As the successor to its popular L8 joystick, SVAB has introduced the new A9 joystick grip, which includes additional functionality and ergonomic benefits for the operator.
The grip is also being launched together with the grip variants S2 and B1.
The A9 grip is SVAB’s most advanced grip and is specially developed to meet a growing need for ergonomics and the ability to control more functions via the excavator’s joystick grip.
The A9 inherits from the ergonomic design of the L8 grip, mimicking the popular grip surface.
“You shouldn’t fix what isn’t broken, as they say, and that’s how we have reasoned during the development of A9. The grip surface on the L8 is just such a part where we have received feedback from operators and the market that they are very satisfied with it,” said Lotta Dahlström, Product Owner at SVAB.
“We have therefore chosen to mimic those parts as much as possible, while we have changed other parts of the shape to achieve a more modern design and make room for additional functionality.”
In the A9 grip there is now room to accommodate five rollers per grip: a roller controlled with the index finger, a roller controlled with the middle finger and up to three rollers controlled with the thumb.
Grip heating is an optional feature available in the A9 grip. Heating in joystick grips in excavators means improved comfort and efficiency in cold weather conditions. By keeping the operator’s hands warm, the risk of stiffness and reduced sensitivity is reduced, which leads to a better working environment and increased productivity.
A9 haptic feedback
SVAB also introduced haptic feedback into the joystick grip, which improves safety, precision, user comfort and efficiency. This technology provides the operator with physical feedback, such as vibrations, which warns of risks and enables fine-tuned movements for increased precision in work. It also serves as an intuitive learning tool, especially for new operators, by directly showing the consequences of their actions. By reducing the need for constant visual monitoring, it also decreases visual fatigue and cognitive load, allowing the operator to focus better on the task.
The A9 grip can also be configured with a newly developed ergonomic five-position HAT switch that can be used to navigate the excavator’s display. With the help of this HAT switch, the operator does not need to let go of the grips but can easily navigate and change the settings in the machine directly from the grips and quickly return to their ongoing excavation work.
S2 and B1 grips
In addition to the A9 grip, SVAB is also showcasing two new joystick grips developed for excavators. These grips are primarily developed for markets outside the Nordics, Europe and North America. S2 and B1 are ergonomic grips developed for machines and markets where there is a desire for a more streamlined grip but without compromising the driving environment.
Complete joystick program
The product launches, combined with SVAB’s electronic joystick base eJB, SVAB is now able to be a complete supplier of joysticks to machine manufacturers for the excavators of the future.
“The A9 grip fits perfectly on excavators and markets where it is common to use multifunctional hydraulic tools such as tiltrotators, but we must not forget that there are also excavator operators in other markets where the needs and requirements look a bit different,” said Fredrik Effestam, CEO of SVAB.
“Therefore, it feels extra exciting that we can now present a broader range of grips for excavators that also cover these needs.”
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