Debunking the Myths of Hydraulic to Electric Actuator Conversion
With rugged and reliable operation, simple installation, and lower costs, electric actuators are paving the way for significant control and productivity improvements in off highway machinery. A new White Paper from Al Wroblaski, Linear Actuator Product Manager, Thomson Industries, Inc.
Many manufacturers of off-highway equipment have replaced hydraulic cylinders with electric actuators in order to eliminate pumps, hoses and valves, and make vehicles smaller, lighter and quieter. They have taken advantage of the flexibility in interfacing with control systems to provide a wide range of new features and capabilities. For example, electric actuators can easily interface with a vehicle controller for complex motions such as cycling for a specified number of times at various positions, resulting in improved off highway machine performance and productivity.
Today the benefits of electric actuators can be realized in applications with static loads up to 5000 lbs and dynamic loads up to 3000 lbs., with load ratings increasing each year. For now, hydraulic cylinders are required for higher loads or when moving loads at 100% duty cycle.
But certain myths have arisen about electric linear actuators that have slowed their adoption in many applications where they potentially offer substantial OEM and end-user advantages. The rest of this article will take a close look at these myths and discuss the opportunities for integrating electric linear actuators in off-highway vehicles and machinery including recreational vehicles, sprayer booms, snow blowers, turf, garden, construction and agricultural equipment.
Click to download this complete White Paper.
