J.R. Merritt Controls
Faceplates with buttons, thumbwheels or rocker switches are among the customizable options on the Merritt Evolve joystick.

J.R. Merritt Controls Debuts Joystick Offering Customization Capabilities

Jan. 27, 2023
The Merritt Evolve joystick allows customization of faceplates, control outputs and more to meet specific application requirements.

J.R. Merritt Controls is adding the Merritt Evolve joystick to its lineup which offers a range of customization options. Featuring a new performance-driven handle design, face plates and other aspects can be customized to meet specific application needs. 

Key features of the joystick include: 

  • spring return handle action in single- or dual-axis operation
  • can be supplied with J1939, CANOpen, or a Hall Effect output
  • constructed for use in harsh environments
  • enables left- or right-hand mounting

Rugged, Customizable Design Meets Heavy-Duty Requirements

The Merritt Evolve Joystick will make its debut at CONEXPO/IFPE 2023, one of the largest events for the construction industry and the markets which serve it. Joysticks are an important component enabling control of various machine functions, such as the hydraulics which move booms and buckets on excavators. Therefore it is important to enable OEM customers to create the joystick design which bests meets their application needs. 

Both front and rear faceplates are individually configurable. J.R. Merrit offers a range of standard faceplate options consisting of buttons, thumbwheels and rocker switches as well as those which can be customized further for specific requirements. 

The joystick can be supplied with J1939, CANOpen, or a Hall Effect output for easy integration with various communication systems common on today's heavy machinery. A spring return handle action is available with single- or dual-axis operation to provide different tension options and additional customization capabilities. 

J.R. Merritt used the same design principles as its ultra-rugged, mill-duty joysticks to ensure a robust design capable of use in heavy-duty operations. This durable design suits use in various heavy machinery applications including: 

  • construction
  • agriculture
  • forestry
  • mining
  • oil & gas.

"[The Merritt Evolve] is designed specifically for the mobile equipment industry. Our goal was to provide OEMs and system integrators with a joystick that can be 100% tailored to their needs without compromising quality or performance," said Greg Rappa, Business Development & Marketing Manager, in the company's press release announcing the debut of the joystick.

About the Author

Sara Jensen | Technical Editor, Power & Motion

Sara Jensen is technical editor of Power & Motion, directing expanded coverage into the modern fluid power space, as well as mechatronic and smart technologies. She has over 15 years of publishing experience. Prior to Power & Motion she spent 11 years with a trade publication for engineers of heavy-duty equipment, the last 3 of which were as the editor and brand lead. Over the course of her time in the B2B industry, Sara has gained an extensive knowledge of various heavy-duty equipment industries — including construction, agriculture, mining and on-road trucks —along with the systems and market trends which impact them such as fluid power and electronic motion control technologies. 

You can follow Sara and Power & Motion via the following social media handles:

X (formerly Twitter): @TechnlgyEditor and @PowerMotionTech

LinkedIn: @SaraJensen and @Power&Motion

Facebook: @PowerMotionTech

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