Lift Rod
This is the vertical link between the lift arm and the lower link, adjustable in length on most tractors. The horizontal balance of the implement is set by adjusting the length of the right and left rods separately; at least one side has a crank-handle screw adjustment or a hole-type quick adjustment.
The lift rod is the link that connects the rotation of the lift arm to the vertical movement of the lower link. When the lengths of the two rods differ, the hitch tilts sideways; that in turn makes the plough work deep on one side and shallow on the other.
- The right rod is usually threaded for fine adjustment, while the left rod is fixed or coarsely adjustable.
- On some tractors there is a slotted play at the top end of the rod; this slot allows the implement to follow the ground freely, that is, a limited float behaviour.
- After adjustment, always refit the locking pin or nut.
Even after fitting a retrofit kit, the horizontal levelling job stays with the lift rod. The LFT20 and LFT54 only pull the quick-lift cable; they are not concerned with the levelness of the implement. That is why the source of the "I fitted the kit but one side still runs deep" complaint is almost always a difference in rod length, and it is corrected with a spanner, not with electronics.
The context in which this term is used: Converting a tractor hydraulic lever to electronic control