That top shelf still needs a ladder. The heavy gate still drags. The big skylight sticks. Your “adjustable” desk still fights you. You push. You pull. You wait. You waste time.
You feel it in your back. You feel it in your schedule. Each manual job steals minutes. Some jobs risk a fall. Some jobs need two people. It should not be this hard.
Meet the fix. A 36 inch stroke electric linear actuator turns a tiny click into strong, smooth motion. It acts like a steel arm. It reaches up to three feet. It pushes. It pulls. It lifts. It lowers. It does the heavy work for you. We at Jimi design and build these systems. We help you move big things in small ways that feel simple.
Also known as a long stroke linear actuator or an electric cylinder 36 inch, this device shines when you need reach. Think big doors, deep hatches, tall vents, or wide travel. You get clean lines. You get precise stops. You get repeatable moves.
We keep it simple. Press a button. The electric motor spins. Gears and a planetary gearbox set the gear ratio. A lead screw or ball screw converts spin to straight line. The rod slides in and out. Limit switches stop the travel at the ends. A brake mechanism holds the load. Anti-rotation keeps the rod from twisting. The housing protects it all.
Why pick a 36 inch stroke? Reach. You can span a full 3‑foot gap with one device. You keep smooth motion and precise positioning across the full stroke length. You cut parts count. You boost uptime.
We build for real work. Choose a 12V linear actuator 36 inch stroke for battery use. Pick a 24V linear actuator 36 inch stroke for stronger duty. Use a DC linear actuator 36 inch in mobile rigs. Use an AC linear actuator 36 inch with mains. Add feedback with a potentiometer, Hall sensor, or an encoder. Sync two or more with synchronized linear actuators for wide lifts.
Below are the key specs that matter.
- Force ratings (push/pull force): 1500N to 6000N. More force means higher current draw. Ball screw types often carry more load.
- Speed: Check no‑load speed and load speed. More speed usually means less force.
- Voltage: 12V DC. 24V DC. 120V AC. 240V AC.
- Duty cycle: Typical 10% to 25%. Longer cycles need careful thermal design.
- IP rating and NEMA rating: Outdoor use calls for IP66 or IP67. For washdown look at a NEMA 4X linear actuator.
- Mounting options for 36″ actuator: Clevis. U‑brackets. Rod end. Use proper mounting brackets.
- Feedback options: Potentiometer linear actuator. Hall sensor linear actuator. Encoder for high precision.
- Control: A control box for long stroke actuator ties in the power supply, remote control, motor controller, relays, and wiring harness.
We see these in the field every day. Here is a quick view of ranges and use cases.
| Category / Metric | Typical Range / Value (for 36″ Stroke) | Key Considerations / Impact | Illustrative Application/Case Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| Force (Push/Pull) | 1500N (337 lbs) to 6000N (1348 lbs) | Ball screw types handle higher force. Higher force raises current draw. | Industrial door automation used two 4000N units on bay doors near 800 lbs each. ROI hit 1.5 years. |
| Speed (No Load) | 5 mm/s to 30 mm/s (0.2 to 1.2 in/s) | Slower speed allows higher force. Faster speed lowers force. | Greenhouse roof vents ran at 15 mm/s. Uptime hit 99.8% over 3 years. |
| Voltage Options | 12V DC, 24V DC, 120V AC, 240V AC | Match your supply. DC suits mobile and battery. AC fits mains. | Off‑grid solar used 24V DC units for panel tilt. Yield rose 15‑25%. |
| IP Rating | IP54 to IP67 | IP66/IP67 suit outdoor and washdown. | Marine hatch actuation used IP66. Service life passed 5 years with low care. |
| Duty Cycle | 10% to 25% | Plan for cool down to extend life. | Seed hopper gates ran at ~20% duty and held strong for thousands of cycles. |
| Lifespan | 5,000 to 50,000+ cycles | Load and duty shape life. Ball screw helps under heavy loads. | Conveyor stop lifts reached 40,000 cycles per year for a decade. |
| Noise Level | 45 dB to 70 dB | Lower dB fits home or medical zones. | A sofa lift used a 48 dB unit. Users loved the quiet feel. |
| Price Range | $200 to $1500+ | Price tracks force, speed, feedback, and IP level. | A CNC Z‑axis used a $350 unit and hit hobby grade precision. |
How does a 36‑inch unit help you day to day? The list runs long.
