Linear Actuator for Top Link?

[npalen]

18" inch Solar Tracker Linear Actuator 1250lbs 12 Volt DC 2500lbs Hold Strength | eBay
Anyone tried using a 12 volt linear actuator for a top link for tractors with no auxiliary hydraulics?

 

[oldnslo]

What size tractor. If your loads or forces are less than the actuator it should work in theory. One consideration would be is how well will it handle shock loads? I.e. weight bouncing on the 3PH.

 

[Bob_in_VT]

I tried using a linear actuator to angle my lamdscape rake. It was a 1000 or maybe 1500 pound with about a 10" stroke. Worked good until I caught the corner of the rake on a small rock. The actuator shaft bent like a pretzel.

 

[Shadow99]

Linear actuator's are made with 2 different types. Some are made using an acme-thread rod & matching nut, as long as they are kept well-greased they tend to have a good shock & load rating on the screw & nut assembly. Higher class linear actuators are made with ballscrews & ballnuts, usually a formed or ground ballscrew and fitted ballnut, they are very expensive & accurate. But they DO NOT like shocks! I've got 20yrs working on machine tools that use ballscrews for axis movement, one good crash or heavy bump & they are toast. You'll really know it didn't like the shock when the small bearings start falling-out of the housing, or it jams-up.

Rick