ISO/TS 15079:2001

Powered lawn, garden and horticultural equipment - Operator controls - Guidance on actuating forces, displacement, location and methods of operation

This Technical Specification gives guidance on actuating forces for hand and foot controls on powered lawn, garden and horticulture equipment, and their displacement, preferred location and method of operation. It is applicable to operator controls on both ride-on machines and pedestrian-controlled machines. Handheld products are not covered. This Technical Specification is not applicable to passive controls (e.g. seat-activated, operator-presence controls utilized on ride-on machines). It contains data applicable to frequently used controls that require intentional operator actuation for control function. Infrequently used control forces and displacements may exceed the magnitudes given in this Technical Specification. NOTE The concept of frequently used controls is relative to a given machine type and its use or requirements.

Matériel à moteur pour jardins, pelouses et pour l'horticulture — Commandes de l'opérateur — Lignes directrices pour les forces d'actionnement, déplacements, emplacements et méthodes de fonctionnement

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 05-Sep-2001
• ICS: 65.060.70 - Horticultural equipment
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 23/SC 13 - Powered lawn and garden equipment
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 23/SC 13 - Powered lawn and garden equipment
• Current Stage: 9093 - International Standard confirmed
• Start Date: 05-Jun-2024
• Completion Date: 13-Dec-2025

Relations

• Revises: ISO 3789-3:1989 - Tractors, machinery for agriculture and forestry, powered lawn and garden equipment - Location and method of operation of operator controls - Part 3: Controls for powered lawn and garden equipment
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2008

Overview

ISO/TS 15079:2001 is an ISO Technical Specification giving ergonomic guidance for operator controls on powered lawn, garden and horticultural equipment. It covers recommended actuating forces, displacements, preferred locations and methods of operation for frequently used hand and foot controls on both ride‑on machines and pedestrian‑controlled machines. Handheld products and passive controls (for example seat‑activated operator‑presence devices) are explicitly excluded.

Key facts:

• First edition published 2001; prepared by ISO/TC 23/SC 13.
• Replaces ISO 3789‑3:1989 for powered lawn and garden control layout.
• Provisions are guidance - specific product standards take precedence.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Control parameters: Guidance on which controls apply to which machine types and when to use the TS as a starting point for design decisions.
• Actuating force and displacement: Methods to measure forces (perpendicular to control surface; torque for rotary controls) and linear displacement measurement rules. Clause references: measurement methods in clause 4, magnitudes in clause 7.
• Control location & method of operation:
  • Ride‑on machines: clause 5 provides recommended locations and actuation directions for starting, speed control, stopping, steering and braking (examples include ignition, starter, hand/foot speed controls, steering wheels/joysticks, foot and hand brakes).
  • Pedestrian‑controlled machines: clause 6 covers equivalent guidance for walk‑behind or stand‑on configurations.
• Scope of applicability: Focuses on frequently used, intentionally actuated controls; infrequently used controls may legitimately exceed the given magnitudes.
• Ergonomics: Recommends designing for a broad range of operators (typically 5th–95th percentile) and stresses user testing when compromises are required.

Practical applications - who uses this standard

ISO/TS 15079 is useful for:

• Equipment manufacturers (design and human‑factors teams) creating ride‑on and pedestrian lawn, garden and horticultural machines.
• Ergonomists and industrial designers specifying control layout, force limits and travel ranges.
• Product safety engineers and test laboratories verifying operator control usability and compliance with guidance.
• Standards writers and regulatory bodies referencing ergonomic recommendations when drafting product‑specific standards.

Benefits:

• Improved operator safety, comfort and predictability of control operation.
• Consistent control methods across machine types (better usability and reduced training).

Related standards

• Replaces ISO 3789‑3:1989 (location and method of operation of operator controls for powered lawn and garden equipment).
• Specific product standards for machines take precedence over this Technical Specification.

