Using a linear actuator to control the top link

[shooterdon]

Has anyone tried using a linear actuator to control the top link? It seems it would be easier to run 12V power to a switch than adding a hydraulic circuit, lines and a valve.

My applications would be to adjust the angle of rear mounted pallet forks and a box blade.

Something like this:

12 Volt Linear Actuators | Progressive Automations

 

[oldnslo]

First question I have is will the linear actuator with stand the thrust and tension loads created by the loads on the 3PH?

 

[SPYDERLK]

First question I have is will the linear actuator with stand the thrust and tension loads created by the loads on the 3PH?

Nope.​

 

[ArlyA]

Don, your link doesn't work. It might,,, but we'd need to know which class your 3ph is and capacity of the implements you hope to use. Electric actuators are great if installed and used properly.

 

[Rock Crawler]

I would think that you would need something significantly more robust than you linked to above. Assuming a similar 2:1 max hold vs max push, your linked unit is 600 lb max push/pull and one could extrapolate based on the text below that it is a 1,200 lb max hold. Using a blade, be it a box or a grader, will subject your links to instantaneous loads that are likely much higher than your thinking. It's not the simple lifting/dropping forces that you are building for. It is the shock loading when you catch a root or small tree that at times will instantly stop your motion. Those forces combined with the tractor momentum and the engines forward thrust likely exceed 1,200 lbs very often. I don't know that the 4,000 lb HD linear actuator would take that abuse over the long term...

Something like this would likely be rubust enough to do as you ask:

The stainless steel shaft accompanied by metal gears allows it to push and pull up to 2000 lbs, and hold up to 4000 lbs.

Heavy Duty Linear Actuators | Progressive Automations

 

[k0ua]

That would sure be $133 wasted in about the first minute of actual operation. Sorry, it will take a whale of a linear actuator to perform this task as others have already pointed out.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Consider a boom pole. Consider carrying an implement over bumps. Consider angles of force application over the lift range. Consider ground engaging implements and resulting compressional impulses.

 

[wagne223]

In addition to the load argument, keep in mind that an electric actuator uses a threaded rod that rotates through a threaded bushing or stop of some sort.

Even if kept properly lubed, the threads will wear and fail.

I guess the question is how many cycles can be completed before failure. My guess it is tremendously shorter then a hydraulic cylinder.

 

[SPYDERLK]

In addition to the load argument, keep in mind that an electric actuator uses a threaded rod that rotates through a threaded bushing or stop of some sort.

Even if kept properly lubed, the threads will wear and fail.

I guess the question is how many cycles can be completed before failure. My guess it is tremendously shorter then a hydraulic cylinder.

I would like to see more explicit drawings. ... I think the screw rotates inside the ram. - So the clean and lubed environment is provided.

I would be worried about the huge range of oscillating and reversing forces that the unit would see, all at various extensions/sidethrust on the overlap -- along with vibration.​

 

[shooterdon]

Thanks guys. I guess it was a stupid idea. I just hate hydraulics but it looks like I better change my attitude about them.

BTW ArlyA, it is a Cat 1 3 pt on a 24HP JD855, and I was planning a getting the Land Pride BB1254 Box Blade and Titan forks

 

[wagne223]

Thanks guys. I guess it was a stupid idea. I just hate hydraulics but it looks like I better change my attitude about them.

BTW ArlyA, it is a Cat 1 3 pt on a 24HP JD855, and I was planning a getting the Land Pride BB1254 Box Blade and Titan forks

Just curious, why do you "hate" hydraulics?

Also consider the 25 series box blade from Landpride. They are heavier and stronger then the 12 series. Weight is your friend with ground engagement equipment.

 

[k0ua]

Hydraulics are your friend, and are not deserving of your hate. All Hydraulics want to do is to serve you and make your life easier. Perhaps you didn't mean to say hate, and you meant to say "don't understand?" We can help answer questions here. I am also more "electrical" oriented having spend most of my life working with electronics, but I have learned much here and on you-tube about hydraulics. Hydraulics are a wonderful thing, and I believe everyone should learn more about them. Call me Pollyanna if you wish, but more hydraulics, mean a better world

 

[downsizingnow48]

Once you figure out the hydraulics terminology and operating concepts, it is a wonderful tool. The initial learning curve at least for me was more like a wall, but once I got over that, no problems. And indeed there are many knowledgeable folk here to lend a hand.

 

[shooterdon]

Hydraulics are your friend, and are not deserving of your hate. All Hydraulics want to do is to serve you and make your life easier. Perhaps you didn't mean to say hate, and you meant to say "don't understand?" We can help answer questions here. I am also more "electrical" oriented having spend most of my life working with electronics, but I have learned much here and on you-tube about hydraulics. Hydraulics are a wonderful thing, and I believe everyone should learn more about them. Call me Pollyanna if you wish, but more hydraulics, mean a better world

You are correct. I have experience with air and electric but none with hydraulics. I have some learning to do. I will search for threads on installing a top link cylinder. Thanks

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Thanks guys. I guess it was a stupid idea. I just hate hydraulics but it looks like I better change my attitude about them.

BTW ArlyA, it is a Cat 1 3 pt on a 24HP JD855, and I was planning a getting the Land Pride BB1254 Box Blade and Titan forks

I have a Sleeve Hitch with an electric actuator that lifts and lowers a rear implement on my garden tractor. Johnny Products sells it. Not a huge weight capacity--around 350 lbs--but then it's a pretty small actuator. Nice thing is it has down-pressure, which helps since you're using a pretty lightweight implement with it.



Could a bigger one do the job? I have no idea, but agree it would be great if it could.

 

[Lelandwelds]

If you really want to bad enough, you could mod a stock three point turnbuckle with a gear reduction. I bet. Not worth the effort but I bet it could be done.

 

[Lelandwelds]

I have seen a 100 inch cylinder compress rubber into something resembling iron or concrete. I freaking love hydraulics.