Electronic linkage control (ELC) is standard spec on most current UK tractors of 100hp and above. Here, though, we specifically focus on the control systems fitted within the 140hp sector – on midsector units from Case IH, Deutz-Fahr, Fendt, John Deere, Massey Ferguson, New Holland and Valtra

Avery clever man, that Harry Ferguson. For it’s Mr Harry F that can justifiably claim to be the father of the mechanical three-point linkage, a system that allows modern tractors to plough through varying types of dirt without grinding to a halt at the merest whiff of that wet stuff.

It was he, after all, who persuaded soil-engaging linkages to auto lift, shifting weight off implement and on to tractor. An engineer well ahead of his time – no question.

Today, rear-end technology has certainly moved on apace with arguably one of the ‘greatest’ developments coming with the introduction of electronic control in the 1970s.

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