The application: the short loading cycle
During a short loading cycle (Y-cycle), a wheel loader operator repeatedly fills, lifts, transports and empties the bucket. Electrohydraulic control allows the boom and bucket functions to be operated simultaneously using a single joystick. In this configuration, the Y-axis controls boom lift and lower, while the X-axis controls bucket crowd and dump.
Integrating additional functions into the joystick grip reduces the need to move between separate controls, supporting efficient operation during repetitive loading cycles.
The challenge
- Simultaneous control: Smooth, proportional boom lift and bucket tilt using one hand.
- Tactile feedback: A noticeable increase in operating force towards the end of joystick travel.
- Functions within reach: Multiple buttons for loader, travel and auxiliary functions integrated into the grip.
- Demanding conditions: Reliable joystick operation in environments exposed to dust, vibration and temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C.
The solution
The H6 Series wheel loader joystick is configured for dual-axis operation with spring return. Contactless Hall effect sensors measure the X and Y positions over a travel angle of ±25°, allowing simultaneous, proportional control of boom lift and bucket tilt. A two-stage stroke in all four directions provides tactile feedback towards the end of joystick travel.
The joystick features a K15 multi-function grip with six buttons on the front panel and four on the rear. Button functions are assigned through the machine software and can include float, return-to-dig, travel direction or auxiliary hydraulic functions for attachments. Both joystick axis positions and button signals are communicated to the machine controller via CANopen.
In electrohydraulic construction machinery, CANopen can be used for working functions such as joysticks, hydraulic valves and sensors, while SAE J1939 commonly handles powertrain communication. Depending on the machine architecture, a controller or gateway can connect these networks. In this application, the H6 joystick uses CANopen communication and an AMP connector for electrical integration.
Product used: H6 Series with K15 grip and CANopen
- Dual-axis operation with spring return
- Two-stage stroke in all four directions
- K15 multi-function grip with six front buttons and four rear buttons
- CANopen communication with the machine controller
- AMP connector for electrical integration
Technical specifications
- Sensor technology: Contactless Hall effect
- Travel angle: ±25°
- Operating force: 10 to 15 N (measured 165 mm from the pivot)
- Mechanical life: More than 2 million cycles
- Supply voltage: 9 to 32 Vdc (CAN)
- Current consumption: Less than 55 mA
- Communication options: CANopen (10 kbps to 1 Mbps) or SAE J1939 (250 kbps), using CAN 2.0B
- Operating temperature: -40°C to +85°C
- Maximum panel thickness: 4 mm
Customized to the machine
The H6 is a configurable industrial joystick platform for different machine requirements. Available configurations include single-axis and dual-axis operation, spring return, friction hold with center detent, or combinations such as a friction-held Y-axis with a spring-return X-axis.
Joystick movement can be restricted using cross, Z, T, square or circular gates. Output options include CANopen, SAE J1939 and analog Hall effect signals, including redundant inverse outputs for integration into safety-related control systems. Separate wiring for upper and lower joystick functions is also available.
These configuration options make the H6 suitable not only for wheel loaders, but also for construction machinery such as graders and rotary drilling rigs, where friction hold or restricted joystick movements may be required.
Operational benefits
- Simultaneous control: Proportional boom lift and bucket tilt using a single joystick.
- Functions within reach: Ten configurable K15 grip buttons for loader, travel and auxiliary functions.
- Tactile feedback: Two-stage stroke provides a noticeable increase in operating force towards the end of travel.
- Wide temperature range: Designed for operation from -40°C to +85°C.
- CANopen integration: Digital communication with the machine controller for electrohydraulic working functions.
Product used
Discover the joystick in this application
H6 series multi-axis cobra joystick
- Multi-axis operation
- Hall effect technology
- CAN bus or redundant analog output
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