Equipment owners can opt to purchase commercial vehicles dedicated to specific purposes, such as grinding or mowing. For greater functionality and flexibility, auxiliary accessories can be cost-effective alternatives.

Many controls options are up to the job of operating these attachments. Joysticks and switches in the vehicle cab can be programmed to operate accessories, which may be connected to mini skid steers, articulated loaders, tractors or other equipment.

Controls by Function
Deciding which operator controls to choose is impacted by the auxiliary functions. 

A pushbutton, for example, works well as a simple ON/OFF switch for lights or OPEN/CLOSE for clamp locks. A maintained action pushbutton could toggle between modes, such as rotating and grabbing.

Activities requiring precision control over a range of motion are likely better off with proportional output devices, which can include mini and large, industrial joysticks, thumbwheel switches and the encoder of a CAN Keypad. 

Proportional output devices act like a steering wheel: Turn the wheel gradually, and your vehicle does, too. This allows operators of augers, mulchers and other accessories that have variable speed or force to make minute, continuous adjustments based on material or environmental conditions. 

Large joysticks with proportional control and coupled with ergonomic grips can be ideal when the operator is using the accessory for extended periods of time. These rugged joysticks would also enable better handling to offset jolting and rough movement.