Heavy Duty Linear Actuator Guide: 3500N vs 6000N vs 7000N
Choosing a heavy duty linear actuator requires more than comparing the maximum force number. This guide compares three HyHaven models — HH-LA-U11 3500N, HH-LA-U3 6000N, and HH-LA-U6 7000N — using verified specifications for force, speed, stroke, installation length, duty cycle, temperature range, ingress-protection rating, and model-specific features.
The correct model depends on the actual mechanism, including required push and pull force, geometry, friction, travel, available mounting space, operating environment, cycle requirements, and electrical/control requirements.
Quick Technical Comparison
| Model | Push / Pull Force | Max Self-Locking Load | No-Load / Load Speed | IP Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HH-LA-U11 3500N | 3500N / 3500N | 5000N | 3.5 / 2.2 mm/s | IP65 |
| HH-LA-U3 6000N | 6000N / 4000N | 8000N | 5 / 3.5 mm/s | IP54 |
| HH-LA-U6 7000N | 7000N / 7000N | 9000N | 9 / 7 mm/s | IP65 |
Force ratings should be compared with the force required by the actual mechanism. A higher force rating does not by itself make a model the correct choice for a project.
Stroke and Installation Length
Stroke is the actuator's travel distance. Installation length determines whether the actuator can physically fit in the mechanism. Both must be checked before selecting a model.
| Model | Standard Stroke Range | Installation Length | OEM Custom Stroke |
|---|---|---|---|
| HH-LA-U11 3500N | 50–450 mm | Stroke + 120 mm | 15–1000 mm |
| HH-LA-U3 6000N | 2"–18" | Stroke + 175 mm | 50–700 mm |
| HH-LA-U6 7000N | 200–600 mm | Stroke + 250 mm | 15–1000 mm |
Do not select stroke from a generic application chart. Determine the required travel and available installation space from the actual mechanism geometry.
Compare Speed Under Load
No-load speed and load speed are different specifications. For a mechanism that moves a working load, compare the verified load-speed value as part of the motion requirement.
- HH-LA-U11: 3.5 mm/s no-load, 2.2 mm/s load
- HH-LA-U3: 5 mm/s no-load, 3.5 mm/s load
- HH-LA-U6: 9 mm/s no-load, 7 mm/s load
Among these three models, HH-LA-U6 has the highest verified no-load and load speed ratings. Speed is still only one selection factor and should be considered together with force, stroke, installation length, duty cycle, and control requirements.
IP54 vs IP65
HH-LA-U3 is rated IP54. HH-LA-U11 and HH-LA-U6 are rated IP65.
An IP rating is an ingress-protection classification. It should not be treated as a blanket guarantee that a specific actuator is suitable for every outdoor, wet, dusty, tropical, agricultural, gate, solar, RV, or other environment. Evaluate the complete exposure conditions, mounting orientation, electrical connections, enclosure requirements, duty cycle, and operating temperature for the actual installation.
Duty Cycle, Temperature and Noise
| Model | Duty Cycle | Operating Temperature | Noise |
|---|---|---|---|
| HH-LA-U11 3500N | 10–20% | -20°C to 60°C | <55 dB |
| HH-LA-U3 6000N | 10–20% | -20°C to 60°C | <40 dB |
| HH-LA-U6 7000N | 10–20% | -40°C to 65°C | <65 dB |
All three models have a verified 10–20% duty-cycle rating. Do not treat them as continuous-duty actuators without confirming the operating cycle and engineering requirements for the project.
Other Model-Specific Differences
- HH-LA-U11: built-in limit switch; 12V or 24V DC; 60W.
- HH-LA-U3: built-in limit switch; 12V or 24V DC; 60W.
- HH-LA-U6: limit switch and signal output; built-in clutch overload protection; 12V or 24V DC; 100W.
Do not assume Hall feedback, synchronized operation, wiring polarity, controller compatibility, relay compatibility, or other control functions unless they are explicitly verified for the actuator and the complete control system.
How to Choose Between 3500N, 6000N and 7000N
- Calculate the required push and pull force. Include the actual mechanism geometry, motion direction, friction, and an appropriate engineering margin.
- Confirm the required stroke. Measure the travel the mechanism needs.
- Check installation length. Make sure the selected actuator fits in the available space throughout the required motion.
- Compare speed under load. Use the load-speed specification when evaluating loaded motion.
- Check duty cycle and temperature. Match the operating cycle and environment to the verified ratings.
- Evaluate the IP rating in context. Do not use the IP number alone as proof of application suitability.
- Verify electrical and control requirements separately. Matching 12V or 24V nominal voltage alone does not prove controller, relay, feedback, or synchronization compatibility.
Need Help Comparing the Models?
Send HyHaven your required push/pull force, travel distance, available installation length, voltage, expected duty cycle, environment, and control requirements. We can help compare the verified specifications and identify which model should be evaluated for your project.
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Read the Complete Linear Actuator Selection Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the strongest of the 3500N, 6000N and 7000N models?
HH-LA-U6 has the highest verified force ratings of the three, with 7000N push force, 7000N pull force, and a 9000N maximum self-locking load. The highest force rating does not by itself determine which actuator is suitable for a mechanism.
What is the difference between the 6000N and 7000N models?
HH-LA-U3 is rated for 6000N push force and 4000N pull force, with 5 mm/s no-load speed, 3.5 mm/s load speed, IP54, standard 2"–18" strokes, and installation length of Stroke + 175 mm. HH-LA-U6 is rated for 7000N push and pull force, 9 mm/s no-load speed, 7 mm/s load speed, IP65, standard 200–600 mm strokes, and installation length of Stroke + 250 mm. HH-LA-U6 also has a verified signal output and built-in clutch overload protection.
Does IP65 mean the actuator is waterproof or guaranteed for outdoor use?
No blanket application guarantee should be inferred from the IP rating alone. Evaluate the complete exposure conditions, mounting orientation, electrical connections, enclosure requirements, duty cycle, and operating temperature before selecting a model.
Can these heavy duty actuators run continuously?
HH-LA-U3, HH-LA-U11, and HH-LA-U6 each have a verified duty-cycle rating of 10–20%. They should not be treated as continuous-duty actuators without confirming the required operating cycle and engineering conditions.
Does choosing 12V or 24V guarantee controller compatibility?
No. Nominal voltage alone does not prove controller compatibility. Verify current requirements, switching method, control signals, feedback requirements, and the ratings of the complete control system before installation.