NEW control panels that boast 'improved ergonomics and displays' have been unveiled by a Swedish forest machine manufacturer. 

Rottne Industri, creator of forwarders and harvesters, say the devices will feature more functions and buttons on the joysticks from previous models. 

Developed as a result of a 'chance' three-year partnership with Umeå-based Hydraulkompaniet, the control panels will be put into production after the summer. 

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David Selstam, from Rottne's development department, said: "There are always three things driving development.

"What customers want, what we want to do and what we must do. Sometimes, all three can be ticked off, which is even more satisfying.

Forestry Journal:

"Rottne's machines have always had an outstanding cab environment with good control panels and this is undoubtedly a component that allows us to maintain this advantage in the future."

The cooperation between Rottne Industri and Hydraulkompaniet came about  somewhat spontaneously, Rottne say. With Hydraulkompaniet producing a completely new control panel and looking for a potential customer, Rottne had started looking for ways to renew and improve its own.

"The first customer we chose to contact was Rottne, and it was an immediate match," Niklas Anens, Hydraulkompaniet's owner, said. "We knew Rottne was a technology-driven company with a lot of engineering expertise.

"Rottne is frequently the first to introduce technical solutions into the forestry machines industry, which is why Rottne was our preferred choice of partner.

"Everything has been developed to help the machine operators. Among other things, we have looked at the spring force in the controls, which regulates the force needed to press the buttons and we've also upgraded the silicone mats in them. All this lifts up comfort, the right feeling and ergonomics."