Merlo Tech Talk: Different Joysticks
The mechanical control lever, commonly known as the Joystick, is available in three style types, depending on the model, within the Merlo family of telehandlers. Here, we will look at commonalities and differences.
THE 'BASIC' JOYSTICK
This joystick model is found on several Merlo machines from the compact range through the Turborfarmer and Multifarmer models. It is also found in some older models.
Let’s start with the ‘Deadman Switch’. This red button is found in the trigger position on the joystick. Its purpose is simple: when pressed in, the boom is active, when released the boom stops moving. Safety first, always. (There is a reason it has this moniker.)
Basic Functionality
- Pull back for boom up, push forward for boom down
- Pull right for fork tilt-up, pull-left for fork tilt down
There are two rollers on these joysticks:
- The Left roller moves the boom in and out
- The Right roller works the auxiliary hydraulic line
Of Note:
If your Merlo is equipped with options, such as boom side-shift, the stick will have a horizontal roller button to operate this option.
THE 'H' MODEL JOYSTICK
Usually found on the Heavy Duty and High Capacity machines. Building upon the basic joystick functionality —Deadman Switch, boom movement in relation to joystick position, and roller activity— these electronic joysticks have three buttons, usually operated with the thumb, for machine movement:
- Neutral: yellow button at the top
- Forward: middle button
- Reverse: bottom button
These machine movement buttons can also be found positioned on the left side of the steering column.
Of Note:
In addition to the left and right vertical roller buttons, the horizontal roller button will operate the boom side-shift, if so equipped.
CAPACITIVE SENSOR JOYSTICK
(ROTO MODELS)
The horizontal, capacitive joysticks automatically detect the presence of an operator’s hand, removing the need for the ‘Deadman Switch.’ These joysticks respond to gloved hands as well. Many of the newer Rotos, such as the 50.35 S Plus, are equipped with two joysticks. Building upon the ‘H” model joystick properties outlined above— boom movement in relation to joystick position, roller button activity, and buttons for machine movement— the Roto joysticks add the following properties:
Right Joystick
On the left side of this boom control is the ‘Thumb Joystick’ that moves the turret. Push up for right turret rotation, down for left turret rotation. Rolling this ‘stick’ forward and backward operates auxiliary lines.
Under the front finger grip portion of this horizontal joystick are three yellow buttons that fire individual auxiliary lines.
Just under the ‘Thumb Joystick’ are three buttons in a horizontal line. These operate the neutral/ forward/reverse of the machine.
Left Joystick
This control is a duplicate of the ‘Thumb Joystick.’ Push forward and backward for auxiliary line engagement; pull right and left for turret rotation. The three yellow buttons under the finger grip mirror the three buttons on the right joystick.