Keywords: ISO/TS 15079, operator controls, actuating force, control displacement, powered lawn garden horticultural equipment, ride‑on machines, pedestrian‑controlled machines, ergonomics, control location.

Standards Content (Sample)

TECHNICAL ISO/TS
SPECIFICATION 15079
First edition
2001-09-01
Powered lawn, garden and horticultural
equipment — Operator controls —
Guidance on actuating forces,
displacement, location and methods of
operation
Matériel à moteur pour jardins, pelouses et pour l’horticulture —
Commandes de l’opérateur — Lignes directrices pour les forces
d’actionnement, déplacements, emplacements et méthodes de
fonctionnement
Reference number
©
ISO 2001
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©  ISO 2001
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ii © ISO 2001 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword.iv
Introduction.v
1 Scope .1
2 Terms and definitions .1
3 Control parameters.2
4 Control actuating force and displacement — Measurement.2
5 Control location and method of operation — Ride-on machines.2
6 Control location and method of operation — Pedestrian controlled machines .8
7 Actuating force and displacement of controls .12

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO
member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical
committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has
the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards adopted
by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an International
Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
In other circumstances, particularly when there is an urgent market requirement for such documents, a technical
committee may decide to publish other types of normative document:
 an ISO Publicly Available Specification (ISO/PAS) represents an agreement between technical experts in an
ISO working group and is accepted for publication if it is approved by more than 50 % of the members of the
parent committee casting a vote;
 an ISO Technical Specification (ISO/TS) represents an agreement between the members of a technical
committee and is accepted for publication if it is approved by 2/3 of the members of the committee casting a
vote.
An ISO/PAS or ISO/TS is reviewed every three years with a view to deciding whether it can be transformed into an
International Standard.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of ISO/TS 15079 may be the subject of patent rights.
ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO/TS 15079 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 23, Tractors and machinery for agriculture and
forestry, Subcommittee SC 13, Powered lawn and garden equipment.
This first edition of ISO/TS 15079 replaces ISO 3789-3:1989, Tractors, machinery for agriculture and forestry,
powered lawn and garden equipment — Location and method of operation of operator controls — Part 3: Controls
for powered lawn and garden equipment, which has been technically revised.
iv © ISO 2001 – All rights reserved

Introduction
This Technical Specification gives guidance on the design of operator controls (herein called “controls”) with
respect to their method of operation, actuating force, displacement and location. The controls are those located at
the operator’s normal working position, readily accessible and conveniently placed for the operator. The provisions
contained in this Technical Specification were derived from experience, current practice, ergonomic literature and
existing standards.
Generalized control data pertaining to control-actuation forces, displacement and location found in a number of
ergonomic texts and references are not in total agreement. The myriad of variables affecting control design
indicates that these control parameters are interactive and that no single value is correct for a given control design.
Control method of operation has been standardized for a number of years and the operational methods contained
in this Technical Specification are consistent with the International Standard it replaces as well as other standards
relating to controls.
Control design involves complex issues and is influenced by control size, actuation, direction, displacement, and
the relationship with, or proximity to, other controls and the operator. Operator capabilities are also influenced by
many factors, including body position and control location or displacement direction relative to the operator. The
unique situation in which, and the purpose for which, a control device is to be used can materially affect the
appropriateness of a given type of control and can justify (or virtually require) variations from a set of general
recommendations or practice based on research or experience. It is therefore imperative that tests involving
multiple operators be performed as a prerequisite to final judgement of a machine control design essential to the
correct operation of that machine.
Control shape, size, texture, proximity, clearance and markings are essential elements of good control design.
However, these control elements are not included in this Technical Specification. For additional information
concerning these subjects, the reader should consult an ergonomic reference or references.
It is generally desirable to design a machine and its controls for the 5th to 95th percentile operator. In some cases,
compromise is essential for meeting the multitude of objectives involved in the design of a machine. By testing a
control system with multiple operators, final judgement can be made on controls involved in such compromises.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ISO/TS 15079:2001(E)

