ISO 6405-1-2017 PDF

Full title and description

Earth-moving machinery — Symbols for operator controls and other displays — Part 1: Common symbols (ISO 6405-1:2017). This international standard defines the set of common graphical symbols intended for use on operator controls, indicators and other displays across a broad range of earth‑moving machines and similar self‑propelled work machines.

Abstract

ISO 6405-1:2017 establishes a harmonized collection of common symbols for operator controls and displays used on earth‑moving machinery (as defined in ISO 6165). It provides symbol shapes, normative references and guidance on application; machine‑specific symbols are addressed in ISO 6405‑2 and additional symbol libraries such as ISO 7000 and IEC 60417 may be consulted for supplementary pictograms. The part has been amended since publication to add further symbols.

General information

• Status: Published (current international standard).
• Publication date: 30 January 2017 (ISO publication/entry into force early 2017).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 01.080.20 (Graphical symbols for use on specific equipment); 53.100 (Earth‑moving machinery).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2017); amended by ISO 6405‑1:2017/Amd 1:2022.
• Number of pages: 90 pages (main publication).

Scope

This part of ISO 6405 specifies the common symbols to be used on operator controls, indicators and other displays for earth‑moving machinery and related self‑propelled work machines operating off public roads. The standard is intended to improve operator comprehension, safety and international interchangeability of control layouts by defining consistent, internationally recognized pictograms and rules for their application. It is complementary to ISO 6405‑2 (symbols for specific machines) and may be used alongside other symbol repositories such as ISO 7000 and IEC 60417.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and graphical specification of common symbols for controls, indicators and displays on earth‑moving machinery.
• Rules for symbol presentation (line weights, fill, proportions and recommended placement on controls and panels).
• Classification of symbols by function (e.g., powertrain, hydraulics, safety, lighting, cabin/climate, instruments).
• Guidance on combining symbols with supplemental text or colour where necessary for clarity.
• Cross‑references to machine‑specific symbols (ISO 6405‑2) and to broader symbol collections (ISO 7000, IEC 60417).
• Allowance for national/regulatory adaptations while maintaining core symbol geometry for international consistency.

Typical use and users

Primary users are OEMs of earth‑moving and construction equipment, technical illustrators, human‑machine‑interface designers, safety and compliance engineers, aftermarket control manufacturers, standards bodies and regulatory agencies. The standard is used when designing control panels, operator displays, decals and technical documentation to ensure consistent operator understanding across markets.

Related standards

Relevant and commonly cited standards include: ISO 6405‑2 (Symbols for specific types of earth‑moving machines and equipment), ISO 6165 (Classification of earth‑moving machinery), ISO 7000 (Graphical symbols for use on equipment — Index and database), IEC 60417 (Graphical symbols for use on equipment), and other ISO/TC 127 publications addressing safety and operator information.

Keywords

earth‑moving machinery, graphical symbols, pictograms, operator controls, displays, HMI, ISO 6405, common symbols, construction equipment, control panels

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 6405‑1:2017 is an international standard that defines the set of common graphical symbols for operator controls, indicators and other displays used on earth‑moving machinery and related off‑road work machines.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the design, shapes and recommended application of common symbols (e.g., hydraulic functions, engine/instrumentation, lighting, safety warnings) to be used on physical controls, decals and electronic displays to promote consistency and safety across machines and manufacturers. Machine‑specific symbols are handled in ISO 6405‑2.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Equipment manufacturers (OEMs), control and display designers, technical illustrators, safety engineers, documentation writers, and standards/regulatory bodies use the standard when specifying or evaluating control layouts and operator interfaces.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2017 edition (Edition 3) is the current published edition; an amendment (ISO 6405‑1:2017/Amd 1:2022) adds further symbols. Earlier editions (for example the 2004 edition and its amendment) were withdrawn when the 2017 edition was published.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 6405 is a multipart series. Part 1 defines common symbols; Part 2 addresses symbols for specific types of earth‑moving machines, equipment and accessories. Other related series and databases (ISO 7000, IEC 60417) provide additional graphical symbols for equipment.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords are: common symbols, pictograms, earth‑moving machinery, operator controls, displays, HMI, ISO 6405‑1.