linear actuator for plow blade

[rfowler]

Does anyone know of a 12volt linear actuator that is strong enough to use to angle a plow blade on my JD X530?

 

[beenthere]

Have you looked at them at TBN sponsor Surplus Center?

surpluscenter.com

 

[ray66v]

I would be surprised it one can take the forces that a plow blade would put on it.

But, if you can find one that can, I would be interested.

 

[Eagleview]

You would be better off with a 12 volt hydraulic power pack to supply the oil for a hydraulic cylinder . They can be single or double acting and are commonly used for tipping trailers etc . A spring loaded toggle switch in the cabin is all you would need , some come with a cord and a pendant with up down functions .

 

[zzvyb6]

I bought an electric linear actuator off eBay a few years ago (operates like a hydraulic cylinder) Its labeled for 24v but runs easily on 12v (1/2 the "normal" speed). I think it would work for a snow plow blade because the time its generally used is for swinging the blade when you are not plowing, but changing lanes or direction. The important thing for plowing is its ability to stay put when you have it at the angle desired. My actuator would do that job.

When you apply power to it, it runs one way. Break the circuit and reconnect runs it the other way. So, a push button works to get the desired length (position). This may have been a gate opener design at one time. I've used it to raise the header on my hay baler when I didn't have any rear remotes...

 

[toy]

I bought an electric linear actuator off eBay a few years ago (operates like a hydraulic cylinder) Its labeled for 24v but runs easily on 12v (1/2 the "normal" speed). I think it would work for a snow plow blade because the time its generally used is for swinging the blade when you are not plowing, but changing lanes or direction. The important thing for plowing is its ability to stay put when you have it at the angle desired. My actuator would do that job.

When you apply power to it, it runs one way. Break the circuit and reconnect runs it the other way. So, a push button works to get the desired length (position). This may have been a gate opener design at one time. I've used it to raise the header on my hay baler when I didn't have any rear remotes...

I am not a farmer so I was wondering what is the approximate weight of the header on the hay baler?

 

[bobodu]

I was just casually looking at them in the Northern Tool catalog...the extension time is 8mm per second. The snow would melt first.

 

[rfowler]

This looks interesting. Appears to a little large but with some creativity I could possibly find a place to mount it. Thanks for the info.

 

[ray66v]

I bought an electric linear actuator off eBay a few years ago (operates like a hydraulic cylinder) Its labeled for 24v but runs easily on 12v (1/2 the "normal" speed). I think it would work for a snow plow blade because the time its generally used is for swinging the blade when you are not plowing, but changing lanes or direction. The important thing for plowing is its ability to stay put when you have it at the angle desired. My actuator would do that job.

I have bent, and sheared, several 3/8 square steel pins over the years, used to lock the angle of my 6' plow.

This was from nothing but snow, and ice. There are no curbs, stones, or poles, in my driveway.

I can't see an actuator tolerating that.

I have always thought if I had a solenoid that could lock, and unlock the blade, then an actuator, or perhaps even a tug on a rope, could do the movement.

 

[danktx]

You might want to look here: Hydramotion Hydraulics Page

They make electric-hydraulic actuators. They said movement as fast 2 inches per second and up to 2500 #'s. Strokes between 4 and 48 inches. Don't know the cost though I've seen a small one for sell on ebay.

 

[bobodu]

Not to mention the current draw from something used that often.

 

[Eagleview]

This looks interesting. Appears to a little large but with some creativity I could possibly find a place to mount it. Thanks for the info.

If the other one I posted is too big , you can also buy a Hydraulic trim pump from a boating supply store . A 12v Hydraulic cab jack from a truck would also work these would do the same job as the other one but would be more compact . A solenoid valve bank could be added to have the pump power several functions .

 

[RoyBrooks]

I've used a linear actuator as the toplink for my rear mount snowblower for the last 2 winters with great success. The actuator is used to allow the cutting blade on the bottom of the blower to cut through the ice on the paved drives or shorten it up and the blower glides over the gravel. The actuator is not heavy enough to raise the 48" blower when its lifted but it will tip it fine if the blower is sitting on the ground.