Powered lawn, garden and horticulture equipment — Operator
controls — Guidance on actuating forces, displacement, location
and methods of operation
1 Scope
This Technical Specification gives guidance on actuating forces for hand and foot controls on powered lawn,
garden and horticulture equipment, and their displacement, preferred location and method of operation. It is
applicable to operator controls on both ride-on machines and pedestrian-controlled machines. Handheld products
are not covered.
This Technical Specification is not applicable to passive controls (e.g. seat-activated, operator-presence controls
utilized on ride-on machines). It contains data applicable to frequently used controls that require intentional
operator actuation for control function. Infrequently used control forces and displacements may exceed the
magnitudes given in this Technical Specification.
NOTE The concept of frequently used controls is relative to a given machine type and its use or requirements.
2 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this Technical Specification, the following terms and definitions apply.
2.1
control actuating force
force exerted on the control to effect a response
2.2
control displacement
movement of a control through its operational range
2.3
forward
direction in which the operator faces when in the normal operator’s position as specified by the manufacturer
2.4
operator control
any device actuated by the operator without use of tools to effect a response of the machine
2.5
operator presence control
operator control that automatically interrupts power to a drive when the actuating force is removed
2.6
operator position
operator location required for safe operation and control of the machine
2.7
pedestrian-controlled machine
a ground-supported machine controlled by an operator walking behind or standing on the back of the machine
2.8
ride-on machine
a self-propelled machine controlled by an operator sitting on the machine
3 Control parameters
The controls for which provisions are given in this Technical Specification are not required on all machines, but
when provided on a machine they should conform to its recommendations. Control requirements given in specific
product standards shall take precedence over those given in this Technical Specification.
The location and means of operation of control types are indicated in clause 5 for ride-on machines, and clause 6
for pedestrian-controlled machines. The maximum actuating force and the displacement of controls are given in
clause 7. Minimum values should be accessed for specific machine designs.
Clause 7 should be used as a starting point for control design. Maximum force magnitude and displacement should
not be used on a given control. In addition, actual values may differ due to the
 users for which the machine is intended (e.g. women or seniors),
 frequency of use of the control,
 control location and displacement relative to the user,
 size of the control, and
 professional use of the machine.
Multifunction controls should follow the principles listed.
4 Control actuating force and displacement — Measurement
The measurement of a control actuating force is made through the entire displacement and from the centre of that
part of the control designed to be actuated by the operator. The direction of the force measurement is
perpendicular to the control surface designed to be actuated by the operator and in the direction of movement of
the surface. The direction of movement for rotary controls may be clockwise or counterclockwise; the effort to move
the control is measured as torque.
NOTE This measured force does not necessarily represent the force normally applied by the operator.
Control displacement measurement is made in a manner similar to the above-described force measurement
method. Displacements listed in clause 7 in terms of linear dimensions are measured in a straight line.
5 Control location and method of operation — Ride-on machines
Type Location Operation
5.1 Engine
5.1.1 Starting
5.1.1.1 Ignition switch Can be rotary, toggle, or rocker type. If rotary type,
(if separate should rotate clockwise to “on” position. If toggle type,
from starter should move forward and/or upward to “on” position. If

switch) rocker type, the upper portion or position farthest
away from the operator should be pushed to “on”
position.
2 © ISO 2001 – All rights reserved

Type Location Operation
5.1.1.2 Starter switch Can be push or key type. If key type, should rotate
or starter clockwise to “start” position. All types should return to
means (if “off” position when released.

