Utility Fleet Custom Industrial Controls for Precision, Ergonomics and Safety

Utility truck operators manage critical tasks that keep power lines running and communities connected. From operating bucket trucks near energized lines to placing poles with digger derricks, to placing underground conduit every movement demands precision. The quality of the joystick controller directly affects operator safety, comfort, and productivity.

Poor controls cause fatigue, slow down work, and increase the risk of accidents. They also raise maintenance costs, reduce efficiency, and make it harder to retain skilled operators. Choosing the right controller is an investment in operator wellness and fleet performance.

Key Operator Challenges

• Safety in high-risk environments
  Utility equipment operators routinely work close to live electrical lines and at elevated heights. Poor controller response or awkward ergonomics increase the chance of mistakes that can jeopardize safety and project timelines.
• Fatigue and physical stress
  Long shifts and repetitive tasks already strain operators physically. When controllers require excessive force, are inefficiently designed, or are poorly positioned, fatigue sets in quicker. This leads to more errors, accidents, and long-term musculoskeletal issues.
• Lost efficiency
  The day-to-day operations of bucket positioning, pole handling, and pipe placement require efficiency. Controls that are difficult to use slow down processes which directly translate into wasted time and higher operational costs.
• Chronic health issues
  Fatigue and repetitive strain injuries, including neck, wrist, and shoulder pain, are common in the utility workforce. Equipment designed with ergonomics in mind helps reduce these risks and extend operator careers.

Solutions from OEM

OEM Controls designs and manufactures off-highway custom joystick controllers that solve these challenges by combining rugged durability, ergonomic comfort, and precision engineering.

JS9 Multi-Axis Controller

• Built for demanding utility applications such as bucket trucks, digger derricks, and multi-function boom control.
• Delivers rugged reliability, ergonomic flexibility, and modern integration options to improve operator safety, comfort, and performance across the fleet.
• Performs through factory-programmable outputs, designed for full EMC protection for electrical environments, and compatibility with multiple grip configurations.

Explore full specifications and configuration options on our JS9 product page.

Why It Matters

Integrating ergonomic, customizable controls delivers measurable results:

• Improves safety through precise, reliable boom and bucket positioning
• Reduces operator fatigue by minimizing strain and effort
• Faster operations that cut downtime and project costs
• Lowers injury rates that decrease workers' compensation claims and turnover
• Consistent performance across fleets

For utility engineers and project managers, selecting the right controller is about more than hardware. It's about protecting workers, improving efficiency, and ensuring long-term fleet reliability.

At OEM Controls, our products can be customized to your needs and specifications. We continuously collaborate with the best engineers across industries to design and deliver ergonomic, safe, and efficient solutions meant for the most demanding utility environments.

Contact our engineering team to discuss your needs and how we can help you meet them.