Some manufacturers offer variations of controls, such as Bobcat's Advanced Control System (ACS) and Selectable Joystick Control (SJC) system. ACS gives operators the ability to switch between using hand actuators or foot pedals to activate the hydraulics. SJC features an electric joystick and provides the ability to change between ISO and H patterns by simply pressing a switch in the cab. "These systems allow an operator to operate a machine in their most learned method," says Mike Fitzgerald, product representative, Bobcat.

Often, buttons and toggle switches are embedded into the joystick handles, providing even greater control and finesse over a given task.

For Mustang machines, two-speed control can be achieved via a button in the left handle, so operators can engage a higher ground speed when moving around a jobsite. The right joystick offers float and ride control buttons, as well as proportional auxiliary control.

"With float control, anytime a customer wants to back grade and do some leveling, he pushes the button and the weight of the arm drops it to the ground where it follows the terrain of the ground," Moore says. "Ride control allows the load arm to float when it's carrying a load with a bucket or pallet fork, so the machine can operate much smoother. And instead of using your feet for pushing a lever, there's a simple toggle switch for your right thumb, so you can power the attachment with infinite control. Whether you're running an auger slowly or full speed, you have fingertip control."

The speed management feature on Bobcat machines provides the ability to run an attachment at a specific travel speed. "If you're frequently running an attachment such as a mower, you don't want the machine traveling full speed because it won't cut properly," says Fitzgerald.