Abstract: A crane is disclosed, with one or more moveable components. Manually-articulable controls (such as joysticks) are provided for controlling movement of the components. First, second, and third control circuits responsive to varied positions of the control are optionally connected to the control to provide first, second, and third sets of control signals each with differing responses to the control in a given position so as to move the components in a manner which mitigates instability or inaccuracy due to the physical acuity of the operator.

Abstract: A directional control system for a gantry type cane operable in either a longitudinal direction or a transverse direction is disclosed. The gantry type crane has first and second, spaced front wheels and first and second, spaced rear wheels. The first front wheel and the first rear wheel are on one longitudinal side of the crane, and the second front wheel and the second rear wheel are on the other longitudinal side of the crane. The control system cooperatively rotates the first and second front wheels for controlling the direction of travel of the crane in the longitudinal direction, and cooperatively rotates the first front wheel and the first rear wheel for controlling the direction of travel of the crane in the transverse direction. Thus the wheels positioned perpendicular to the direction of travel provide the steering.