J.R. Merritt Controls gets a handle on heavy-duty
Published in: Diesel Progress North American Edition
Date: 9/1/2006
Filling the heavy-duty end of its joystick line, J.R. Merritt Controls Inc. has introduced the new XL-VNSO joystick model which targets off-road equipment such as aerial platforms, bucket trucks, cranes, agricultural, mining and forestry machines.
Already in production at its Stratford, Conn., facility, the XL-VNSO joystick is a high cycle joystick that Gerry Larocque, sales and marketing manager at J.R. Merritt, said supports multifunction grips and is compact in design. “The XL-VNSO offered us heavy-duty controller to complete our offering for one-, two- and three-axis controls for the fluid power industry’s electrohydraulic market.”
The new XL-VNSO joystick uses a proportional feathering control (PFC) electronic amplifier, which is designed to provide precise control of electrohydraulic proportional valves typically used in the auxiliary hydraulic circuit of mobile equipment. The joystick is also compatible with digital or analog signals to control variable-speed drives, programmable logic controllers (PLC) and micro-processors, the company said.
Construction of the XL-VNSO joystick incorporates nickel chromium gimbal yokes, which J.R. Merritt said have properties similar to stainless steel, along with steel bearings and polished steel shaft guides. This, along with the joystick’s bronze gate handle stops and dual compression return springs in each axis, allows it to be used in continuous-duty and rough-handling applications, the company said. The joystick is engineered with a 20-million-cycle operating life and has an operating temperature range of -13[degrees] to 158[degrees]F.
Mounting of the XL-VNSO joystick allows for either a drop-in or beneath-the-panel installation, where it can be set to support multiple functions and standard or custom handle patterns. Its 3.78 in. wide by 3.78 in. long dimensions allow the XL-VNSO joystick to be used in equipment with limited space. Electrical requirements are 10 Amps, 125 Vdc.
J.R. Merritt offers the XL-VNSO joystick with its standard enclosure or one constructed of custom steel or fiberglass and push-button, multifunctional fighter grip, rocker switch or mechanical interlock handles. The company also has a full portfolio of joysticks, single-axis controllers, and full seat and armchair systems. J.R. Merritt Controls is also an authorized Grammer seats distributor.