Linear Actuator Replacement & Cross-Reference Guide

A replacement linear actuator must do more than look like the original. It needs to fit the existing mechanism, work with the power and control system, and deliver the required movement. This is especially important when the original actuator is discontinued or supplied by another manufacturer.

If you know the brand or model number, start with the Progressive Automations Replacement Chart. It can identify a potential PA alternative and classify the result as Exact Replacement Found, Close Replacement Found, or Replacement Not Found. These are search results, not guarantees of drop-in compatibility. The chart narrows your search; the final decision still depends on the original installation and the exact PA configuration you select. Always verify the proposed option before ordering.

Find Your Replacement: Search the Replacement Chart | Browse Linear Actuators | Contact an Actuator Specialist

When Do You Need a Replacement Actuator?

You may need a replacement when an actuator has reached the end of its service life, the original model has been discontinued, an OEM part is unavailable, or you are changing suppliers. A replacement may also be necessary when equipment requirements change and the existing actuator no longer provides suitable performance.

Before replacing a failed unit, rule out issues with the power supply, wiring, controller, or mechanism. If the problem is intermittent, document when it occurs and whether the mechanism binds at particular points in its travel. For diagnosis and replacement procedures, see How to Replace an Actuator. This guide focuses on selecting a compatible alternative.

Start With the Existing Actuator

Find the Manufacturer and Model Number

Check the housing label, engraving, equipment manual, or original parts list. Record the complete part number, including suffixes and configuration codes. A shared model-family name does not necessarily mean the same voltage, feedback, stroke, or connector arrangement.

Enter the manufacturer or model into the Replacement Chart. If the unit is part of an OEM system, check whether the equipment manufacturer specifies approved replacements. Retain the original model information even if a candidate appears similar: it gives the supplier a traceable starting point.

What If the Model Number Is Missing?

Photograph the actuator, label remnants, mounting ends, connectors, and installed mechanism. Use equipment documentation to recover any missing ratings. If identification is still impossible, record the electrical supply, travel distance, retracted mounting-hole distance, required load, feedback arrangement, mounting geometry, and environmental conditions.

Measure mounting dimensions center to center rather than relying on the housing length. If an actuator is damaged or jammed, do not force it to extend for measurement; consult drawings or technical support instead. Where possible, record both fully retracted and fully extended mounting-hole distances and note the mechanism's available clearance. The compatibility checklist below provides the full comparison criteria.

How the Linear Actuator Replacement Chart Works

The Replacement Chart is the starting point for cross-referencing an existing model to a potential Progressive Automations replacement.

Search by Manufacturer

Choose the original brand from the chart's manufacturer categories. If it is not listed, use Other or contact the team with the available model information.

Search by Model Number

Enter the complete model code where available, or select the model from the manufacturer's list. Check suffixes against the original label or documentation.

Review the Suggested Match

Open the recommended PA product and choose the relevant configuration. Read the result category together with the main compatibility checklist in this guide. A family-level match does not confirm that every listed variant will work. Pay attention to the selected voltage, stroke, force and feedback options before comparing drawings.

Confirm Before Ordering

Compare the original and proposed datasheets; identify any different brackets, wiring, control components, or installation requirements. If a critical item cannot be verified, contact an actuator specialist before placing an order.

Search the Replacement Chart

What Has to Match When Replacing a Linear Actuator?

Some specifications are essential for a direct replacement; others depend on the application. Use the original datasheet and the proposed PA model's specific configuration, not just the product-family description.

Higher force is not automatically an upgrade: it may change speed, current draw, gearing, and loads on the surrounding structure. Likewise, Hall-effect or potentiometer feedback cannot be assumed compatible merely because both actuators use the same sensor category. Verify the actual interface when position monitoring or synchronization is involved. In a multi-actuator system, check whether the original controller can accept mixed actuator types; matching a single motor does not establish whole-system compatibility.

Exact Replacement vs Close Replacement

The PA Replacement Chart uses three result labels to indicate how the available cross-reference data compares with the searched actuator.

Exact Replacement Found

"Exact" is the chart's match category, not a plug-and-play guarantee. The chart itself advises checking specifications because minor differences may remain. Confirm mechanical fit, electrical connections, and controller operation before purchasing.

Close Replacement Found

A close match might require a bracket adjustment, wiring change, or other modification. A difference acceptable in a custom machine may be unsuitable in a tightly packaged OEM assembly. Treat this result as a candidate for technical review, not an approved substitute.

Replacement Not Found

This result means the chart has no listed match, not that an alternative is impossible. Gather the original data and contact PA for a specification-based review or possible custom solution.

Cross-Reference Actuators by Manufacturer

Manufacturer names help you locate existing equipment in the Replacement Chart; they do not establish equivalence on their own. Use the relevant entry point below and apply the same compatibility checklist to any suggested model.

LINAK Linear Actuator Replacements

Record the complete LINAK configuration code. If the actuator operates through a dedicated LINAK control system, confirm whether that system can operate the proposed alternative. Search LINAK models.

Thomson Linear Actuator Replacements

Use the exact Thomson model and configuration from the nameplate or datasheet; industrial variants can differ within one family. Search Thomson models.

TiMOTION Linear Actuator Replacements

For TiMOTION equipment with a coordinated multi-actuator control system, verify the controller's requirements before replacing a single unit. Search TiMOTION models.

Ewellix Linear Actuator Replacements

Check the specific Ewellix model against its technical datasheet, especially when replacing an actuator in existing industrial equipment. Search Ewellix models.

