Linear Actuator - Agri-Fab Tow Behind Spreader

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Detailed video of adding a linear actuator to an Agri-Fab tow behind spreader.
4" 12v linear actuator connected to a 130lb tow-behind Agri-Fab spreader being pulled by a John Deere 1025R. No modifications necessary to the spreader. Uses existing bolt location on tow bar. Minimal fabrication of small clamp/bracket to attach to the gate rod. Controlled by wireless remote with controller box.
Link to Actuator Used:
www.amazon.com...
Link to Magnetic Reed Switch Used:
www.amazon.com...
Link to Motor Controller Used:
www.amazon.com...
Wiring Diagram: drive.google.c...
Here are some photos showing how to attach rod and bracket using supplied actuator brackets. Just need to use small wire rope clamps down thru the actuator to clamp around the rod.
Photo 1: drive.google.c...
Photo 2: drive.google.c...
Photo 3: drive.google.c...
Front Bracket Attachment (hitch side). Use an oversize nut as a spacer to get actuator to proper height.
Photo 4: drive.google.c...

Опубликовано:

4 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 65

@timcole421 4 месяца назад

Thanks so much for this, I just converted my John Deere spreader today which looks to be the same manufacturer as this one. There is an error in the wiring diagram though - on the reed switch, the yellow wire has to go to NC (normally closed) and not NO (normally open) like the diagram shows. I wired it this way and it took me a while to figure out what the problem was. The motor would retract when you pushed the button....ignoring the limit switch and beginning to bend up linkage. It wouldn't extend at all....until I unhooked all the linkage. The magnet had to be against the reed switch for it to retract....opposite of what we want here. I moved the yellow wire to NC and now it works perfect. I did also refine a couple of things - I haven't yet, but I am going to use some type of quick release clip for the linkage in case the battery dies or there is an issue while the trap is open, there is an easy remedy to keep the bin from emptying on the ground. I also mounted the controller to the spreader itself using heavy duty picture hanging strips. This way I can loan it to a buddy or use another tractor that doesn't have the controller. Lastly I ordered a power tap for my 12v Dewalt batteries that way this is 100 percent fully contained and all you have to hook up is your hitch and you're fertilizing. A couple of pics of my install are below. Thanks again! imgur.com/CsZn7RD imgur.com/XltzqAd

@OurNewLand 2 года назад

Genius! So glad to have found this. I found a forum post where you had mentioned your fix, but I was having trouble visualizing it. Thanks a ton for posting!

@stevehackney828 Год назад

This works great, Thank you! I mounted my controller to the front frame of the spreader in a plastic double wall switch box so I can switch between my 1025r and my 0 turn mower. I used a 2 pin power connector and make pigtails to adapt to what tow rig I'm using.

@mrbrad41471 5 месяцев назад

Pure genius!! I have the same spreader with a zero turn, and this is exactly what i was looking for!!! I love the fact that you left everything factory on the spreader and still had FULL functionality as intended, including the spreader settings. I love it!! I've already ordered everything you have! You're awesome, man! Thanks for posting and helping out!🙂🤗👍🏿

@airik7777 5 месяцев назад

Thanks man. The one thing I forgot to mention in the video was the larger magnet that I put on the lever. The reed switch will come with a magnet but I used a more powerful one so I could maintain an air gap between the lever and the reed switch/bracket. That way they don't come in contact with one another while the actuator is stopping. If the magnet is too weak, it will need to be closer to the reed switch in order to open the circuit and the lever could actually contact the reed switch before it fully stops. Good luck with it! Just got done putting 250lbs of fertilizer on the lawn this weekend and it still works like a charm!

@mrbrad41471 5 месяцев назад

@airik7777 awesome man! I will use an earth magnet! That should do the trick. Actually, you did mention and cover this in your video. You have outstanding ingenuity! As soon as I get everything installed and operating, I will get my pre emergent down along with a good slow release fertilizer! Bravo to you, and you're hard work! I know your yard will look amazing!

@mrbrad41471 5 месяцев назад

I also meant to ask if you remember what size cable clamps you used for the rod that connects to the hopper gate? If not, no worries, I can just mic it.

@airik7777 5 месяцев назад

@@mrbrad41471 I'm not exactly sure what size they were. I "think" they are 1/4" since that is the diameter of the gate control rod. I already had them here in my hardware drawers so didn't have to buy them when I put this together.

@mrbrad41471 5 месяцев назад

@@airik7777 ok perfect. Thanks for the response

@johnc8112 2 года назад

Excellent workmanship I'm going to try this. Awesome video 👍

@kevinlucht1500 7 месяцев назад

Thank you!!! I have been wanting to do this for quite some time.

