Innovative joystick provides unparalleled machine control
The new Sauer-Danfoss JS7000 joystick offers an unparalleled machine control solution to OEMs of mobile off-highway equipment worldwide. Designed from scratch after exhaustive research on operator needs, the JS7000 joystick establishes new industry standards for performance, durability, flexibility and end-user comfort. The PLUS+1TM Compliant JS7000 is well-suited for off-highway machines including backhoe loaders, skid steer loaders, telehandlers, wheel loaders and dozers.
“Today’s OEMs are placing increased value on human-machine interface (HMI) components to improve machine performance and safety, operator efficiency and comfort as well as brand image,” said Joseph P. Maher, Product Marketing Manager for Sauer-Danfoss. “The innovative JS7000 joystick provides them with a game-changing solution, meeting a complete range of customer and application requirements in harsh off-highway conditions.”
Extensive Research Drives Development
Prior to designing and developing the JS7000, Sauer-Danfoss undertook extensive ethnographic research to identify the diverse needs of off-highway machine operators. Research methodology included not only conducting in-person interviews but also recording in-cab video of end users performing typical tasks in actual jobsite environments.
“The research was exceedingly thorough and gave us singular insight into the unique needs of off-highway machine operators,” Maher said. “Combining the research findings with our previous application experience and the industrial design expertise of partner Brooks Stevens, we developed a world-class joystick that the industry didn’t realize it needed.”
“We have rigorously tested this product as well as leading competitive products, putting millions of cycles of harsh treatment on multiple samples of both. Customers afforded sneak previews of the product have voiced their approval and informed us that we have done our homework well.”
Robust, Durable and Flexible Design
The JS7000 features a robust and intuitive design, enabling the joystick to deliver industry-leading performance, durability, flexibility and operator comfort for the life of its off-highway machine.
Featuring a 300-pound shaft load and a minimum ingress protection rating of IP 67 — meaning the joystick is dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion in water — the JS7000 can withstand the most rugged operation styles and challenging work environments. The joystick is designed to facilitate efficient maintenance and repair, providing a significant long-term advantage in total cost of ownership.
The JS7000 also offers unsurpassed flexibility to meet various customer and application requirements. Multiple options can be specified into the JS7000’s physical configuration, and the joystick’s modular design allows for timely configurability. The JS7000 is available with single- and dual-axis configurations and spring centering, with the option of 20 or 25 degrees of handle travel in the dual-axis configuration. Ergonomic left-hand and right-hand vertical grip design options enable comfortable and efficient operation. Various pushbutton, trigger switch and proportional roller switch configurations are available on each grip. The JS7000 has analog and CAN (Controller Area Network) electrical output options, and can support J1939 and CANopen communication protocols.
Part of the flexible, powerful, expandable and growing PLUS+1TM family of mobile machine management products, the JS7000 integrates seamlessly with other Sauer-Danfoss PLUS+1 products. This synergy among components enables accelerated mobile machinery development and ultimately maximizes machine productivity and operator comfort via a smooth, highly responsive control system.
The JS7000’s electronics are designed to facilitate compliance with functional safety standards. The joystick includes redundant hall effect sensors and EMC immunity to 150 V/m while supporting SIL2 (Safety Integrity Level 2) certifiable systems.
“The JS7000 joystick reaches new levels of performance, efficiency, durability and flexibility, and will become the new market reference for ergonomic and aesthetic design,” Maher said. “By choosing a partner with expertise in HMI, OEMs can speed up system development, reduce total installed costs, minimize time to market and ultimately influence end-user support of equipment selection.”