FIRGELLI Linear Actuator Replacements

Identify the exact FIRGELLI configuration. A simple two-wire DC application may be easier to adapt than a system using proprietary connections or position feedback, but neither is automatically interchangeable. Search FIRGELLI models.

Other Linear Actuator Brands

Use the chart's Other option or share the original specifications with PA technical support. A missing brand or model does not rule out a specification-based alternative.

Replacing a Discontinued Linear Actuator

What to Do When the Original Model Is No Longer Available

Start with the last available datasheet, equipment manual, or a clear photograph of the model label. Check the Replacement Chart even if the original manufacturer no longer supplies the unit. If no match is listed, request a manual comparison.

Which Specifications Should You Preserve?

Protect the critical mechanical and electrical requirements in the compatibility table, particularly installation geometry, movement, load capacity, and control-system needs. These determine whether a replacement can work without redesigning the machine.

Which Specifications Can Sometimes Change?

A different cable length, connector, or bracket may be workable when the equipment allows controlled modifications. Document each accepted difference and the hardware needed to implement it. Changes to motor voltage, feedback, or movement geometry require a broader system review and should never be assumed harmless.

When a Custom Actuator May Be More Appropriate

If no standard option meets the required configuration, ask whether an existing PA platform can be modified or a custom product is justified. Feasibility, order requirements, timing, and costs depend on the project. See Custom Designs and Volume Orders.

Can You Replace an Actuator With a Different Brand?

Yes, when the replacement meets the application requirements. A different brand can be used if mechanical fit, electrical supply, operating performance, and controls are compatible. The original brand name, by itself, does not prove or prevent a match. Compare the proposed replacement in the installed orientation, including the space required for its housing, motor and moving rod.

Straightforward two-wire installations may require fewer changes than synchronized or proprietary OEM systems. If the equipment has safety-critical functions or approved-parts restrictions, confirm the necessary engineering and manufacturer approvals before substituting components.

Replacement Considerations by Application

The compatibility checklist applies to every application, but the consequences of a mismatch differ by use case.

Outdoor and Marine Applications

Check exposure to water, corrosion, temperature, and sealing at cable entries and connectors. An IP rating alone does not establish suitability for every saltwater or chemical environment.

Industrial Equipment

Consider cycle frequency, repeatability, and how a different motion profile could affect the machine. Review integration with the existing controls and applicable machine-safety requirements.

Medical and Ergonomic Equipment

Control behavior, noise, feedback, and synchronized movement may be important. Any required equipment approvals or safety validation must be handled at the complete-system level.

Automotive and Mobile Equipment

Check the available DC supply, vibration exposure, secure mounting, and the effects of movement or shock on the mechanism. A suitable force rating alone does not establish vehicle compatibility.

When a Replacement Requires More Than the Actuator

A cross-brand or discontinued-model replacement can involve supporting hardware. Review the actual differences instead of automatically replacing the entire control system. In some cases an approved adapter is sufficient; in others the electrical interface or mounting geometry makes a larger change necessary.

A more closely matched actuator may reduce the cost of adapters or redesign. Browse PA Mounting Brackets, Control Systems, and Power Supplies when needed.

Replacement Checklist Before Ordering

Use the main compatibility table for detailed specifications. Before purchasing, confirm that:

·   Identification: You have the original model number, documentation, or reliable measurements.

·   Mechanical fit: Force, stroke, retracted length, mounting points, and applicable holding loads are verified.

·   Electrical and control fit: Voltage, wiring, connectors, feedback, and controller compatibility are confirmed.

·   Operating conditions: Speed, duty cycle, and environmental protection suit the application.

·   Changes: Any brackets, adapters, control updates, or safety approvals have been evaluated.

·   Final configuration: You have checked the exact PA variant and its current datasheet, not just the chart result.

Keep the comparison record with the equipment documentation so the selected replacement can be identified again during future maintenance. If a critical specification is unknown, ask for technical assistance before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace a linear actuator with a different brand?

Yes, if the alternative passes the mechanical, electrical, control, and performance checks above.

How do I find a replacement for a discontinued actuator?

Search its complete model in the Replacement Chart. If there is no match, provide the original datasheet or measurements to our customer support team.

Do replacement actuators need the same stroke length?

Usually for a direct fit. Different travel requires confirmation that the mechanism and stop positions remain safe.

Does a replacement actuator need the same force rating?

It needs sufficient operating and applicable holding capacity. An identical rating is not always necessary.

Can I use a higher-force actuator as a replacement?

Possibly, but check current draw, speed, mounting loads, and the structure before changing the rating.

Does the retracted length have to be identical?

For direct-fit installations, it often must be very close. Any difference must be compatible with the available geometry.

Can I replace a 12V actuator with a 24V actuator?

Not without a compatible 24V supply and control system; this is a system change, not a direct swap.

How do I identify an actuator if the label is missing?

Use equipment documentation, photographs, and the measurements described in Start With the Existing Actuator.

What is the difference between an exact and close replacement?

Both are chart categories. Exact is a corresponding match in the tool, not guaranteed interchangeability; Close has differences needing review.

What if the Replacement Chart cannot find my actuator?

Contact our customer support team with the original details for a manual cross-reference or potential custom option.

Find Your Replacement Linear Actuator

Start with the Progressive Automations Replacement Chart if you know the manufacturer or model. Review the indicated match and verify the complete configuration before purchasing. When the model is discontinued or compatibility is uncertain, our team can help evaluate the application.

Find Your Replacement | Browse Linear Actuators | Contact an Actuator Specialist