SALT LAKE CITY. Allied Mobile Systems, the hydraulic controls brand of Godwin Mfg., used its New Product Showcase slot at the recent APWA Snow Conference here to introduce Allied’s Forward Controls, a combination of truck OEM steering wheel buttons and the Allied Mobile Envision touchscreen plow control system.
“It was just natural since we had existing steering wheel controls to turn them into something productive when you’re plowing snow,” said Patrick Godwin Jr., corporate president at The Godwin Group. “It’s by far the safest system on the road today—it’s hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.”
The Forward Controls system replaces steering wheel buttons originally designed for cruise control and radio functions, reprogramming and labeling them with “the most-often used” plow and dump commands.
This allows for a more attentive driver who is able to adjust equipment on the fly. The driver can easily and quickly control primary spreader functions with the left hand, while adjusting plow height and/or angle with the right hand.
Forward Controls also features dual access to the Envision functions. For drivers plowing a cul-de-sac, for instance, or any area where the steering wheel is in constant movement, the auxiliary touch pad remains active—allowing a seamless transition while “cranking on the steering wheel.”
Other features of the Envision system include a compact design offering multiple mounting configurations, a CAN bus for simplified wiring, an in-cab electronics module, and the ability to add ancillary controls such as joysticks.
The demonstration system at the conference was installed in an International truck, but Godwin said the company is working with other chassis OEMs as well. The system is proprietary to The Godwin Group’s truck body brands.
“When you can increase safety and productivity at the same time, it’s a win-win,” Godwin said.