@garyhousman8355 2 года назад

Well thought out. Thanks

@paultorre2419 Год назад

The one listed doesn't come with mounting brackets.

@cschaeff2 15 дней назад

See my earlier comment - cschaeff2 - Now I just need to find a “McGuiver Box” bracket. Any suggestions?

@georgesantin5506 Год назад

Please provide a wiring diagram. Having some difficulty with the open close with the reader switch. I can get it to stop however, it will not start without manually moving the lever away from the magnet

@airik7777 Год назад

If you expand the Video Comments, I included a wiring diagram when I posted the video a while back.

@WilliamFleming-jx3hq 6 месяцев назад

Watch the video but didn't see how you wired the remote box. You used a 4 wire connection. Do i need to gea a different controller?

@GRIMREAPER76IA 11 месяцев назад

May I ask where you got the waterproof cover for the actuator? I'm getting ready to do this soon. Thank you for the video and information.

@WilliamFleming-jx3hq 6 месяцев назад

Can you show how you wired this up. I tryed the mirco switch but it will only open but will not close after it is open.

@ceebee2447 Год назад

Whew! Way too complicated for me!! Wonder why Agri-Fab doesn't have a contract with some 3 year old Chinese kid to sell an actuator-gate-flow-extension kit? (My broom handle duct tape is not cutting the mustard.)

@CliffWagner Год назад

Ok - brilliant!

@terrykaeding1585 2 дня назад

Where do the wires go in controller I get everything except for the magnetic switch wires go

@airik7777 День назад

@@terrykaeding1585 There is a wiring diagram linked in the video description. That should get you started but depending on what controller you have, it might be a little different.

@cad1995 Год назад

I'm doing better now since I seen the video.

@williamodom2580 Год назад

Why did you use a 4” actuator? The gate on the spreader wide open is no more then 3/4” when the gate max open? I been thinking of using a 1” linear actuator for my spreader.

@airik7777 Год назад

I already had a 4" actuator that is used on my snow blower so I used that as a mockup to see if I could fit one to the spreader. Since it turned out to be easy to mount to the spreader without any modifications, I just went ahead and got another 4" one rather that try to fit one with a shorter throw (I also now have a backup for my snowblower if I am in a jam). I wanted the gate opening to be variable by adjusting the existing stop, so the length of the throw didn't really matter (to a point). I am sure you could use a shorter one but you would have to watch out for clearance next to the spreader arm mechanism if you try to mount it like I mounted mine. Probably lots of other options if you play around with it.

@georgesantin5506 Год назад

Thanks for the video it has helped to this point. I have a question for you regarding the actual wiring. Where does the magnetic read switch get attached to the controller box. What do you have the 4 wire connection wire attached. Thank you. George

@airik7777 11 месяцев назад

There is a wiring diagram linked in the video description. That should answer you questions but happy to elaborate more if it doesn't.

@JamesBullock-e3k 10 месяцев назад

What position is the switch on the eco control box on 1 line o or 2 lines?

@MyGoldtop 11 месяцев назад

Looks good does the the Magnetic reed switch shut the actuator off when it gets close to the reed switch?

@airik7777 11 месяцев назад

Yes, the reed switch shuts the actuator off when the magnet gets within about 1/2” from the reed switch. That is why I used a stronger magnet. I wanted it to activate the reed switch before coming in contact with it so I could maintain an air gap buffer between them.

@jackmorgan709 Месяц назад

wouldn't a microswitch work a little better than the magnetic reed switch? I find those to be finicky in terms of when it actually activates.

@airik7777 Месяц назад

A micro switch would work as well. In fact, that is the path I started down but then decided to use a magnetic reed switch instead. I usually hose down the spreader with water after I put fertilizer down and was a little worried about water getting into the micro switch and causing it to malfunction or corrode. Since magnetic reed switches are sealed, they should handle the water better. I did use a larger, more powerful magnet on the lever side to make sure it activated. I also wanted to maintain an air gap between the switch and the lever. When the actuator gets commanded to shut off, it actually continues to travel a few millimeters before it comes to a complete stop. Since a micro switch needs to be contacted to activate, you would probably want a longer lever on the switch to allow for the continued travel so it would not get damaged. The air gap with a reed switch provides a gap margin and allows plenty of room for the actuator to complete its travel after being commanded to stop. I have used this setup about 15 times now, fertilizing about 2 acres each application with a lot of open/close cycles, and have not had it fail to function. But lots of other modifications to this design would certainly work. I just wanted to demonstrate how I did mine to give inspiration to other designs and applications.

@jackmorgan709 Месяц назад

@@airik7777 thanks. I found a waterproof micro switch, but the delay in shut down is worrying. Great video!

