SSQA Linear Actuator

[GBJeffOH]

I decided to build this.

It is a little slow. Usually I can activate it while I am driving so no waiting.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMSKMLF5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7QN96DS?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QMB8VJD?ref=fed_asin_title

 

[selftot]

You even gave us a shopping list !

What is the length between SSQA handles where you attached it?

 

[GBJeffOH]

You even gave us a shopping list !

What is the length between SSQA handles where you attached it?

Video with measurments.

 

[chim]

Thanks for posting the information on the actuator. I had trouble with mine early this Winter and removed it. I believe mine was a little weak and I exceeded the duty cycle. I had been getting implements on/off and in/out of the shed and it decided to take some time off.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

BTDT 4-5 years ago, yes most LinActs are slow. I used a 'boost converter' to jump the 12 volts to about 24 to get faster response. I used a Hydroworks 4" LinAct from Princess Auto, same one on the chute deflector of my riding snowblower.

 

[JasonW]

I added one to my M last year. It could be faster but it works great.

 

[John T]

Looks like a good solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Love it my man!

I have plans to do something similar.

In my head, the actuator needed to be fixed (via a bracket or something)….but apparently not.

Just "thinking outloud” here…….I wonder if affixing the actuator would speed things up?

 

[JasonW]

Love it my man!

I have plans to do something similar.

In my head, the actuator needed to be fixed (via a bracket or something)….but apparently not.

Just "thinking outloud” here…….I wonder if affixing the actuator would speed things up?

Mine is fixed just like the video above. You can get an actuator that moves faster but it’s not too bad. Mine is a 8” stroke that has internal limits and just so happens thats the stroke needed for my SSQA handles. I have it wired to a momentary DPDT switch.
I can get some pictures of mine this evening if it will help you.

 

[GBJeffOH]

I still would have to move 8" It also has to move vertical a little.

My DPDT switch is latching so I don't have to hold it.

 

[nbryan]

Looks like a good solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

You must enjoy getting of and on your tractor twice for every ssqa implement change.

 

[D2Cat]

You must enjoy getting of and on your tractor twice for every ssqa implement change.

I don't know if it's "joy", but I do a lot of physical things just because activity and movement are important to healthy life. As long as I can move I don't try to make everything easier. I never look for the closest parking place, and often look for something farther out... just need the walk!

Getting on and off a tractor to latch qt levers is not a major problem. I'm not too concerned about time required. Every time I actually start to get up to fiddle with those levers, or open a gate, I say thanks that I'm able to!

 

[JasonW]

I don't know if it's "joy", but I do a lot of physical things just because activity and movement are important to healthy life. As long as I can move I don't try to make everything easier. I never look for the closest parking place, and often look for something farther out... just need the walk!

Getting on and off a tractor to latch qt levers is not a major problem. I'm not too concerned about time required. Every time I actually start to get up to fiddle with those levers, or open a gate, I say thanks that I'm able to!

I agree with this. But I’m also seeing how difficult things get with my dad getting older. Currently shoulder trouble.
With the SSQA levers as an example it hurts him too much to pull the levers up to unlatch, and getting on and off the tractor itself multiple times.
I added mine because my kids ride with me a lot(here comes the safety police) and it keeps me from getting on and off holding them.

I have seen this with older guys I work with that all say they used to carry oxygen and acetylene bottles up 8 flights of stairs, carrying heavy tools instead of using a cart and now their back, knees, shoulders and everything else is shot.

 

[selftot]

 

[D2Cat]

I agree with this. But I’m also seeing how difficult things get with my dad getting older. Currently shoulder trouble.
With the SSQA levers as an example it hurts him too much to pull the levers up to unlatch, and getting on and off the tractor itself multiple times.
I added mine because my kids ride with me a lot(here comes the safety police) and it keeps me from getting on and off holding them.

I have seen this with older guys I work with that all say they used to carry oxygen and acetylene bottles up 8 flights of stairs, carrying heavy tools instead of using a cart and now their back, knees, shoulders and everything else is shot.

I'm not disagreeing with any one. My philosophy is do all you can while you can so when you can't you will know you did the best you could.

 

[nbryan]

I agree with this. But I’m also seeing how difficult things get with my dad getting older. Currently shoulder trouble.
...

carrying heavy tools instead of using a cart and now their back, knees, shoulders and everything else is shot.

I'm that 68 year old retired carpenter with bad lumbar, knees and shoulders, so do find it often painful setting ssqa lock levers.
But I'm also on side with d2cat, and strongly agree with the use-it-or-lose-it system of maintaining my mobility with age. And not trying to make a buck anymore, so just slow a bit, and try and enjoy, even if the knees and shoulders complain.
Yet I would not complain if a little push button on my dash showed up one day that opened and closed the levers for me!

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Mine is fixed just like the video above. You can get an actuator that moves faster but it’s not too bad. Mine is a 8” stroke that has internal limits and just so happens thats the stroke needed for my SSQA handles. I have it wired to a momentary DPDT switch.
I can get some pictures of mine this evening if it will help you.

Pics would be great.

In that video though, I do not see the actuator attached to anything.

It kind of “floats” in the middle, first unlocking the right side, then unlocking the left.

I have never played with one of those actuators before, but here is my initial thought.

If the actuator was “held in place”, would both sides operate at the same time?

This would "in theory” eliminate the need to do one side before the other, and instead save time by doing them both at the same time.




BTW, just for the record, I also agree with the "use it or lose it” mentality regarding physical movment (to a degree)……However, the “tinkerer” in me wants to make one just for “sh1ts and giggles”.

Sort of like the Scorpion below…..

A scorpion wants to cross a river but cannot swim, so it asks a frog to carry it across. The frog hesitates, afraid that the scorpion might sting it, but the scorpion promises not to, pointing out that it would drown if it killed the frog in the middle of the river. The frog considers this argument sensible and agrees to transport the scorpion. Midway across the river, the scorpion stings the frog anyway, dooming them both. The dying frog asks the scorpion why it stung despite knowing the consequence, to which the scorpion replies: "I am sorry, but I couldn't help myself. It's my character."[1]

 

[JasonW]

Pics would be great.

In that video though, I do not see the actuator attached to anything.

It kind of “floats” in the middle, first unlocking the right side, then unlocking the left.

I have never played with one of those actuators before, but here is my initial thought.

If the actuator was “held in place”, would both sides operate at the same time?

This would "in theory” eliminate the need to do one side before the other, and instead save time by doing them both at the same time.
[1]

I’ll get some this evening. I will also time it for reference. Yes it’s attached to both. When unlocking it will unlatch the one with the least resistance first then the other.

 

[chim]

Here's a short video of mine. It does float.

There may be other options, but the LA I used extends from one end only. Without making a complicated mechanism or using two LA's I'm not sure how else to do it.

The motion to operate the latches isn't in a straight line. As the connection points move right / left they also move up/down. If there were two LA's the one end could be fastened but it would still need to rotate a bit. With one LA it needs to move up/down and left/right as the latches move.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I’ll get some this evening. I will also time it for reference. Yes it’s attached to both. When unlocking it will unlatch the one with the least resistance first then the other.

Its a timesaver and common feature on skid loaders. Kubota offers a hydraulic version on higher end models.

As to staying fit - I am a week short of 75 and privileged to have received two new lungs a year ago. That was a major hit and I have been rebuilding strength and endurance since I woke up in the ICU. There are better ways to do that than latching and unlatching the SSQA.

Dan