SSQA latch lever

[nbryan]

I'm thinking there's got to be a way to operate the ssqa lock levers using an electric actuator rather than my aging muscles or more costly extra hydraulics.

Any pointers, examples, links, pics of fabrications of electric ssqa lever actuators out there?

I would especially like any ideas that can re-purpose auto parts or other re-purposed/used parts to do the job.

I'll start - something that could use a windshield wiper motor?

TIA!

 

[SidecarFlip]

I'm 71 and have no issue with mine on either tractor but I keep them well greased too. Both my ATI (on the cab tractor) and the Kubota on the open station both have grease fittings for the lever axles and the draw pins. Same way with my skid steer. On mine, you can relieve a lot of the effort needed to close and open them by backing off the nut that secures the axle pin to the frame a bit. Both of mine have nylon insert lock nuts so having them a bit loose don't impact their use at all.

 

[BigG]

As stated by Flip they should not be that tight. Lube them and see if that does not help. I would stay away from trying to make them self moving. You might try a short piece of pipe over the end of the handles to give you more leverage. There might be a way to weld or drill and bolt the pipe extensions onto the handles to make life easier.

 

[nbryan]

Lol the levers work great btw! They're well lubed and operate with minimal effort - once I've dismounted the tractor and gone to the front, and then back again, then do that all over for the next implement hookup.
I go between the pallet forks and bucket a lot in a day sometimes, like today, and sure wish a button on the dash would flip those levers up and down instead of me climbing up and down 4 times each time.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Get yourself a skid loader. Then you don't have to even get out of the seat to flip them, just lean forward.

 

[MNVikingsGuy]

Sounds like the simple solution is to own two tractors

 

[chim]

Google “linear actuator ssqa ”. There’s info out there.

 

[nbryan]

Google “linear actuator ssqa ”. There’s info out there.

There we go! Thanks! For some reason my previous searches came up dry.
Lots of ideas on TBN.

 

[mikester]

Go to your local dealer and see if they have a hydraulic unit on the floor to get ideas from. I have front remotes on my machine and have been thinking of adding a diverter valve and actuate mine hydraulically. I'd want an easy to use manual bypass so I can flip the levers by hand with the tractor off.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

hmmm, yet another 'winter project' for my list...... actually a GREAT one. Hydroworks(Korea) make nice linear actuators in 2-4-6-...inch 'throws' and I have a couple 4" ones here (SSQA snoblo chute), Kubs in garage...
2 linacts are about 100 Canucks( 1 per lever),can be powered from 1 'reversing' switch,10A fuse.
A LOT cleaner solution than hydraulics....