- Industrial automation: Gate lifts. Stops. Guards. An industrial linear actuator 3 foot helps with material handling, manufacturing equipment, and construction equipment changes. It is a core industrial automation component.
- Agriculture: A vent opening actuator long stroke runs a greenhouse vent opener actuator. An actuator for agricultural implements sets sprayer booms. An agricultural machinery actuator long stroke moves hoppers.
- Solar energy: An actuator for solar tracking 36 inch or an actuator for solar panel tracking tilts big panels. We also support CSP mirrors.
- Marine & automotive: A marine hatch actuator lifts engine hatches. An off‑road vehicle linear actuator runs snorkel valves. An RV leveling actuator long stroke sets stance.
- Medical & accessibility: A medical bed lift actuator 36″ helps staff. An actuator for patient lift raises safely. It pairs well with medical equipment controls.
- Custom projects & robotics: A robotics linear actuator 36 inch or a robotics arm extension actuator reaches far. Use it on theatrical sets, stage rigging, or a custom machinery actuator.
- Building & home automation: A home automation linear actuator 36 inch runs a secret door. An electric gate opener actuator moves big gates. Try an automatic window opener actuator or an actuator for opening skylight. A smart furniture actuator long stroke powers an adjustable height desk actuator 36 inch.
What about control and brains? We wire into a PLC with ease. We also connect to a microcontroller. You can add remote control linear actuator kits. You can pick a control box, motor controller, relays, and a wiring harness that fit your plan.
You want the right build. Here is a quick buyer’s guide.
- Define the job. Load. Push/pull force. Speed. Voltage. Travel. Needed precision.
- Do load math. Add a safety factor of 25% to 50%.
- Choose the drive. A ball screw linear actuator 36 inch fits high force and long life. A lead screw linear actuator 36 inch fits mid force and lower noise. A planetary gear actuator boosts torque in a compact space.
- Pick feedback. Potentiometer for simple position. Hall sensor for counts. Encoder for tight control.
- Match the supply. Select a power supply for 36″ actuator that can handle surge and steady current draw.
- Select protection. Look for overload protection actuator designs and a strong brake mechanism linear actuator.
- Check the environment. Outdoor needs an IP rated linear actuator long stroke. Consider IP66 rated 36 inch actuator or IP67. For washdown pick NEMA 4X linear actuator.
- Mount it right. Choose mounting options for 36″ actuator like clevis and rod end. Add mounting brackets for linear actuator. Use linear guides & rails for side load control.
- Plan controls. Use a control box for long stroke actuator with remote control. If you need two units to lift one door use synchronized linear actuators.
We want you to see all the related terms you might meet in specs and catalogs. You may also hear: extended stroke electric ram, linear motion device 36 inch, actuator with long extension, 36 inch stroke push pull actuator, high force linear actuator long stroke, high precision long stroke actuator, actuator for demanding environments, integrated limit switch actuator, telescopic linear actuator 36 inch, and electric ram for industrial use. Each points back to the same idea. A long reach electric drive with straight line motion.
How does electric compare with fluid power?
- Linear actuator vs hydraulic cylinder: Electric is clean. It holds position without pumps. It uses less energy for long holds. It suits precise positioning. Hydraulics excel at extreme loads.
- Linear actuator vs pneumatic cylinder: Electric gives smooth starts and stops. It hits set points with built‑in feedback. Pneumatics are simple and fast for short moves.
- Benefits of electric linear actuators: Clean. Efficient. Easy to integrate. Great control.
