Even More Control in Future

Looking down the road, the implementation of joystick controls on skid-steer loaders has the potential to bring a host of other benefits. Take Bobcat's new remote control option, for example. It's available as a kit that can be added to all-wheel-steer models, and also skid-steer and compact loaders equipped with joystick controls.

As it relates to construction applications, Gregg Zupancic, John Deere, expects joystick controls will open the door to even more performance-enhancing features. "Long term, you may be able to push a button and have an attachment such as a bucket automatically lift to a certain height," he says. "For example, you could set the height of the arms for unloading pallets. This is something that would be more difficult to do with a mechanical system.

"Your only limitation is your mind," he continues. "You can integrate push-button technology so all an operator has to do is push a button and have the boom and bucket return to the dig position that you have preset. These are some features that are offered in excavators and larger equipment. But now they have the potential to migrate into skid-steer and track loaders. Joysticks become more of an enabler for productivity features than mechanical levers."