Actuator with set points

[svikeen]

Hello. New member here, and not sure if this is the right thread to post in so please let me know if this is the wrong one.

So I have a tractor which has 3 separate hydraulic control levers. Maybe a luxury problem but they are placed pretty far away from me while I am sitting so you have lean pretty far forward and not the best while driving. The hydraulic control levers have 4 positions 1. Raise, 2. Lower, 3. Float, 4. off. I have been playing around with the idea to have 3 Actuators pushing and pulling these and wiring up 3 separate switches. But I dont like the idea with regular actuators since they only push and pull with no regard to where you last used it. So to my question does anyone here know about actuators that have say set points integrated into them? So say I could put the switch into position 1 then it pushes the lever all the way to Raise, then I could set the switch into position 2 then it lowers, 3 to float and 4 to off for example.

I have tried to search for it but cant find anything, it may be that I am not searching for the right things.

 

[andre_luis]

The first thing that come to mind is PLC with Servo Drivers, but I'm not sure if it is suited to use in the automotive industry aswell.
Anyway, it is not cheap, and you should build some mechanical apparatus to fit the exact actuator path.

 

[BradtheRad]

From my experience on a tractor with manual levers, you often need immediate response to stop rapidly when lifting and lowering. Any additional middleman device creates loose play in the linkage.

Could it work to install a length of pipe by welding or brazing it onto the levers?

 

[Kajunbee]

From my experience on a tractor with manual levers, you often need immediate response to stop rapidly when lifting and lowering. Any additional middleman device creates loose play in the linkage.

Could it work to install a length of pipe by welding or brazing it onto the levers?

We have done this on the vessel I’m on currently. In our case we just bolted another hydraulic lever on to the existing one to extend it. You have to move the lever up and down further to fully operate the spool valve but not a problem for us. Something to consider is whether the added leverage will cause the lever to move up and down when the tractor bounces on rough ground.

 

[BradtheRad]

An alternate approach is to relocate the seat. Mine was hinged (removable). Over the years the cushion wore. I think I heard of tractor drivers installing a deluxe seat, or heated seat, or attachment to alter its position. It depends on how easy it is for you to enter and exit the tractor, and whether to the right or left. My large hydraulic attachment blocked me from jumping up or down to the right.

 

[D.A.(Tony)Stewart]

Can you estimate the range , velocity and force?

It is possible to combine an electromagnetic or gear motor actuator, position sensor , position ref. pots and a selector switch with rapid transitions but I'd need a photo and specs with a budget.

I'm not sure if the off position can be locked or must "float" with no force while the "float" position is fixed/locked {?}