Overview
ISO 3767-4:2016 specifies internationally standardized symbols for operator controls and other displays on forestry machinery. Part 4 of the ISO 3767 series focuses on graphical symbols used on harvesters, feller bunchers, delimbers, log handlers, winches, stabilizers, outriggers, blades, bogies and related forestry equipment. This second edition (2016) revises earlier editions and adds many new symbols to improve clarity, safety and international usability.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Standardizes graphical symbols to communicate control functions and status on forestry machinery independent of language.
- Normative references: Aligns with ISO 3767-1 (common symbols) and IEC/ISO principles for graphical symbols (IEC 80416-1, ISO 80416-2, IEC 80416-3).
- Symbol form and reproduction:
- Symbols shall be used as shown unless specific modifications are permitted.
- Outline symbols may be filled in actual use for better perception.
- Minor reproduction adjustments (line width, rounding) are allowed if the symbol remains conceptually unchanged.
- Symbols must be large enough and maintain consistent scaling when grouped.
- Orientation conventions:
- Side views imply machine motion right-to-left; overhead views imply bottom-to-top movement.
- Colour meanings for illuminated displays:
- Red: failure or immediate attention required.
- Yellow/amber: condition outside normal limits.
- Green: normal operating condition.
- Digital display icons:
- Guidance for adapting symbols to pixelated or reconfigurable GUIs, following ISO 80416-4 to preserve visual impression.
- Development of new symbols:
- Conduct prior searches in ISO 7000 and IEC 60417 databases.
- Develop following ISO 3767-1 Annex A and IEC/ISO 80416 guidance; provide concise function descriptions for standardization.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 3767-4:2016 is used by:
- Equipment manufacturers - for control panels, decals, moulded controls and operator interfaces.
- Human factors and UI/UX designers - for readable, consistent cab displays and digital dashboards.
- Safety and compliance engineers - to ensure symbols meet international best practices and improve operator safety.
- Technical writers and trainers - to create manuals and training materials using standardized icons.
Practical applications include control labelling on harvesters and skidders, digital GUI icons on in-cab displays, and standardized decals for maintenance and emergency procedures.
Related standards
Using ISO 3767-4:2016 helps manufacturers and operators achieve clearer, safer, and internationally consistent control and display graphics for forestry machinery.