Operator interface for a work machine

A method for operating a work machine comprising:

• operating an input device in one of a linkage control mode where the motion of a mechanical linkage is controlled and a display control mode where an input of information is provided to a display system;
• switching the mode of operation of a control module between the linkage control mode and the display control mode;
• and
• operating the input device in the other of the linkage control mode and the display control mode.

A work machine comprising:

• a mechanical linkage having a work implement;
• a machine display system associated with the work machine for receiving and displaying information;
• an input device having a series of input mechanisms adapted to generate a linkage input signal to control the motion of the mechanical linkage and a display input signal to input information to the machine display system;
• a control module adapted to operate in one of a linkage control mode where the motion of the mechanical linkage is controlled and a display control mode where the input of information to the machine display system is controlled;
• and
• a switch associated with the interface, the switch being adapted to switch the operating mode between the linkage control mode and the display control mode.

An operator interface for a work machine for controlling a machine display and a mechanical linkage, comprising:

• an input means for controlling the motion of the mechanical linkage and for controlling an input of information to the machine display;
• a control means for operating in one of a linkage control mode where the motion of the mechanical linkage is controlled and a display control mode where the input of information to the machine display is controlled;
• and
• a switching means for switching the operating mode between the linkage control mode and the display control mode.