Can the lift retrofit kits be used on a combine harvester, loader or construction machine?
These kits were developed for the tractor's cable-controlled Lift-O-Matik mechanism. On combine harvesters, loaders and similar machines the control is usually done with a proportional joystick or with a direct mechanical or hydraulic pilot circuit; there is no cable-actuated trigger. If a cable-pulled control does exist and the movement fits within 50-60 mm and the force within 10-15 kg, the kit works technically.
To decide, examine the control interface rather than the machine. The three questions to ask are:
- Is there a steel cable inside a sheath that triggers the control?
- Is the cable's trigger travel within 60 mm (LFT20) or 50 mm (LFT54)?
- Is the force needed to pull the cable below 10 kg (LFT20) or 15 kg (LFT54)?
If the answer to all three is yes, the kit fits physically. The electrical system must also be 12V negative chassis; on 24V machines no direct connection can be made.
Important warning: On construction machinery, modifications to control devices may be assessed differently from a tractor in terms of safety and regulation. Modifications falling under chassis, brakes, steering, cab, dimensions or the addition of equipment require a modification project. An application of this kind should be planned only after consulting an authorised engineer and the machine manufacturer. The standard product scope is the tractor application.
Full topic: Converting a tractor hydraulic lever to electronic control