Linear Actuator

[msb1766]

I want to add a linear actuator to the chute deflector on my snowblower and was wondering what thrust pounds will work the best?

Here is what I am lookning at:
115 lbs. Thrust Linear Actuators

 

[Craig Clayton]

The only thoughts I have is for you to turn the chute by hand and use a guess as to how many pounds of thrust you think it needs. What you also need to consider is how many degrees of rotation you require for the chute. There will be some angular vector forces to take into account.
I think your 115 LBS thrust is a good starting point, and stroke is the another consideration ?

Craig Clayton

 

[crazyal]

Northern tool sells one that's a little more money but I think would work much better. It's designed to dump garden tractor carts. That one you listed may work but I would want to know if it was weather tight. Plus it sounds like it has an aluminum rod. Moving the chute isn't too hard but it needs to hold the chute where you want it. I'm not sure if aluminum will handle it or bend (would need to know the diameter of the rod).
Wel-Bilt Linear Actuator — 12 Volt, 11 13/16in. stroke | Lawn + Garden Utility Trailers | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[GPintheMitten]

The only thoughts I have is for you to turn the chute by hand and use a guess as to how many pounds of thrust you think it needs. What you also need to consider is how many degrees of rotation you require for the chute. There will be some angular vector forces to take into account.
I think your 115 LBS thrust is a good starting point, and stroke is the another consideration ?

Craig Clayton

He's talking about the chute deflector, not the chute rotator.

 

[Redneck in training]

12 Volt Linear Actuators, DC Linear Actuators and Waterproof Linear Actuators
check those out.

 

[grsthegreat]

mine uses a small hydraulic cyllinder on the deflector, but i have no idea how much force is beilg applied to it from the snow while its blowing. Considering the tonnage of snow blown out the thing, it could be quite alot. They have a pretty beefy cyllinder on mine.

 

[ericher69]

Try this.

http://www.firgelliauto.com/product_info.php?cPath=84&products_id=129


FA-MS-15-12-xx"( Standard Force)

I have used this for 3 winter snow blowing seasons and have had no issues

You do not need 100lbs

This model is 15lbs

 

[Craig Clayton]

I incorrectly in my read the orginal posters question. So I looked at the last posters picture of his chute deflectors hydraulic cylinder. So if we were to guess at a 30 LBS thrust at the tip of the chute and the chute is 9 " from the pivot point. The cylinders pivot point might be 3 " from its pivot point . This would create a 3 times mechaincal load on the actuator. So in guessing the actuator might have to push a 30 X 3 = 90 LBS thrust. ( more or less )

Craig Clayton

 

[PILOON]

Also there is a big difference in power needs depending on whether you activate before you blow or while blowing. At idle very little power would be needed.

 

[jones6780]

If you are looking to build your own, check out an old 6 foot satallite dish actuator. Most are outdated and people will give them to you just to remove it. It will run on 12-36 volt and the rod can be cut off as short as needed. As for force leverage will make up if there is any shortfall in power.

Russell

 

[mjncad]

Try this.

Linear Actuators

Neat web site...thanks for posting!

 

[msb1766]

ericher69, I like the mini actuator do you have any pictures that you can post or email me of the way it is set up on your blower?
Can you move your deflector up and down while blowing snow?

 

[ericher69]

Msb1766;

Check this out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDLefRPS2K4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Hope that answers your question

I will take pics and measure the brackets

PM me if you want

 

[Don87]

Msb1766;

Check this out!

B2920 Kubota POV snow removal - YouTube

Hope that answers your question

I will take pics and measure the brackets

PM me if you want

Please don't use PM's..............others, including myself are watching this thread. :thumbsup:

 

[ericher69]

Ok,

No PM's

Kubota wanted like $800 installed for a hydraulic chute deflector!

I said; don't think so

Got er done for about $120

 

[Don87]

Thank you for the info, and yes, we are eagerly awaiting those pictures.


I gotta ask though, what is the lowest temps that you used it in? Specs say it is rated to -15F

 

[ericher69]

-30C

About -22F

The only issue I have had is the threads stripping from the end of cylinder

I drilled and put a bolt thru...good 2 go

4th season in use!

 

[Don87]

-30C

About -22F

The only issue I have had is the threads stripping from the end of cylinderI drilled and put a bolt thru...good 2 go

4th season in use!

Now I'm confused, the actuator you referenced in your link doesn't show threads, it shows a 'clevis style' hookup.

Could you possibly show this when you post pics?

 

[ericher69]

Clevis hook up

Cylinder rod is female thread/Clevis end is male thread

Linear actuators tend to want to rotate when ext/retracting

Hydraulic cylinders are not affected by this as fluid pressure is distributed evenly on rod end

For myself and approx 1/8 the price it's definitely worth anything short of perfection

 

[Don87]

Clevis hook up

Cylinder rod is female thread/Clevis end is male thread
Linear actuators tend to want to rotate when ext/retracting

Hydraulic cylinders are not affected by this as fluid pressure is distributed evenly on rod end

For myself and approx 1/8 the price it's definitely worth anything short of perfection

That explains it. Thank you.

Sounds like a job for red locktite.:thumbsup: