Which linear actuator for snowblower chute mod?

CharlieFoxtrot · Jul 13, 2017

I want to attach a linear actuator to my 2782B snowblower to move the chute up and down. My primary concerns are finding an actuator that has the proper stroke length (not sure if I need 4 inch or 6 inch), is water resistant, and will move the chute quickly. With regard to the last point, I think that a lower force actuator (~35lbs.) should work fine and give me fast articulation.

I have heard good things about Firgelli actuators but their premium version is IP66 and I think that this application would require IPX7.

Any recommendations? Has anyone used an actuator that has lasted through a few winters without breaking down?

Grouse Feathers · Jul 13, 2017

I purchased this one from Surplus Center: http://www.surpluscenter.com/Brands...t-DC-Linear-Actuator-with-Sensor-5-1577-6.axd
No problems for 2 years. They now have two actuators that are slightly cheaper that should work just as well. If I was building it again I would probably go with a 4" stroke, either 4" or 6" should work you just need to adjust the length of the lever arm on the chute.
Be sure to put the actuator on top and the shaft down to prevent moisture from entering around the shaft.

KeithG · Jul 14, 2017

I bought the following:
Heavy Duty Linear Actuator 8" Inch Stroke 200 Pound Max Lift DC 12v 12 - 24 Volt
I put it on the side of the chute because I did not think of getting the
bracket from Kubota that mounts on the top of the chute (doh).

Works great and moves even when I am throwing snow.

I would look at the Kubota parts list and see what the specs are for
that linear actuator and buy one that either matches those specs or
what you prefer.

torch · Jul 14, 2017

I bought an 8" because that lined up best with the factory holes on the chute. This winter I will replace it with a 4" and make new holes because the 8" is too slow for my taste. Works fine, just takes too long.

Tughill Tom · Jul 14, 2017

CharlieFoxtrot said:
I want to attach a linear actuator to my 2782B snowblower to move the chute up and down. My primary concerns are finding an actuator that has the proper stroke length (not sure if I need 4 inch or 6 inch), is water resistant, and will move the chute quickly. With regard to the last point, I think that a lower force actuator (~35lbs.) should work fine and give me fast articulation.

I have heard good things about Firgelli actuators but their premium version is IP66 and I think that this application would require IPX7.

Any recommendations? Has anyone used an actuator that has lasted through a few winters without breaking down?

Used a 6" 50Ft Lbs on mine

tcrote5516 · Jul 15, 2017

I bought a 6" but should have bought a 4" for one big reason, they all move pretty slow. 4" of stroke is all you need (told my wife the same thing but she doesn't buy it) and mount it so you get full up/down. The geometry of a 4" stroke will equate to more motion at the expense of power but power is never a problem as they all can move 50lbs or better.

200mph · Jul 18, 2017

With respect to OP's comment about IP rating.

This was taken from: http://www.enclosurecompany.com/ip-ratings-explained.php

IP Ratings - what they mean.

IP Rated Enclosures - quick find chart

A number replaced by x indicates that the enclosure is not rated for that spec.

First Digit (intrusion protection)
1.No special protection<
2.Protection from a large part of the body such as a hand (but no protection from deliberate access); from solid objects greater than 50mm in diameter.
3.Protection against fingers or other object not greater than 80mm in length and 12mm in diameter.
4.Protection from entry by tools, wires etc, with a diameter of 2.5 mm or more.
5.Protection against solid bodies larger than 1mm (eg fine tools/small etc).
6.Protected against dust that may harm equipment.
7.Totally dust tight.

Second Digit (moisture protection)
1.No protection.
2.Protection against condensation
3.Protection against water droplets deflected up to 15° from vertical
4.Protected against spray up to 60° from vertical.
5.Protected against water spray from all directions.
6.Protection against low pressure water jets (all directions)
7.Protection against strong water jets and waves.
8.Protected against temporary immersion.
9.Protected against prolonged effects of immersion under pressure.

