Are heavy-duty linear actuators suitable for harsh outdoor environments?
I’ve been looking at heavy-duty industrial linear actuators and they seem far more rugged than small hobby units, with better sealing and construction for dust, mud, and occasional wash-downs. Still, they’re not fully IP68 like submersible equipment, so extra protection may be needed. For outdoor or off-road applications: how do you handle waterproofing and long-term reliability, and do you rely on control boxes or mechanical locks to prevent load creep under vibration?
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The heavy duty actuators from Progressive Automations https://www.progressiveautomations.com/en-eu/pages/industrial-linear-actuators are more rugged than the small hobby units, and many industrial linear actuators have better sealing and beefier construction that handle dust, mud, and occasional wash-downs better than lighter models. However, they’re not typically fully IP68 waterproof like a submersible winch — so you’ll want covers or gaiters if you’re constantly pressure-washing. As for holding position, most do a good job under static load, but you’ll get the best confidence if you pair them with a control box that supports load holding or a mechanical lock so your canopy doesn’t creep down under trail vibrations.