TS ISO 6405-1

TS ISO 6405-1 defines common symbols for operator controls and other displays used on earth-moving machinery, helping ensure that key functions are recognized consistently across machine types. These graphical symbols reduce reliance on language, support quick identification in the cab, and make control meanings easier to understand at a glance.

Where the common symbols are used

The standard applies to symbols that can be used on more than one type of earth-moving machinery as defined in ISO 6165. In practice, that means the focus is not on a single machine model or a narrow accessory set, but on shared controls and displays that appear across multiple equipment categories. This makes it easier to maintain visual consistency for general functions found on excavators, loaders, dozers, and similar machines.

In general technical terms, operator symbols are pictograms that convey the direction, action, or status of a control or display without requiring a written label. Well-designed symbols improve recognition, reduce translation needs, and provide a common visual language for mixed-language work environments. This standard organizes that common language for earth-moving machinery, but it does not stand for every possible machine-specific control marking.

How it relates to other symbol collections

• ISO 6405-2 covers symbols for specific types of earth-moving machines, equipment, and accessories.
• ISO 7000 and IEC 60417 are broader international symbol collections that may also be relevant to earth-moving machinery.
• This part focuses on common symbols, so specialized machine-specific symbols are outside its main scope.