Do I have to remove the existing Lift-O-Matik cable?
Only the end of the cable that sits outside the tractor is detached and connected to the kit's cable entry socket. The original connection on the tractor side is never disturbed; the inside of the mechanism, the valve and the hydraulic line are left untouched. That way, whether the kit is an LFT20 or an LFT54, the tractor can be returned completely to its original state within minutes when it is removed.
Points to watch in practice:
- The cable is not replaced. No cable comes with the kit; the tractor's existing cable is used. If the cable is broken, its strands have opened up or it is rusted, replace the cable first; the kit does not compensate for that.
- Freedom of the sheath. Make sure the cable moves inside the sheath without binding. A jammed cable strains the motor on the LFT20; on the LFT54 the protection with current and position sensors may cut in and stop the movement.
- Correct alignment. Position the kit in line with the cable. A pull at an angle creates friction in the sheath and increases the force required.
- Slack adjustment. A slight slack must remain in the cable; if pre-tension is applied, the mechanism stays partly triggered all the time.
After connecting, pull the cable by hand without running the motor and measure the distance at which the mechanism is triggered. The LFT20 pulls 60 mm and the LFT54 50 mm; the trigger point must stay within that value.
Full topic: What is Lift-O-Matik and how does it work?