The engineering team at Warner Linear has developed a new new electric
actuator with self-contained hydraulic actuation to meet the growing demand
for power dense actuators used in a variety of industrial applications including
ag sprayer booms, snow plow blades, mower deck lifts, and ATV dump boxes.
The innovative H-Track actuator provides the performance of hydraulics
without the space requirements and expense of a full-size hydraulic system.
H-Track units have the smallest mounting envelope compared to other
Warner Linear actuators. A unique, patented valve and reservoir design also
provides significant space savings compared to competitive models.
DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND HIGH LOADS AND
JARRING BOUNCES IN THE FIELD
Larger ag sprayers, with ever-increasing boom lengths reaching
130 ft. in the U.S. (177 ft. in Europe), are becoming more and more popular.
These larger capacity sprayers allow growers to complete their field
applications more efficiently while saving time and fuel.
Actuators are used to fold the long sprayer booms into a stowed position for
transport. Folding and unfolding of the booms, from the extended spraying
position to the stowed position, applies very high loads on the actuators.
Also, the moment force acting on the actuators is dramatically increased
due to the bouncing of the booms during vehicle movement.
These combined loads create tremendous impacts which can quickly
destroy most other electric actuators. However, the H-Track is designed to
handle this type of extreme loading with ease.
MORE POWER IN LESS SPACE
The H-Track is a robust actuator solution with a force rating
of 4800 lbs. (21 kN) and travel speeds near 4 in. (100 mm)
per second.
The unit’s power pack features a configurable gear pump.
Two gear size options in combination with multiple gear
housing thicknesses allow for variable pressures and
volumes.
An exclusive valve and reservoir arrangement minimizes
parts and solves volume/pressure differential problems.
Improved efficiencies are achieved by using a split tank
shuttle valve with back pressure relief (patented).
Three-piece design allows for multiple system
arrangements beyond a single actuator (i.e.: add-on
accumulators, external cylinders, stand-alone tanks, etc.).
Other features include:
- Bore and rod combinations allow for multiple
configurations.
- Stroke lengths up to 16”. Solid rods allow for increased
resistance to buckling.
- Actuator mounting length is a shorter package than any
electromechanical actuator on the market.
- Hydraulic actuator is immune to vibrational drifting and
hydraulically self-locks.
- Meter out circuits can be installed in one or both sides
of the actuator to ensure load run-away situations will
not occur.
- Cover tube is reservoir for pump providing improved
cooling of the fluid. Extrusion design allows for feedback
(limit switches, potentiometer, etc.).
- Fluid reservoir is only used to store or replace actuator
rod volume. Reservoir is vented and isolated from
atmosphere with a biased lid which allows actuator and
pump operation in any orientation without entraining air
or cavitation.
H-TRACK MODELS ARE IDEAL FOR USE IN DEMANDING
OUTDOOR APPLICATIONS
Weather-tight, submersible, and washdown-capable,
H-Track actuators are IP67 static, IP69K dynamic and
500 hour salt spray rated. Units are completely sealed
with a wide operating temperature range of -40˚F to 180˚F
(-40˚C to 82˚C). Seven models are available with stroke
lengths up to 16 in.
Snow plows are another harsh application where loading,
such as when a moving plow blade strikes a stationary
concrete obstacle, can quickly destroy most linear
actuators. The H-Track has the ability to cushion these
types of blows and continue operating as required.
Mower deck lifts are typically where electric actuators
shine. However, with increasing deck sizes and ground
speeds being developed for faster mowing, the limits of
traditional electric actuators can quickly be exceeded.
The H-Track, with its reliable load-holding capabilities,
enhanced durability for higher transport speeds, and ability
to withstand high-pressure washdowns, makes it a perfect
choice for the next generation of larger, faster mowers.