Precision in motion: the importance of MEWP joysticks

Mobile elevating work platforms such as scissor lifts and boom lifts allow users to perform tasks at heights or hard-to-reach areas in complete safety. But to get there, the operator must be able to control the MEWP as accurately as possible. This is where joysticks come in. Joysticks, and by extension the control box, take care of all machine movements, from steering to operative movements. The control box also houses several built-in safety features, such as an emergency stop button, a horn button, a drive speed selection button, and others.

Depending on the type and make, the machine has one or more joysticks responsible for a specific movement: steering, horizontal or vertical movements, or rotation. Typically, these joysticks are either single-axis or dual-axis:

• Single-axis or two-way joysticks are limited to simple movements because they can only move in two directions: forward and backward or left and right. These are also used for the ascending and descending movements of MEWPs.
• Dual-axis or four-way joysticks can move in four directions: forward/backwards and left/right, either in a cross-shape or circular motion.

When inspection shows that replacements are needed, TVH can supply the necessary parts thanks to our wide range of joysticks:

• Joysticks and electronic levers with analogue switches (NO + NC and combinations) in two- and four-way versions
• Joysticks with digital Hall effect switches in two- and four-way versions
• Proportional joysticks with potentiometers in two- and four-way versions
• Proportional joysticks with Hall effect sensors in two- and four-way versions

These joysticks —and control boxes, by extension— are suitable for many makes and models of mobile elevating work platforms, including Airo, Dinolift, Genie, Haulotte, JLG, Manitou, MEC, Niftylift, Sinoboom, Skyjack, Snorkel, Teupen, Upright, Zoomlion, and more.
 

Ordering replacements

To ensure you order the right joysticks and control boxes, relatively limited information is required. In most cases, knowing the machine details —meaning make, model and serial number— suffices to find the correct replacements. When you turn to TVH to find the right part, it is helpful if you send us detailed pictures that also include the labels on the parts.
 

Installing replacements

Although most joysticks are plug-and-play, a few settings occasionally require some work during installation. If this is the case, we always include the corresponding instructions with the joystick’s packaging.