separate from
ignition
switch)
5.1.1.3 Ignition/starter Switch should be rotated in a clockwise direction to
switch “start” position with return to “run” position when
released. If an engine preheater circuit is provided,

this function should occur before or on the starting
position but may be activated by rotating the control
counterclockwise.
5.1.1.4 Start by Can be pull, kick or crank. Requires manual and
manual means intentional actuation without using a removable part
and with return to its original position.
5.1.2 Speed
5.1.2.1 Foot-operated Should be readily accessible Pedal should be pushed forward and/or downward to
to the operator’s right foot increase engine speed.
and to the right or below and
backwards of the brake pedal
5.1.2.2 Hand-operated Should be easily accessible

to the operator
5.1.2.2.1 Lever Direction of motion should be in a plane generally
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine. The
direction of motion should be away from the operator
(generally forward), and/or upward to increase engine
speed.
5.1.2.2.2 Twist grip Should be easily accessible The speed should increase when the top of the grip is
to the operator’s right hand rotated towards the operator.
5.1.3 Stopping
5.1.3.1 Battery start Should be easily accessible Can be rotary, toggle or rocker type. If rotary type,
from the operator’s position should rotate counterclockwise to “off” position. If
toggle type, should move rearward and/or down to
“off” position.
Control should automatically remain in the stop
position without the application of sustained manual
effort. If stop control is combined with the speed
control, it should be in the direction of, and beyond,
the idle position.
5.1.3.2 Manual means Should be easily accessible This is a means that does not depend on sustained
from the operator’s position manual force. If stop control is combined with the
speed control, it should be in the direction of, and
beyond, the idle position.
Type Location Operation
5.2 Electric motor
5.2.1 Starting
Motor on-switch Can be rotary, toggle, or rocker type. If rotary type,
should rotate clockwise to “on” position. If toggle type,
should move forward and/or upward to “on” position.
5.2.2 Speed
5.2.2.1 Foot-operated Should be readily accessible Pedal should be pushed forward and/or downward to
to the operator’s right foot increase engine speed.
and to the right or below and
backwards of the brake pedal
5.2.2.2 Hand-operated Should be easily accessible
to the operator
5.2.2.3 Lever Direction of motion should be in a plane generally
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine. The
direction of motion should be generally forward or
upward to increase engine speed.
5.2.2.4 Twist grip
Should be easily accessible The speed should increase when the top of the grip is
to the operator’s right hand rotated towards the operator.
5.2.3 Stop
Motor stop- Can be rotary, toggle or rocker type. If rotary type,
switch should rotate counterclockwise the “off” position. If
toggle type, should move rearward and/or down to
“off” position.
Control should automatically remain in the stop
position without the application of sustained manual
effort. If stop control is combined with the speed
control, it should be in the direction of, and beyond,
the slow speed position.
Steering
5.3
5.3.1 Hand-operated Should be convenient to the The steering mechanism should not lock while in
operator operation.
5.3.1.1 Wheel/ Should be forward of the A clockwise rotation should effect a right turn, and a
handlebar operator and aligned counter-clockwise rotation should effect a left turn.
approximately with the
centreline of the operator
seat
5.3.1.2 Two levers Should be forward or to the The machine should turn right when the left lever is
sides of the operator. If to the displaced further in the direction of the machine travel
sides of the operator, one than the right lever. The machine should turn left
lever should be on the left when the right lever is displaced further in the
and one lever should be on direction of machine travel than the left lever.
the right.
4 © ISO 2001 – All rights reserved

Type Location Operation
5.3.1.3 Joy stick Should be forward or to the A lateral motion of the lever to the right should effect a
side of the operator right turn and a lateral motion to the left should effect
a left turn.
5.3.2 Foot-operated Should be convenient to the The steering mechanism should not lock while in
operator’s feet operation.
Foot-operated Should be convenient to the The direction of motion of the pedals should be
steering assist operator’s feet generally forward and/or downward. The right pedal
should control the right wheel and the left pedal the
left wheel. Pushing either pedal will turn the machine
in that respective direction.
5.4 Brakes
5.4.1 Service
5.4.1.1 Foot-operated Should be convenient to the The direction of motion should be generally forward
operator’s right foot and/or downward for stopping. Where separate brake
ped
...