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FINGER CONTROLS vs LEVER CONTROLS----JOYSTICK

Number of messages: 11

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roadrat
North Carolina, United States

Question for the folks : What kind of feedback do you get about Finger controls from both the "NEWBIES" and the "SEASONDED" operators---Also from a conversation with a sales rep -- I was made aware that joystick controls are very popular outside the U.S. The operators I talked with after a DEMO with "FINGER CONTROLS" 1 (one) out of 10 (TEN) liked them and the ones who had 10 to 20 years on a liftruck disliked them because of the "feel" but a recent demo with a "JOYSTICK" control on a 30 K lumber lift they loved it and placed an immediate order ..... What's the word out in your world?

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"ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?"

Modified 28 Feb 2008 02:20 PM
by poster.

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mrwiliam_h
California, United States

We have been using joysticks in the telehandlers for years. The joysticks are getting finger controls on them via buttons, progressive and bang bang.

Posted 28 Feb 2008 04:40 PM

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InventoryOps
Wisconsin, United States

Operators tend to dislike anything that is different from what they are use to. If you want to know if a particular control setup is better than another, you need to take some experienced operators and let them get a couple hundred hours using the controls, and then ask their opinion (also monitor productivity and safety).

The toughest part of using these newfangled (I haven't driven a lift truck in quite a few years) controls, is if your operators must operate several different pieces of equipment all with different control systems. From that perspective, you are better off trying to stick with similar control systems on all equipment, even if the control system is inferior to others available.

Posted 29 Feb 2008 03:15 AM

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roadrat
North Carolina, United States

I remember when Trackloaders and Dozers had lever controls then foot controls came out, it took time to get familiar with them. I have noticed from both observing and talking with operators that it's easier to switch from manual levers to joystick then to finger controls on forklifts because it feels more natural to move with your hand and arm then with fingers, feels like you have better control. I have noticed that construction equipment and other simular machines have the joystick . Standup electrics have had the joystick for sometime now maybe we will see it more on the Sitdowns in days to come.

-------------------------
"ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?"

Modified 29 Feb 2008 10:52 AM
by poster.

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proshadetree
Tennessee, United States

I dont like finger controls because I have to replace them all the time and listen to customer about how crappy they are.Levers on a truck are hard to beat.On the flip side when they work right they are killer

Posted 29 Feb 2008 11:26 PM

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JDBurton
Virginia, United States

our ic sideloaders went to finger controls about a year and a half ago to match out electric lifts and our rough terrains have had them a little longer. On the sideloaders operators hated them at first but now can't live without them when the y get an older rental unit. On rough terrain they love them because they usually operate heavy equipment which has always had them. I think it proves the earlier post that it is the new factor they dislike..once they are used to it they find it more productive.

Posted 1 Mar 2008 01:17 AM

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SAWB
Indiana, United States

Younger operators seem to prefer the joystick/fingertip controls. More like video game controls than conventional setup. But as previously stated most operators like what they are used to operating. They must be forced to use a new setup for atleast 30 days before getting good feedback.

Posted 3 Mar 2008 12:49 AM

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proshadetree
Tennessee, United States

Id like to know about the failure rate of the newer finger and joystick controls.Do they last for 1000 or 5000hr and the manufactor of said units, the brand of control not so much brand of lift.

Posted 3 Mar 2008 01:12 PM

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mike_n
Alberta, Canada

Let's just say, if you run Fortis's's's, you'd better keep a module in stock.
(they have gone through at least 3-4 updates, and they do get more reliable each time)
I've had bad levers in under 20 hours, and other units have gone 5000+ hours perfectly.

Once they are out of warranty, I've had good luck with opening them up, and doing the old 'make 1 out of 2' thing.

The majority of failures I see, are simply broken mini-levers.
Occasionally, you'll get 1 (or 2 or 3) that won't always sit in neutral. (it'll sit around 4% and cause 'return to neutral' errors) You have no choice but to replace. There is no other way.

Posted 7 Mar 2008 07:07 AM

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roadrat
North Carolina, United States

response to mike n: Heard from a Tech the other day that they finally changed vendors and the new ones have done great.

Posted 7 Mar 2008 10:43 AM

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proshadetree
Tennessee, United States

Anyone ever slot the board on the lever and move it back to center while watching display?

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"Work leads to profit, mere talk leads to poverty"

Posted 7 Mar 2008 09:50 PM

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