A control apparatus for an agricultural machine operatively arranged in an operator's cab proximate an operator having a multi-functional handle. The multi-functional handle has a gripping portion with a plurality of control elements. The control elements are operatively arranged such that the operator can reach the control elements with one or two fingers while holding the gripping portion. A selection/transfer element is used to select control elements to perform a first and a second control function. A display unit is used to display the function symbols of the selected function.