ISO vs SAE Controls Made Easy

When you're only familiar with the control pattern you were trained on, operating a machine in the opposite pattern can feel like writing with the wrong hand. However, sometimes things happen on a construction site that we're not expecting; your favorite excavator or backhoe breaks down and the equipment you've had to rent doesn't allow you to switch between ISO and SAE controls as most newer machine models would. That's why it's important for equipment operators to be familiar with both ISO and SAE control patterns as much as possible.

ISO and SAE: An Introduction

Excavator controls are also known as ISO and SAE controls. The technical name comes from the two governing bodies that establish operating standards: the ISO and SAE.

ISO and SAE control patterns are used on machines that have a digging component, like excavators and backhoes. Backhoes use either ISO or SAE control patterns. So, the term "backhoe controls" refers to the same operations as "excavator controls," since they're controlled by the same patterns.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a non-government organization that creates manufacturing standards for multiple fields, including tech and management. The ISO uses a collection of national standards to establish their overarching guidelines and strategy, where one member from each country is represented on the committee.

In construction, the ISO provides standards on machine power, attachment capacity, and control patterns, among other areas. The 2020 edition of article ISO 10968 outlines operator controls for earth-moving machinery under the ISO standard.

While the ISO is an international association, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is a professional association based in the United States. The SAE has established standards for construction similar to those established by the ISO. The SAE's members include engineers and technical professionals who create standards for aerospace materials and aviation, ground vehicles, and automotive research.

Manufacturers use the ISO and SAE's standards to ensure their machines are up to code. Since the ISO is international, it's the more popular control pattern used worldwide. However, many American operators train with SAE controls, since it's an American standard.

ISO Joystick Controls

ISO controls are also known as John Deere controls since the majority of John Deere equipment was traditionally manufactured according to ISO standards. ISO standards use the following controls to operate digging machinery like mini-excavators, backhoes, and excavators:

Left-hand Joystick

Moving the left-hand joystick to the left swings the turret - the machine's cabin and core- to the left. Moving the same joystick to the right causes the turret to swing right.

Moving the left joystick forward causes the stick or dipper - the vertical portion of the arm - to move forward and away from the machine. Moving the joystick backward moves the dipper back towards the machine. The left joystick ultimately controls how far or close the bucket is to your equipment.

Right-hand Joystick

Moving the right-hand joystick to the left causes the bucket to close, or curl inwards. Moving the same joystick to the right causes the bucket to dump its contents, or curl outwards.

Moving the right-hand joystick forward causes the main boom - the horizontal and diagonal portion of the arm - to move downwards. Moving the right-hand joystick backward raises the main boom and lifts it upward.

SAE Joystick Controls:

SAE controls are also known as Cat controls since the majority of Cat equipment was traditionally manufactured according to SAE standards. SAE standards use the following controls to operate diggers like excavators, backhoes, and mini-excavators:

Left-hand Joystick

Moving the left-hand joystick to the left swings the turret to the left. Moving the same joystick to the right swings the turret to the right.

Moving the left-hand joystick forward lowers the main boom downward. Pulling the joystick back raises the main boom, moving it upwards.

Right-hand Joystick

Moving the right-hand joystick to the left moves the bucket inward, which closes it. Moving the joystick to the right curls the bucket outwards, known as "dumping" the bucket.

Moving the right-hand joystick forward causes the dipper to move forwards and away from the equipment. Pulling the same joystick backward moves the dipper closer to the equipment.

ISO vs. SAE

At first glance, it may seem like these excavator control patterns are two completely different systems. However, there's only one main difference between them: opposite joysticks control the boom and dipper. With ISO controls, the right joystick controls the boom and the left joystick controls the dipper. With SAE, the left joystick controls the boom while the right joystick controls the dipper. Once you grasp that difference, it's easier to distinguish each control pattern.

Curling the bucket and in and out, along with swinging the turret left and right are controlled by the same joysticks on both ISO and SAE control patterns.

Since ISO and SAE controls are arguably similar, there isn't a clear benefit to using one over the other. Deciding which control pattern is better for you really comes down to personal preference and what you're familiar with. Equipment operators tend to stick to the pattern they were trained on, but sometimes that's not always possible, especially when equipment breaks down and rental equipment is used.

Learning one pattern when you're familiar with another is possible, but difficult. It usually requires a lot of practice to override the muscle memory you've built up. However, most equipment operators that have had to use both typically adjust after a couple of days.

Excavator Controls in Practice

Many newer excavator and backhoe models come with a built-in switch that allows you to change a machine's control pattern from ISO to SAE and vice versa. These models allow you to change the control pattern to suit the operator's preference. Depending on the model, switches may be located under the seat or inside the cabin.

When renting or purchasing equipment, it's important to see if the model you choose has a control switch. Once you receive the equipment on site, you should also check which control pattern the machine is in before operating. You don't want to be surprised when first moving the dipper and accidentally hurting someone because it was swinging the opposite way.

ISO and SAE Summarized

ISO and SAE are the primary controls used when operating machines capable of digging. Established by their respective governing bodies, the main difference between ISO and SAE is that the boom and dipper are controlled by opposite joysticks.

The choice between ISO and SAE is a personal one but it can be crucial to be familiar with both. For your next backhoe, excavator, or mini-excavator rental, use DOZR Marketplace and we will help you find a model with your preferred control pattern! 

FAQ's about SAE vs. ISO Controls

Backhoe vs. excavator controls: what's the difference between them?

There isn't a difference excavator and backhoe controls because both terms refer to ISO and SAE control patterns. Since backhoes are also digging machines, they use either SAE or ISO excavator controls.

John deere vs. cat controls: what's the difference between them?

"John Deere Controls" is another name for ISO controls. "Cat Controls" is another name for SAE controls.

How do I change the control pattern on an excavator or backhoe?

You cannot change the control pattern on all excavators or backhoes. However, on most newer models, you can flip a switch to your preferred control pattern. Switches are generally found under the seat or in the machine's cabin.

Where can I find and excavator controls diagram?

A diagram outlining excavator joystick controls for both patterns is included above under the "ISO Joystick Controls" section.