I use an LFT41 or LFT42, should I move to the LFT54?
The LFT54 was developed as the successor to the LFT41 and LFT42 models. The differences it offers are 15 kg maximum cable pulling force, 50 mm pull travel, a watertight control board embedded inside the motor, protection with current and position sensors, a galvanised sheet body and a 36-month warranty. If your existing kit works without trouble there is no urgent need; if faults keep recurring, the change makes sense.
Consider the change in the following situations:
- Recurring motor failure. On failures caused by jamming or overload, the LFT54's protection with current and position sensors stops the motor and prevents damage.
- Interruptions caused by damp or water. On the LFT54 the control board is embedded inside the motor and sealed watertight; there is no separate external enclosure.
- Insufficient force. If the mechanism has stiffened, the 15 kg pulling force leaves margin.
The change is mechanically simple, because the connection logic is the same: the outer end of the cable is fitted into the kit's cable entry socket and the tractor side is not disturbed. The LFT54 has four connection points: two supply wires (+/-), one control signal wire and one cable entry.
Check the space available; the LFT54 enclosure is 155 x 175 x 70 mm and weighs about 650 g, so the old mounting point may be too tight.
Full topic: Converting a tractor hydraulic lever to electronic control