Implement Centre of Gravity
The single point at which the implement's total weight acts. The further this point moves rearwards from the lower link pins, the greater the moment on the linkage and the lower the effective lifting capacity; at the same time the tractor's front axle becomes lighter and steering control is reduced.
Lifting an implement is as much about overcoming the moment as it is about lifting the weight. If the centre of gravity of a 400 kg implement is 1 metre behind the pins, the linkage meets roughly twice the moment compared with the same weight 0.5 metres behind.
- Long-tailed implements (subsoilers, trailer-type attachments) are the most demanding.
- As the rear weight increases, the front axle load decreases; if necessary front weights are fitted.
- Raising the implement higher than necessary in the transport position increases the tendency to tip over.
The electronic retrofit kit is not concerned with this physics, but you feel its effect in the field: with an implement whose centre of gravity is far out, the linkage rises more slowly, because the hydraulics approach their limit. Do not confuse this with the power of the kit. The values given as 10 kg on the LFT20 and 15 kg on the LFT54 are the pulling force of the cable; they have nothing to do with the load the linkage lifts.
Context in which this term is used: Converting a tractor hydraulic lever to electronic control