What to Know About Steering Wheel Placement for Operator Control

At BSM North America, we’re proud providers of top-quality custom steering wheel columns. We know that machine control hinges on what our products can do, and we spare no effort to make sure they achieve the pinnacle of performance each and every time.

That being said, we also know that steering wheel column placement also has a great deal of an effect on operator efficiency. If the user is constantly straining to maneuver the vehicle, even the best-made off-road steering column can’t work to its full potential. That’s why we’re here to help you get your placement perfect. Below, we discuss a few do’s and don’ts with steering wheel placement, alongside a few guidelines that steer you clear of common pitfalls.

Ergonomics Are Everything

Among principle concerns for machine designers in this respect is ergonomics. According to UCLA, ergonomics is “an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely.” That’s a lot of words to say that the operator should be safe and comfortable when using the steering wheel—but what does that mean in practice?

That changes depending on the machine. Generally, though, the steering wheel should be placed in such a way that adjustable seats can help drivers get comfortable. It should not be placed too high or too low on the steering wheel column so as to induce bodily strain. Its angle should also be comfortable and not put unnecessary pressure on fingers or wrists.

With heavy machinery, operator comfort is directly tied to operator control. By avoiding long-term strain via proper steering wheel placement, you’re keeping your workers’ bodies in top shape, which means they’re better able to handle their machines.

Consider its Relationship to the Console Parts

Since many heavy machines can do multiple jobs, they must give the operator the option to access additional features. In relation to the steering wheel, these controls must be tucked a safe distance away. Though your operators shouldn’t need to haul on the wheel to make turns, unintentional hand movements can happen, and these can be disastrous if they trip an unwanted function.

Quick Access Is Paramount

The steering wheel must be easily accessible, and grabbing it should be quick. While your drivers will of course have both hands on it while driving, should dangerous situations occur while the driver is idle, they’ll need to be able to react fast.

BSM North America: For All Your Commercial Machining and Off-Road Steering Column Needs

Experience the BSM North America difference with our custom steering columns. Reach our Burnsville office today at 952-890-8146.