The Limitations of Electronics
Despite their many advantages, electric actuators still face some challenges that limit their widespread adoption in construction machinery. One of the main issues is the ability to generate high breakout or lifting forces. While electric actuators perform well in compact and mid-sized machines, larger construction equipment still relies heavily on hydraulic cylinders, which are capable of delivering significantly higher force levels. This remains a critical hurdle that must be overcome before electric actuators can fully replace hydraulics in heavy-duty applications. Another challenge concerns the size of electric actuators, which tend to occupy more space than hydraulic cylinders. This is mainly because they require separate motors and additional components to function properly. The larger footprint of electric actuators poses a design challenge, especially for machines originally developed with compact hydraulic systems in mind. At present, electric actuator technology is also more expensive compared to traditional hydraulic solutions. High costs are mainly due to the complexity of the components and the need for advanced electronics to manage their operation. However, as demand grows and manufacturing processes improve, prices are expected to decrease, making them increasingly accessible.