For IPx6 the water test consists of...
Water projected in powerful jets (12.5 mm nozzle) against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.

Test duration: at least 3 minutes

Water volume: 100 litres per minute

Pressure: 100 kPa at distance of 3 m

IPx7 is water submersion at a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes

CharlieFoxtrot · Jul 19, 2017

200mph said:
With respect to OP's comment about IP rating.
...
IPx7 is water submersion at a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes

Yes - There is no kill like overkill. That and I expect snow will sit on the actuator and I don't want to have to replace it every 2 years. Unfortunately, it looks like IPX6 is the best I can find so I am going with it.

Grouse Feathers · Jul 19, 2017

There are some threads where there was a problem with water leaking around the shaft of the actuator and getting in the gearbox (not sure what weather proof rating was used). The solution was to mount the actuator with the shaft in the down direction.

powersrp · Oct 10, 2018

CharlieFoxtrot said:
I want to attach a linear actuator to my 2782B snowblower to move the chute up and down. My primary concerns are finding an actuator that has the proper stroke length (not sure if I need 4 inch or 6 inch), is water resistant, and will move the chute quickly. With regard to the last point, I think that a lower force actuator (~35lbs.) should work fine and give me fast articulation.

I have heard good things about Firgelli actuators but their premium version is IP66 and I think that this application would require IPX7.

Any recommendations? Has anyone used an actuator that has lasted through a few winters without breaking down?

do you have a website for that actuater? thx

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

CharlieFoxtrot · Oct 11, 2018

powersrp said:
do you have a website for that actuater? thx

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I bought this one: https://www.progressiveautomations.com/search?q=PA-04-6-100

It works great.

gs kubota · Oct 12, 2018

Bought my linear actuators for my plow project from Progressive Automations. They have some nice products designed for dusty and wet locations. Staff was also very helpful over the phone when ordering.

Yooper · Oct 14, 2018

Quite a few on eBay.

McCrae · Oct 27, 2018

Search merit automation on eBay I just bought a kit from them. Tractor has not been delivered yet so I cant give a review yet

cthomas · Nov 3, 2018

The one on ebay looks like a quality kit and is IP67

gmbc · Feb 26, 2023

Tughill Tom said:
Used a 6" 50Ft Lbs on mine View attachment 26594

View attachment 26595

View attachment 26596

I believe if you turn this actuator the other way up then wont have water leaking into cylinder. If this works though it works. My factory one is turned with cylinder facing down. Just my 2 cents. Hard to find same actuator as one on my Kubota as the mounting is a little different. I did purchase one from Princess Auto in Canada for 89.00 Cdn plus taxes. Just have to get two smaller size bolts to fit it on and then wire in.

North Idaho Wolfman · Feb 26, 2023

gmbc said:
I believe if you turn this actuator the other way up then wont have water leaking into cylinder. If this works though it works. My factory one is turned with cylinder facing down. Just my 2 cents. Hard to find same actuator as one on my Kubota as the mounting is a little different. I did purchase one from Princess Auto in Canada for 89.00 Cdn plus taxes. Just have to get two smaller size bolts to fit it on and then wire in.

I really hope he's already worked it out as it's been 6 years.

torch · Feb 26, 2023

North Idaho Wolfman said:
I really hope he's already worked it out as it's been 6 years.

I like it when someone takes the time to search old threads during their research. It shows they are not too lazy to look. ;-)

North Idaho Wolfman · Feb 26, 2023

torch said:
I like it when someone takes the time to search old threads during their research. It shows they are not too lazy to look. ;-)

This is true!

mikester · Feb 27, 2023

Buy "fullfilled by amazon" and you can return the item for free if it doesn't work

Which linear actuator for snowblower chute mod?

New member

New member

Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

New member

Well-known member

New member

New member

Member

New member

New member

Well-known member

New member

Well-known member

Member

Moderator

Well-known member

Moderator

Well-known member