@airik7777 Месяц назад

@@jackmorgan709 It would be interesting to measure the travel distance after the command is sent to stop the actuator. You could probably rig up a dial indicator on the bench and measure it to see if the actuator you are going to use has as much travel as mine does. It's not much, but it does still move a bit after the stop command.

@jackmorgan709 Месяц назад

@@airik7777 installed a microswitch and it works no problem. It seems to disengage instantly - might move a mm or so after the command.

@williammac-to9sr Год назад

Found my way through the system and found the wiring diagram, thanks! Did your controller have a learning feature? I seem to be getting a number of light colors but I don't seem to be getting any action. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!

@airik7777 11 месяцев назад

Mine did not have a learning feature. Sorry.

@JamesBullock-e3k 10 месяцев назад

On the side of the box there is a 3 position switch. LEAVE it in O position or middle .That is for useing it manually inthe up or down position.I had to switch the yellow wire on my reed switch to NC to get it to work for open and close.I put the magnet on the handle like the original video.I had to raise it up about 1 1/2 inches and play with it to get ot set right I still have about a 1/2 inch air gap between the reed switch and the handle

@danieldevlin142 2 года назад

I cannot figure out how to wire the magnetic reed switch. Help?

@airik7777 2 года назад

Sorry for the late reply. I added a wiring diagram to the video description.

@nastorino 2 года назад

@@airik7777 awesome thanks!

@WilliamFleming-jx3hq 6 месяцев назад

How did you wire the control to start and start

@airik7777 6 месяцев назад

HI. There is a wiring diagram in the video description that shows how it is all connected.

@danieldevlin142 2 года назад

It stop ok to open the gate but it won’t go back with the magnet in place.

@airik7777 2 года назад

This is why I ended up using a controller box.That solves the problem you encounter when you have an open circuit when the reed switch is open. I added a wiring diagram to the video description that might help.

@JamesBullock-e3k 10 месяцев назад

Try switching the yellow wire to the NC on the reed switch thats what mine was doing.That magnet was very sensitive to the open position I had set to close and it would not work right to far and it will let the acuator keep going and bind upon the on the spreader setting handle. .

@cad1995 Год назад

Can you use the other part that comes with the reed swicth instead of a magnet?

@airik7777 11 месяцев назад

Sorry for the late reply. Yes, you could use the magnetic part that comes with the reed switch but it is a bit weaker than the magnet I ended up using. The reason I swapped it out was to provide an air gap between the magnet and the reed switch. The magnet that comes with the reed switch has to contact the other part in order to activate the switch. I wanted to have a little air buffer between the magnet and the reed switch to avoid them coming in direct contact with one another and potentially causing damage or moving them around on the mounting point. The stronger magnet allows the reed switch to activate while maintaining about a 3/8" to 1/2" gap between them.

@cad1995 11 месяцев назад

@@airik7777 the reason I asked was that, when I used a magnet it crashed. It would close as it should but when it came to opening it would not stop until it crashed and bent the rod. I ordered everything you suggested and hooked it up the way you suggested.

@JamesBullock-e3k 10 месяцев назад

@@cad1995I am having the same problem did you get it resolved ?

@cad1995 10 месяцев назад

@@JamesBullock-e3k No, and I’m still waiting on a reply.

@JamesBullock-e3k 10 месяцев назад

@@cad1995Hey cad I worked on the acuator the this. Morning I had to switch the yellow wire on my reed switch to NC position now everything is working.I dont know what acuator you have mine has a Blue and brown wire on it.I have the blue wire connected to the white of the trailer harness and the brown to the brown wire othe trailer harness.On the Eco remote control box white is connected tothe 1st or outside wire terminal brown is the second terminal just like the original wiring .The magnet I used cmae from Digikey about the size of a nickel and about 3/8 of an inch thick.I have it on handlet like the video but I hadto mount it higher for eveything to work had play with the placement of it.To close to the red switch it wont work.I have about a half inch gap between the reed switch and the handle .Palcement of the magnet is very important.I was close to the switch on my gravley so I could turnoff the power to the Eco remote box so ot wouldn't come back to far while I was getting the magnet position figuered out.I am going to glue the magnet on so it doesntove aroid now tht I havefound a happy medium foe the magnet.Hope this helps.

@nastorino 2 года назад

@airik7777 any recommendation for a magnetic reed switch?

@airik7777 2 года назад

Lots of options for reed switches. Here is an Amazon link to one that is similar to what I used: www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Switch-Normally-Security-Contact/dp/B086GYJLML/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1SOT753H7J1YW

@nastorino 2 года назад

@@airik7777 thanks. I actually ordered a set already that are quite similar. I need to play with the wiring. I have the mechanical install done, verified no binding. Time for the reed switch.