New from Penny + Giles is a single axis friction-hold version of its popular, robust multi-axis professional joystick JC6000. The new option is aimed at manufacturers of construction equipment and other off-road vehicles that need high manoeuvrability control such as earth compactors and asphalt rollers.

The key feature of the new single axis JC6000 friction-hold is that the lever does not return to centre when it is released. It is designed for use in applications where the output is used to control the speed and forward/reverse direction of the machine. The operator can set the speed of movement and then focus on the steering of the vehicle to achieve optimum compaction of the surface it is travelling over, for example, asphalt or soil.

JC6000 is favoured in the off-road market for its compact size, strength, reliability, and handle functionality. It is available with one or two axis configurations and can be supplied with non-contact Hall effect transducers or long-life potentiometer tracks. It is sealed (above the panel) to IP66. Popular applications include operator controls on a wide range of off-highway vehicles, including industrial cranes, loaders, professional excavators, access platforms, industrial tractors and harvesters.