LA's slipping--need help

[timslegos]

Hello,

So i have been building a huge demolition version of the classic 8043 excavator. There is a 3 section boom and a big claw at the end. I am, however having problems with the LA's that lift up the main boom. One LA slips easier than the other, causing the actuators to become misaligned. Basically the boom cant be lowered because of the difference between the LA's. I know that there is a slight difference between all parts and they are not always the same, but it no matter how many different pairs of LA's i try in combination, there is still a difference in slipping. Is there anything i can do about it?

tim

[DLuders]

The Linear Actuators were dissected in a two-part article on TechnicBRICKS (Part 1 and Part 2). The internal clutch is slipping because there is too much friction, or they are overloaded.

Have you seen if the Production Code (engraved on the Linear Actuators) is 36X0 or higher? If so, you have the "newer" Linear Actuators (with reduced friction). Older LAs have Production Codes like 24X0, and they have more friction. You may have to "match" your LAs by "sub-36" and "36-and-greater" Production Code pairs.

Edited September 3, 2011 by DLuders

[Alasdair Ryan]

Tim have you tryed gearing down the boom gearing, i use an xl motor in stead of the smaller pf motor.

Edited September 3, 2011 by Alasdair Ryan

[timslegos]

Tim have you tryed gearing down the boom gearing, i use an xl motor in stead of the smaller pf motor.

Well i havnt geared it down anymore than the original 8043, maybe thats the next step. I also switched to an xl and made the boom smaller which helped a bit. I will have to try gearing it down more next.

tim

[Burf2000]

Very useful post, I need to get some of the new ones as the old ones are crap, I have used them on George v2 and had to put 3 on each arm!