What type of crane controls are accurately known as "dead man controls"?

Dead man controls are designed to ensure that if the operator releases the control, the equipment will immediately stop moving. This safety feature is critical in crane operation to prevent accidents and ensure the operator has constant control over the machinery.

Spring pushbuttons are an ideal representation of dead man controls because they require continuous pressure from the operator to keep the crane in motion. If the operator's hand or foot is removed from the button, the spring action will return it to its neutral position, thereby stopping the crane immediately. This design minimizes the risk of accidents that could occur if the operator became incapacitated or distracted while operating the crane.

In contrast, toggle switches, joystick controls, and foot pedals do not inherently possess the same safety mechanism as spring pushbuttons. For instance, toggle switches can remain in the position they are set to even when the operator is not actively engaged. Similarly, joystick controls typically allow for sustained movement without the need for constant pressure, and foot pedals may also not require constant engagement to keep equipment operational. Therefore, these controls do not fulfill the criteria needed to be classified as dead man controls in the same way that spring pushbuttons do.