Integration in Agriculture*
Integration of Electric Actuators on Agricultural Machinery
Electric actuators are gradually establishing themselves in the agricultural sector as a clean, precise, and simple alternative to traditional hydraulic systems. However, their integration on a mobile machine (tractor, agricultural robot, towed tool, etc.) requires a rigorous approach, both electrically, mechanically, and environmentally.
Electrical Supply
Electric actuators used in agricultural applications are generally powered by a lithium battery pack — often of LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) or NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) technology — with a nominal voltage of 48 to 51.2 V DC.
To ensure the safety and reliability of the system:
Install a DC fuse on the positive line, as close as possible to the battery, to protect the circuit against short circuits or overcurrents.
Provide a disconnector or emergency switch allowing a rapid power cut-off in case of intervention or fault.
Respect the polarities and use connectors suitable for the voltage and current of the actuator.
Control and Operation
The control of the actuator can be done in two ways:
Via a dedicated external controller, connected to the vehicle's control bus.
Or via an actuator with an integrated controller, greatly simplifying wiring and control.
Depending on the type of application, different control interfaces are possible:
CAN Bus: for direct integration into an embedded communication network.
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation): for simple proportional control.
Digital I/O (All or Nothing): for basic actuation functions (extension/retraction).
Actuators with integrated controllers also offer advanced functions such as current limiting, ramp management, or position feedback, ideal for automated agricultural machinery.
Mechanical Integration
The mechanical integration of an electric actuator must be carried out with the same care as for a hydraulic system:
Use clevises and joints sized to the maximum force of the actuator, taking into account a safety factor (×1.3 to ×1.5) to compensate for shocks and friction.
Avoid buckling of the rod: the actuator must work in axial compression or tension only.
Provide lateral guides to eliminate transverse forces on the rod and bearings.
Integrate end-of-stroke dampers or elastomer buffers to limit shocks and preserve the mechanics.
Poor mechanical design can lead to premature wear of internal screws, rod deformation, or irreversible failures.
Sealing and Environmental Protection
Agricultural machinery operates in demanding environments: dust, mud, rain, high-pressure cleaning, etc.
It is therefore essential to:
Choose an actuator with a suitable protection rating (IP), typically IP65 to IP69K depending on the conditions of use.
Protect the connectors with caps or waterproof sleeves.
Position the actuator to avoid water stagnation or direct exposure to washing jets.
If possible, add a rod boot to prevent dust intrusion and extend the mechanism's lifespan.
Wiring and Electrical Installation
Wiring is a critical point in the reliability of an embedded system:
Use cable lengths as short as possible to limit voltage drops.
Size the cable sections according to the nominal current and the length of the route (reference: IEC standard or manufacturer).
Respect the minimum bending radii of the cables to avoid mechanical stresses.
Secure the cables with vibration-resistant ties and protect the passages with sleeves and grommets.
Respect the recommended torque settings for terminals and connectors to avoid any heating or loosening.
In Summary
| Aspect | Best Practices |
| Power Supply | LFP/NMC Pack 48–51.2 V, fuse and disconnector mandatory |
| Control | Actuator with integrated controller or via external controller (CAN/PWM/IO) |
| Mechanical | Sized clevises, guides, damping, no lateral force |
| Sealing | IP65–IP69K, connector protection, boot recommended |
| Wiring | Adapted sections, short routes, controlled tightening, robust fixings |
Conclusion
The integration of electric actuators on agricultural machinery allows for the combination of precision, cleanliness, and energy efficiency, while reducing maintenance.
A rigorous design — both mechanically and electrically — ensures increased longevity and optimal reliability, even in the most demanding agricultural environments.
*: The technical information presented in this article is provided for guidance only. It does not replace the official manuals of the manufacturers. Before any installation, handling, or use, please consult the product documentation and follow the safety instructions. The Torque.works site cannot be held responsible for inappropriate use or incorrect interpretation of the information provided.