Modifications needed for Linear Actuator?

[brandonozz 168]

Here is a question for those of you with some experience using a linear actuator or you electrical guru's.  I'm thinking about adding a linear actuator on the rear lift on a '85 C165.  Would the charging system be able to keep up with lifting and lowering the actuator?  Would I only be able to cycle the lift a certain number of times a minute?

 

Thanks in advance, Brandon

 

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

grab a data sheet for the actuator you intend to use

 

speed of travel and power consumption will be (should be) listed

[brandonozz 168]

I don't have one purchased yet but was looking at one at Northern Tool.  Looks like 4 amp draw with no load and 15 amp with max load and the speed is .55" to .7" per second depending on if it's loaded or not.  I would guess it would take about 3 to 12 seconds per cycle to lift or lower but havent got my exact distance of travel yet.  Was planning on using an adjustable mount on the rockshaft that would make it faster lifting when using lighter weight impliments and longer stroke when needing to lift something heavier.

[pfrederi 18,569]

I have an electric lift on the sweepster used on my C175.  It is heavy and i use the lift frequently to adjust  for grade changes as i sweep...Never had any issues with it.

[bmsgaffer 2,052]

You have a 15 amp charging system so as long as you aren't just holding the switch up and down all day you will be fine with a healthy charging system.

 

And really, as long as you waited for the starting battery to recharge from starting the tractor, it COULD in theory handle it running constantly. (Although I'll bet the linear actuator is not rated continuous)

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

the regulator in the charging system regulator reacts to changes in the battery voltage -not directly to current draw from the battery.

 

a short but substantial burst of current from a healthy battery will not max out the current from the stator

[bmsgaffer 2,052]

the regulator in the charging system regulator reacts to changes in the battery voltage -not directly to current draw from the battery.

 

Right. But a 15A draw from a battery will draw down the voltage, more than likely putting the regulator into charge mode... If even briefly.

[Racinbob 11,892]

SOI and bmsgaffer are correct but to answer your question brandonozz, you'll be just fine based on the specs you posted. I'd suggest connecting it directly to the battery, fused of course. Cycles per minute you ask? More than you'll need.

Edited May 5, 2015 by Racinbob

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

Right. But a 15A draw from a battery will draw down the voltage, more than likely putting the regulator into charge mode... If even briefly.

 

A lead acid battery in good condition will have a low internal resistance and a small 0.2 to 0.3 volt drop under 15 amp load. My point was to answer the question will the activation of the device overload the charge system No, not with a healthy battery. The battery will bear the hit from high current and the RR will trickle charge the .slightly discharged battery back to normal.

 

If you have a battery in poor condition, just barely able to start the engine, frequent use of the actuator will stress the charging system components as the RR will always be in the mode of charging what appears to be a completely discharged battery..

[brandonozz 168]

Great information and thanks to all that replied.  I hope to one day convert everything over to hydraulics but for now I can get it up and running quickly with an actuator.  Never know, I might find it works so well I may leave it that way.

Thanks again guys!

Brandon

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

Brandon, the spec sheet for the actuators should also give you duty cycle, dynamic load and static hold specs.

 

Yes, these actuators are used in lawn equipment for the situations like your intending to use it for. I would not feel comfortable giving it an unqualified "yes" without knowing how heavy the load is, how frequently you to plan to lift the load, and how long it takes to lift the load and where you plan to mount the actuator. Most of the heavier duty actuators only have a 25% duty cycle before they get too hot and trip thermal cutouts (if you are lucky enough to have one). This concept is identical  to using a welder on high power - you can only power it on for 25% of every minute you use it.

 

Its hard to thumbs up or thumbs down your question without relating your design needs with the actuator spec sheet.

[pfrederi 18,569]

Also consider linear actuators (most I have seen anyway) are very slow compared to hydraulics

[brandonozz 168]

I have modified a 3 pt from a D series to mount on the back of C 165.  It's mounted on a receiver hitch I modified to fit on the rear transaxle.  The actuator will be used to lift and lower impliments and would be used well less than 20% - 25% of the time - grader blade, box blade, turn plow, lifting my trailer to tow to the back yard, etc... 

I was looking at one at Northern tool that had good ratings but it's made in Tiawan.  I found this one for the same price and appears to be well made - stainless housing, limiting switches 18 month warranty and customer service a call away.  The data sheet says the limiting switches are non adjustable but their video shows how to adjust if necessary.  Even has custom lenghts or weight ratings if you so desire.  I haven't talked to them but their web site is very informative and I may have to call them and check them out.

http://www.progressiveautomations.com/heavy-duty-linear-actuator

 

While i'm sure it will be slower than hydraulics I think most of the time I would only need to stroke the actuator 2 to 3 inches and that would only take between 3 to 4 seconds. doesn't seem too bad to me and if I ever do convert to hydraulics I can surely find a use for the actuator for a different application. 

 

Brandon