Electric actuator upgrade to dump wagon

[DavidBarkey]

Haven't tested load lifting yet . Uses the same controls as the blower shoot rotator motor. Still haven't figuered out how to back it up yet , but follows like a puppy .
Dave

[Timj]

I like it Dave, great repurposing.

[Eugen]

Very neat Dave!


What's in the white buckets at the back of Frankie? The batteries?

[DavidBarkey]

Very neat Dave!


What's in the white buckets at the back of Frankie? The batteries?

Concrete ballast . Gription aid .

Dave

[Doublet]

Nice project. Have you tested it to see how much it will lift? What would an electric actuator that size have been used for?

Terry

[DavidBarkey]

Nice project. Have you tested it to see how much it will lift? What would an electric actuator that size have been used for?

Terry

12V DC 18 in. Stroke 2,000 lb Linear Actuator. Yes it work quite well but has trouble with a full load at full bottom . I am going to add a couple of compression springs I think to get it past the first few inches of lift .

Dave

[MattA]

Dave - Check the voltage at the actuator when it won't lift. You may be getting a large voltage drop which is limiting the actuators lifting power.

[Eugen]

You figure the wire's not thick enough for the current draw hence the voltage drop? That can definitely happen if the cable is long enough. But it's unlikely. I'm thinking the alternator/battery doesn't have enough juice is more likely.

@DavidBarkey what's the amperage draw of that actuator at high load?

[propane1]

My guess is , in the down position, the actuator is pushing straight against the two lift arms. It would be very difficult to open those arms at that point. Once open about 1/4 of the way, the actuator would have no problem pushing that scissor type set up open. Dave’s idea with the springs will help. Or change the scissor arm set up a bit or change the angle in which the actuator is pushing on the two arms. Just my guess.

Noel

[Eugen]

I think you're right Noel, I didn't look at the way the actuator pushes the cart up but yeah, once the scissor is folded down completely... trouble.