Electric actuator failing...

https://www.princessauto.com/en/linear-actuators/category/420-015-015-020

 

Case Closed. Thanks to all for your input!

The new actuator arrived, and it didn't fit. I would have had to open it up and turn the assembly to allow clearance. I wasn't prepared to accept the risk so off it went, back to Amazon for a refund ($400).

I then proceeded to tear about the old one to see if it was repairable. As far as we could see, it was not. There was sort of a large spring that wrapped around the shaft that was broke and provided tension among a few other things. Nevertheless, I did check for parts and spent the rest of the day looking for any other solutions, rebuild kits, a cheaper direct replacement or etc. even looked for parts. Nothing.

Then, tired of the BS, I stomped down on my frustration, bit the bullet and ordered the new actuator for $1134 as the State had to have its pound of flesh also (6% Idaho tax). Case Closed. To say I am totally pissed off is putting it mildly. I came very close to buying a completely new plow that runs off the winch and still don't know if that would have been the right decision. Time will tell...

This does make me wonder if companies actually consider these things when designing and manufacturing new items as it seems such a minor detail and simple to design to accept a standard size part... Thank all of you for your support and recommendations and listening to me bitch.

 

No, no they don't. They want some thing custom for their application so you are limited on parts. They would rather you buy a new product rather than a part. I experienced this several times. One particular frustrating event was with a robot vacuum, not an iRobot but a "knock off brand". One of the wheel assemblies was broke upon arrival. The wheels were, at least it appeared to me, modular. I could remove either wheel assembly and replace, if there was a replacement available. I contacted the company, they don't sell "parts" other than the standard wear items (rollers, filters, etc). I said all I need is this and it's still a good unit, nope. They wanted me to pay to ship it back to them, pay return shipping and pay for parts on a NEW product. I said eff that and broke out the JB Weld. Put all the parts back together and that vacuum ran for 5 years before being replaced.
Companies that block the "Right to Repair" should be sued into oblivion!