Adapted a Linear Actuator to a Pull Behind Spreader

[Old Machinist]

This is something I had on my mind since I got this little LX3310 cab tractor and finally got a round to it. I don't do enough seed or fertilizer spreading to justify buying a 3 point spreader and I already had this pull behind. In the past I connected a long rod to the handle to operate the metering gate from the seat on my open station John Deere but I didn't want to take that approach by opening the rear window on the cab.

The actuator has built in limit switches at both ends of travel. It opens the circuit and will only work in the opposite direction when it reaches the end. I set the front stop so the gate is closed at full extension and the rear I will adjust the open position with it fully retracted. Between those points the block just slides on the rod.

Link to the actuator used.

Terminal kit that matches the wire on the Kubota.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

That is super cool man!

The one question I have, is about the “stops”.

Doesn't the actuator "keep pushing" after it contacts the stops?

Or, do you have to manually shut it off, to keep it from burning up?

 

[Old Machinist]

That is super cool man!

The one question I have, is about the “stops”.

Doesn't the actuator "keep pushing" after it contacts the stops?

Or, do you have to manually shut it off, to keep it from burning up?

The reason I made it the way I did is the actuator has built in limit switches at both ends of travel. It opens the circuit and will only work in the opposite direction when it reaches the end. I set the front stop so the gate is closed at full extension and the rear I will adjust the open position with it fully retracted. Between those points the block just slides on the rod.

 

[TimAT]

Very nice!!

 

[weldguy]

Here is my version. I added electric stops at each end. The assembly still slides to set the original dispense rate.

 

[Old Machinist]

Here is my version. I added electric stops at each end. The assembly still slides to set the original dispense rate.

Your design will result in faster on/off cycling but adds complexity and exposed switches.

I decided to use the built in limit switches in the actuator.

 

[chim]

Linear actuators are the ticket for remotely controlling some things. I used them on a snow blower chute and on my QA loader levers. Both were ordered to the strength and almost exact length needed. Fine tuning the length was done via the attachment bracket fab.

I am the "neighbor kid" that takes care of my nephew's cows when he's away. He has a self propelled 4-wheel electric dumping wheelbarrow with a linear actuator for dumping that has no problem with a full load of manure. It doesn't have internal switches, so you need to pay a little attention when dumping or "undumping".

 

[Bee-Positive]

Outstanding K.I.S.S. solution there. Nice job!