Electric cylinder instead of hydraulic HELP!!!

[Iplayfarmer]

...here is a link to one that is rated up to 3 tons.
Duff-Norton Homepage

I think those you linked to have AC motors. We use these linear actuators at the food plant where I work in various applications. They work well enough, but they always seem slower than the hydraulic equivalents.

Bob, You can get these electric linear actuators from various places. I've got a DC one sitting around that I pulled out of a treadmill. It's just waiting for some ingenious project to come along that needs it. It was one of those treadmills that has adjustable incline, and this was the actuator that raised/lowered the platform. You can also probably find an "electric jack" at your local RV service/supply center that would be better suited to your application.

How old is the planter that you are talking about? I understand that a lot of the older tractors ran much lower hydraulic pressure; down around 500 PSI. This means that instead of 14,000 pounds of force, your 3 inch cylinder put out more like 3,500 pounds of force. A lot of the RV electric tongue jacks are rated right at 3,500 pounds, and they can be had for a few hundred dollars. You'd just have to get creative about how to attach it where a clevis type cylinder was.

 

[deere_x475guy]

Iplayfarmer as near as I can tell it was made in the 60's. I never gave a thought to the old hydraulic systems and their capabilities. Your right I believe and a newer tractor with the moden hydraulics would probably get by with a 2" bore.

 

[Soundguy]

500 is a bit low... Old fords back to 39 ran 1500-1700 psi and 2.85 gpm... That bumped up in about 1955 when the eng mounted 4gpm pumps came out. I'd have to check my 50 and 60's era IH and JD tractors, but don't remember them being so dismally low as that..

Soundguy

I understand that a lot of the older tractors ran much lower hydraulic pressure; down around 500 PSI. This means that instead of 14,000 pounds of force, your 3 inch cylinder put out more like 3,500 pounds of force. A lot of the RV electric tongue jacks are rated right at 3,500 pounds, and they can be had for a few hundred dollars. You'd just have to get creative about how to attach it where a clevis type cylinder was.

 

[bobodu]

The older Allis-Chalmers came out with hydraulics running at 3500 psi.!

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Here's another way to look at it too...

How much force are you going to need to lift the planters? A 3" cylinder just seems a little oversized for this application.

 

[texasjohn]

Well, I could be off base, but let me give it a go.

I think you are talking about a planter where a cylinder is extended and retracted. The purpose is to either lift the planter out of the ground to stop planting and transport, or to lower into the ground for planting.

If so, then you need it up when transporting and down when planting. Yes, hydraulic cylinders are handy for this purpose, but not MANDATORY. I have seen/used manual ratcheting devices that screw/unscrew. Select one of the proper length to match the hydraulic length needed and use it. If a pickup is being used to transport the planter, this type of device is commonly used here . The Soil Conservation Service has such a planter and manual device. It is rented since the planter is expensive and used by small farmers so infrequently. Traditionally it is moved by pickup to the farm then pulled by the tractor when planting. The manual rachet is used for transport and replaced with a hydraulic one by the farmer,if he has one. If not,then the manual one is used.

As I said, I may not understand the exact need you are seeking to fill.

 

[AndyMA]

I have an extra one that is used to raise the 1000 lb bed of my Cub Cadet Big Country. It is a 12v linear activated cylinder that looks just like a hydraulic cylinder with a second small tube (motor) attached at one end. If interested PM me.

Andy

 

[tommu56]

If you dont mind manual how about and only have to push
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
just keep the pump on lower side and on bottom

or really manual

rig a high lift jack
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

tommu56

 

[deere_x475guy]

Everyone thanks for all your suggestions. I think since this needs to be lifted and dropped everytime you need to turn and go back the opposite way I am going to try to go with a hydraulic set up. Now I just need time to get back to it.)