Schaeffler at Agritechnica 2025 (Hall 15, BoothE13) New platform for electromechanical linear actuators

2025-10-29 | Schweinfurt

• Electrification of agricultural machinery is a strategic development area for Schaeffler
• New platform for electromechanical linear actuators replaces hydraulic actuators
• Regenerative braking significantly increases the energy balance

The electrification of agricultural and construction machinery is a strategic development area for the Bearings & Industrial Solutions division at Schaeffler. In this way, the Motion Technology Company has been promoting the expansion of the product portfolio of electric drives and actuators for these sectors. At Agritechnica 2025, Schaeffler is presenting for the first time a new EWELLIX linear actuator platform with the product designation EMA-80. It was developed for the most common applications in construction, agricultural machinery and in the automation industry. With peak loads of up to 31 kN, strokes up to 1500 mm, and speeds of up to 160 mm/s, the new EWELLIX linear actuators can replace hydraulic solutions.

Modularity down to the base components
Schaeffler now offers a total of four series: the modular EWELLIX linear actuators CAHB10, CAHB2x with rated forces of 1.5 and 10 kN, the new EWELLIX platform EMA-80 up to 31 kN, and the EMA-100 series up to 60 kN.
With the new design, the modularity was extended – down to the base component level of the screw drive, gearbox, motor, and mounting. Within any given EWELLIX linear actuator EMA-80, the customer can individually select their components. This allows for the attachment of a preferred motor type or the connection to an existing control system, which can significantly reduce design and programming costs. As standard, highly efficient asynchronous and synchronous motors with peak outputs of up to 5 kW are used. The b-side brake in the motor is used as a static holding brake and prevents undesired movements (also in the event of a power outage). Optionally, the speed can be limited with a centrifugal brake and the load safely lowered even without a power supply. The motor is either attached directly onto the actuator (inline) or a 2- or 3-stage spur gearbox with ratios of 4, 10, 12, 20 is mounted in between to achieve a parallel arrangement. As an optional accessory, a multiturn absolute position sensor or a redundant brake can be attached to the gearbox.

High energy efficiency and regenerative braking
The ball screw drive also enables energy recovery during braking or lowering. With the focus on minimized energy consumption, spur gears, ball screws, and seals are also friction-optimized. In combination with a synchronous servomotor with efficiency class IE4 or higher, a highly efficient linear actuator is created.

Simple integration into the assembly
The EWELLIX linear actuator EMA-80 offers many mounting options that allow for simple integration and flexible adjustment to different applications. The push tube is available with a T-Bar, threaded male connection pin, or internal threads and can be supplemented with a screwed-on rod end. To complete the offer there are three mounting options on the motor side of the actuator. Either Trunnion mounts on the bearing housing or one of two rear attachments on the gearbox: Spherical plain bearing or a T-Bar.