. The rocker switch can be assigned to an auxiliary function, such as attachment hydraulics, through the machine software. A Molex 5557 connector provides a compact, pluggable connection in the cab.
Product used: C25 dual-axis, redundant analog output, K5 handle
- Dual-axis operation in any direction, spring return
- Redundant analog output: 0.5 to 4.5 V and inverse 4.5 to 0.5 V, 9 to 32 Vdc supply
- K5 handle with deadman switch and top rocker switch
- Molex 5557 connector
Technical specifications
- Sensor technology: non-contacting Hall effect
- Travel angle: ±20° (spring return) or ±25° (friction hold)
- Operating force: 10 to 20 N (spring return, measured 126.4 mm from pivot)
- Mechanical life: more than 5 million cycles (spring return)
- Output linearity: ±3 %, center voltage 2.5 V ±3 %
- Overvoltage protection: up to 30 Vdc, reverse voltage up to -16 Vdc
- Operating temperature: -40 °C to +85 °C
- Shock: IEC 60068-2-27, 50 g, 11 ms; vibration: IEC 60068-2-64, 3.6 gRMS
- EMC: EN IEC 61000-6-4:2019 and EN IEC 61000-6-2:2019
Customized to the machine
The C25 is a very versatile joystick platform. It is available as a single-axis or dual-axis joystick, with spring return or friction hold with center detent or three detent positions, and with rigid or soft guidance. Outputs include ratiometric and redundant analog, 0 to 10 V, -10 to +10 V, 4 to 20 mA, CAN J1939 and CANopen. Handles range from simple handles with top button or rocker switch to a handle with deadman switch and K2, K4 and K9 multi-function grips. Optional micro switches and a high-current switch output allow direct control of on-off valves.
This makes the C25 suitable for telehandlers as well as cranes, aerial work platforms, road construction machinery and other earth-moving equipment.
Operational benefits
- Precise control: Single-lever proportional control of boom lift and telescope.
- Signal integrity: Redundant inverse outputs for continuous plausibility checking by the machine controller.
- Operator presence: Deadman switch for operator presence detection.
- Rugged construction: Shock and vibration tested according to IEC 60068.
- Flexible integration: Multiple output options and handle configurations on one joystick platform.
Product used
Discover the joystick in this application
C25 Multi-axis joystick
- Single or multi-axis
- Hall effect technology
- Optional CANbus and redundant output
Need a joystick configured for your machine?
From output signals and handle functions to connectors and mounting options, we can help you select the right C25 configuration.