Can I keep operating the lever by hand while the retrofit kit is installed?
Since the kit mechanically grips the manual lever, forcing the lever by hand while the motor is attached to it is not correct usage; the servo is both trying to hold position and being forced from outside. If you need to return to manual operation, first press Emergency Stop or cut the kit supply, then remove the mounting clamp to detach the motor from the lever. This is not a quick-release mechanism but a removal operation requiring tools.
The servo motor tries to stay at the angle it is commanded to. Pulling the lever by hand while the motor is energized strains both sides: the motor draws current to close the position error and pushes back, and you end up working against that force. Over the long term this shortens the life of the gears and connection elements.
Correct approaches:
- Returning permanently to manual operation: After the kit supply is cut, the mounting clamp is removed with a tool and the motor is detached from the manual lever. The lever is completely freed and the vehicle returns to its factory manual operation. This is not a quick-release mechanism; get confirmation from us before doing it.
- Temporary stop: To stop motion, press Emergency Stop or cut the kit supply. Do not intervene mechanically on an energized system.
The kit's design philosophy is already built around making reversal easy: because the hydraulic circuit is not touched, when the installation is removed the vehicle returns exactly to its former manual state and no permanent change remains.
In emergencies the priority is always the Emergency Stop button, not forcing the lever by hand.
Full coverage of this topic: What Is a Hydraulic Lever Retrofit Kit? Definition, Components, Operating Principle