- Disadvantages of long stroke actuators: Long travel can lower speed. Long rods can flex under side load. Watch duty cycle heat.
Installation is simple if you follow best practice.
- Keep mounts aligned. Avoid side load.
- Use proper mounting brackets.
- Tighten all hardware to spec.
- Wire to the power supply, control box, and relays per the installation guide 36″ actuator.
- Test limit switches.
- Add overload protection and fusing.
Care is light.
- Keep it clean.
- Check fasteners.
- Watch noise level electric actuator for change.
- Track duty.
- Some screws need periodic lube per spec.
Fix issues fast with these tips.
- No movement. Check power supply, fuses, and wiring harness.
- Erratic moves. Verify feedback linear actuator 36 inch signals from Hall sensor or potentiometer.
- Noise spike. Inspect gears and gear ratio linear actuator wear.
- Stops short. Adjust limit switches electric actuator.
- Drifts. Check the brake mechanism.
Price depends on load, speed, and features. The price of 36 inch linear actuator ranges from $200 to $1500+. You can find an affordable long stroke actuator for light jobs. You can spec a reliable 36 inch electric ram for heavy duty. Wondering where to buy long stroke actuator systems? Pick a trusted maker. Look for strong support and a clear warranty.
We at Jimi Technology build more than parts. We build linear motion solutions. We make actuators, electric cylinders, DC motors, planetary gearboxes, and smart controls. We help design. We test. We support. We have shipped into industrial automation, solar tracking, robotics, marine applications, automotive, home automation, and medical equipment. We know what works in the field.
You may know other names in the space. Brands like Firgelli Automations, Progressive Automations, Actuonix, Thomson Industries, Linak, TiMOTION, Warner Linear, Tolomatic, and Helix Linear Technologies. These players help grow the market. We honor good work. We also stand by our craft. Our team guides you to the best 3‑foot solution for your job. We help you compare 3 foot stroke actuator specifications and match the right linear drive mechanism 36″ to your goals.
Thinking solar? See our complete kits. They include control box, sensors, and hardware. They drive panel tilt in wind and weather. They suit off‑grid power and battery banks. They integrate with PLC or a microcontroller with ease.
Ready to move from strain to simple? Explore these resources.
- Browse our full range of Jimi linear actuators for industrial and custom use.
- Pick robust electric actuated cylinders for long reach jobs with high force.
- Plan clean power transmission with our planetary gearboxes from Jimi.
- Build your control stack with proven actuator controllers and control boxes.
- Mount it right with heavy duty mounting brackets for 36 inch actuators.
A few final notes for clarity.
- Voltage types include DC motor based systems and AC motor models. You can also spec a stepper motor or a servo motor for fine control.
- Outdoor builds use weather resistant actuator outdoor designs with IP66 or IP67.
- Some tasks call for a valve control linear actuator 36″ or a satellite dish positioning actuator. Others need actuator for lifting heavy doors on hangars. We even see wind turbine blade adjustment actuator concepts in R&D.
- Creative teams use an actuator for stage rigging or theatrical sets.
- For the home we see automatic window opener actuator, hidden rooms, and tall skylight openers.
- For desks and smart furniture we use quiet drives with low dB and soft start.
- For gates a heavy duty linear actuator 36″ and a strong lock keep things safe.
We help you choose. We size the force. We match the duty cycle linear actuator to your run time. We select the right IP rating and NEMA rating for the site. We supply the power supply, switches, and remote control. We bundle actuator for heavy lifting kits with overload protection and integrated limit switch actuator safety. We support custom project linear actuator needs as well.
You do not need to fight stubborn gear anymore. Press a button. Let the actuator do the hard part. Your team saves time. Your back will thank you.
Want help now? Tell us your load, travel, speed, and cycle. We will send the best best 36 inch linear actuator fit for your plan. Then we will help you install it right. Then we will back it with service.
Start today. Build the easy life you want with Jimi.
Leave A Comment