Steering and transmission shifting control mechanism

A steering and transmission shifting control mechanism for operating an earthmoving vehicle having a reversible multi-speed transmission, comprising:

• a control handle having a lower grip portion defining an upstanding axis, and an upper portion defining an inclined surface that faces upwardly and generally toward an operator;
• first means for mounting the control handle on the vehicle for pivotal movement by sideways movement of an operator's hand;
• second means responsive to pivotal movement of the control handle for steering the vehicle;
• and
• third means for shifting the reversible multi-speed transmission of the vehicle through a plurality of gear ratio steps and including an actuating element mounted on the control handle and extending above the inclined surface and being movable by movement of an operator's thumb to a plurality of positions to effect the desired shifting of the transmission.

A steering and transmission shifting control mechanism for operating a vehicle such as an earthmoving vehicle including a reversible transmission having a plurality of discrete gear ratio steps, comprising:

• a control handle having a lower grip portion defining a generally upstanding axis and an upper portion;
• first means for mounting the control handle on the vehicle for pivotal movement in an upright plane passing through the axis of the lower grip portion;
• second means responsive to lateral pivotal movement of the control handle for steering the vehicle;
• and
• third means for changing the speed ratio of the transmission of the vehicle including an actuating assembly releasably mounted on the upper portion of the control handle and including an actuating element pivotably movable in response to movement of an operator's thumb to a plurality of discrete positions to effect the desired speed ratio change.