Overhead and process cranes rarely control a single hydraulic function from one stick. A multi-axis industrial joystick crane layout maps hoist, trolley, gantry, and auxiliaries across one or two controllers with detent gates, friction locks, and grip-mounted rockers. Trunsin supplies AT16, AT20 crane control joystick, AT30/AT31 master controllers, and AT11 for integrated multi-axis programs.
Browse the industrial joystick range or configure AT16 online.
Master, slave, and single-stick layouts
| Layout | Typical crane type | Trunsin direction |
|---|---|---|
| Single multi-axis stick | Process crane, compact cabin | AT16, AT11 |
| Dual stick (left/right) | Overhead pulpit, STS planning | Matched AT16 or AT20 pairs |
| Master controller + grips | Tower crane, large gantry | AT30, AT31 with grip catalog |
Overhead crane joystick ergonomics fail when stick height ignores seat adjustment — crane cabins often fix seat height but vary operator reach. Trunsin requests cabin section drawings before grip catalog finalization.
Gate and movement types for crane duty
- Friction lock (F) — operator holds hoist or slew position without continuous hand pressure — common on AT16 configurations
- Spring return (Z) — functions that must neutral when released — travel or emergency axes
- Cross gate — isolates orthogonal axes to prevent diagonal commands on sensitive loads
- Detent positions — optional on master controllers for indexed speed steps
Mechanical life ratings matter: AT16 catalogs up to 5 M cycles — specify expected daily cycles when comparing quotes.
Integration with crane ECU and safety
Crane programs layer:
- Stick mechanical configuration — axes, gates, grips
- Analog or CAN output — voltage scaling or CANopen PDO
- Safety PLC — deadman, enable switches, load moment interlocks external to the stick
Trunsin documents stick outputs and safety switch wiring; crane safety architecture remains OEM scope. Provide interlock diagrams at RFQ so grip safety switches align with expected series paths.
How we validate crane joystick builds
- Cabin drawing gate — stick mount height, knee clearance, and rotation arc signed
- Grip catalog selection — AT16 ergonomic vs button grips chosen against function list
- First article force test — handle effort within catalog band across full gate travel
- Pair matching (dual layouts) — axis color coding and connector pinout symmetry verified
- Video verification — operator reach recording for remote acceptance when procurement cannot visit the cabin
Frequently asked questions
AT16 vs AT20 for overhead cranes?
AT16 suits compact multi-axis sticks in pulpit armrests. AT20 targets heavy-duty crane control programs with larger mechanical envelopes — share cabin photos for model recommendation.
Can we mix CANbus and analog sticks in one crane pulpit?
Physically yes; logically only if the ECU architecture supports both — uncommon on new builds, more common on partial retrofits.
How do master controllers differ from joysticks?
AT30/AT31 master platforms integrate multiple grip stations and switch banks — used when a single stick cannot map the full function set.
Related resources
- Industrial joystick hub
- AT16 multi-axis joystick
- Configure AT16 online
- Control console platforms for integrated pulpit builds
Start crane joystick specification
- Send cabin layout and function list
- Configure AT16 or request AT20/AT30 review
- Contact sales@trunsin.com for engineering quotation