12 Volt diff lock air compressor or solenoid device

enforcer on 11/08/2014 - 15:35

Just looking for something for work and I thought I'd try here.

We're after a 12 volt device that can be mounted on a tractor (so probably externally, or only semi-enclosed, thus it needs to be quite durable), and have an option to use a switch to open/close a small shutter door to control the flow of fertilizer from a hopper.

It doesn't necessarily have to be an air driven (that's just what was initially suggested to us), it just needs to be able to open and close the door fairly quickly on command.

Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks

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Comments

  • Davo1111 on 11/08/2014 - 18:21
    +1

    What about a 12 volt actuator? and then hook that up to something in the shed? Like mechanical louvres.

    You could hook that up to a 3 way switch, and (i assume) you just reverse the polarity to go the other way. 2 relays could work if you didn't want 12v travelling everywhere.

    • enforcer on 11/08/2014 - 21:56

      That looks perfect and its a much better and simpler idea than an air compressor. I imagine you could easily power that from a tractor's battery so it's probably going to be ideal.
      This stuff is so interesting, I wish I knew more about it.

      • Davo1111 on 12/08/2014 - 01:39

        Seems pretty straight forward: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD1yRl-D9Bw

        Just need to make sure it has the strength to open/close the latch.

        As you need more power, the more expensive it will be. remote gate actuators are quite expensive, and strong targets for thieves.

        Id also wire in a master isolation switch/fuse.

  • Davo1111 on 12/08/2014 - 01:49

    The other way i can think would be to jimmy up something with a threaded bolt and a motor (like an old 12v impact driver where the battery has died) The reverse the polarity to make it go the other way.

    I havent built one personally, but it would be something to look at. The main risk of this imo is the threads getting dirty.

    Does your tractor have a power take off? Perhaps build something off that. You'll certainly have the torque…

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