Can I use a Lift-O-Matic retrofit kit on my tractor, and how do I tell?
What decides is the mechanism, not the brand: LFT20 and LFT54 work on tractors that have a cable-operated Lift-O-Matic (quick lift) lever. If you see a steel cable next to the seat, attached to a lever, running inside a sheath and pulling the hydraulic control lever, the kit is compatible. If there is no cable and the lever is connected to the valve directly by a mechanical linkage, these kits cannot be used.
For diagnosis, follow these three steps without starting the engine:
- Find the cable. There should be a steel cable inside a sheath running from the quick lift lever to the hydraulic control mechanism. The end of the cable outside the tractor should terminate in a removable connection.
- Measure the free travel. When you pull the cable by hand the links should start to lift. LFT20 provides 60 mm and LFT54 50 mm of pull travel; the trigger travel of your mechanism must fall within this range.
- Estimate the required force. LFT20 produces 10 kg and LFT54 15 kg maximum pull force. If the cable is very stiff or seized, service the mechanism first.
The kits do not interfere with the three-point hitch, the valve or the hydraulic line; they only take over the outer end of the cable. Since the original connection on the tractor side is never removed, the system can always be returned to its previous state. If you are unsure, send a photo of the mechanism to technical support.
Full topic: What is Lift-O-Matic and how does it work?