Cable Pull Force
This is the maximum force the electronic retrofit kit can apply to the Lift-O-Matic cable. On the AXI LFT20 this value is at most 10 kg, on the AXI LFT54 at most 15 kg. The value has nothing to do with the load the hitch lifts; it only covers the force needed to trigger the mechanism.
The cable pull force must be large enough to overcome the mechanism's spring tension and the cable friction. On an aged cable that is seized inside its guide tube or rusted, the required force increases; in that case the higher-force model is preferred, or the cable is serviced.
- LFT20: at most 10 kg pull force, 60 mm stroke, 12V DC, 10 A average current, IP66 galvanised metal housing.
- LFT54: at most 15 kg pull force, 50 mm stroke, 12V DC; watertight control board embedded in the motor housing, protection with current and position sensors.
- The LFT54 is the successor to the LFT41 and LFT42 models.
When choosing, judge the force against the resistance of the mechanism. On a cable that is noticeably stiff when pulled by hand, the LFT54's 15 kg value gives a safer margin; in addition, its current protection stops the motor at the moment of a jam.
The context in which this term is used: Converting a tractor hydraulic lever to electronic control