Method and apparatus for single lever control of multiple actuators

A method and apparatus for providing control of multiple actuators with a single control lever is provided. The method and apparatus is adapted for use in an electro-hydraulic system having a microprocessor, multiple actuators, respective electro-hydraulic directional control valves for each actuator, and individual control levers operatively associated with the microprocessor for controlling movement of the respective electro-hydraulic directional control valves. The method and apparatus is accomplished by providing a switch on each of the control levers that is operational to condition the microprocessor to direct simultaneous signals to the respective electro-hydraulic directional control valves to control each of the multiple actuators in proportion to the degree of movement of the one actuator when the switch thereon is depressed. The method and apparatus also includes a variable gain control that is selectively operational to vary the gain or response of the respective actuators relative to the degree of movement of the respective control levers.