The joystick steering system was a highlight on the Agritechnica stand of Dutch mini wheeled loader manufacturer Giant.
Developed following requests from the market, the joystick also provides numerous other functions, including forward/reverse, a horn on the side of the paddle, and up to two other machine functions can be added. The armrest folds vertically to get in and out of the cab, and the underneath are seven stages of adjustment to suit different operators.
The steering wheel is retained for driving on the road, but a year’s tests with the prototype confirms that joystick steering is kinder on the back, in that the operator sits more upright rather than having the lean forward to grab the steering wheel.
Optional on all new models with CANbus above the 2200E, joystick steering costs around €5,000. It is also possible to retrofit it, but Giant says this will be more expensive.
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