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Self-Contained Hydraulic Cylinders
Electrohydraulic Actuators (EHA's) are slick substitutes for hydraulic cylinders for many applications. Because they run off the electrical system, they help avoid overloading existing hydraulics. The EHA contains pump, reservoir double acting cylinder, relief and check valves...everything needed in a self-contained unit.
Common applications are as lifts for mower decks, attachments for ATV's, and latches and lifts on farm and industrial machinery. Linear actuators can do much the same job as hydraulic cylinders, but tend to be slower and not as powerful. The only problem is finding the EHA you want.
"EHA's are custom designed for the application. We work with OEMs," says Vicki Stephens, Oildyne Division, Parker Hannifin. "Our new compact EHA is built to order with minimum orders of 500. It's unlikely a distributor would be willing to stock some if he didn't carry the equipment for which it was designed."
Are they worth finding? A look at Oildyne's new Parker Compact EHA shows why one might want to look. It's available in three bore sizes, with strokes of up to 8-in. and speeds of 5.1 in./sec. The unit can produce a force of up to 5,000 lbs. Compare that with a linear actuator available online at Northern Equipment. It offered an 11 13/16-in. stroke, 1,350-lb. force and a travel speed of about 1/3-in./sec.
While Stephens says confidentiality agreements with customers prevent her from saying who's using a Parker EHA, they're available in parts departments. If you think one would be useful, the best bet is to go to a major equipment supplier. FARM SHOW checked with local Deere and New Holland parts departments. Both had EHA's on their books and available.
Once desired length of stroke, lift and available space have been identified, visit the parts department and ask what's available. Of course, if you're looking for 500 or more, talk to Stephens.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Vicki Stephens, Hydraulics Group, Oildyne Division, 5520 North Highway 169, New Hope, Minn. 55428 (ph 763 533-3528; fax 763 533-0082; vicki.stephens@parker.com; www. parker.com).


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2008 - Volume #32, Issue #5