Two numbers will make or break your actuator selection — force and stroke. Get them right and your project works first time. Get them wrong and you're back to square one. At FIRGELLI we make over 50 different actuator models covering forces from 4 lbs all the way up to 2,200 lbs, and strokes from 1 inch to 60 inches. That range exists because no two applications are the same — and this guide exists so you pick the right one for yours.
Whether you're a first-time builder automating a TV lift or an engineer specifying actuators for industrial equipment, this guide will walk you through the full FIRGELLI lineup by force range, explain what sets each category apart, and help you match specs to real-world requirements. By the end you'll know not just which actuator to choose, but exactly why it's the right choice.
What Do Force and Stroke Actually Mean?
Force is the maximum load the actuator can push or pull. It's measured in pounds or Newtons and assumes the load is applied straight along the actuator's axis. Mount it at an angle, add any side load, or introduce friction — and the effective force drops. So when you're sizing an actuator, always add a margin. We recommend at least 25-30% on top of the calculated load, and more for industrial or safety-critical applications.
Stroke is simply how far the rod travels from fully retracted to fully extended. A 12-inch stroke moves the load 12 inches — or more or less, depending on your linkage geometry. You need to know this before you order, because choosing the wrong stroke means the project doesn't work, and there's no fixing that after installation.
These 2 specs aren't independent of each other either. Higher force means bigger motors, stronger gears, and heavier construction — which also means slower speed and a larger physical footprint. A 1,000 lb actuator is not going to move as fast as a 50 lb one. That trade-off between force, speed, and size is something you need to factor into every selection decision.
Ultra-Light Precision Actuators: 0-50 lbs Force Range
If your application is tight on space or the load is light, this is where you start. Our Micro Linear Actuators in this range are built for precision — small electronics enclosures, ventilation control, compact robotics, camera positioning. Anywhere that space is at a premium and you don't need brute force.
Micro Pen Actuators (4-22 lbs, 1-4" stroke)
These are barely bigger than a marker pen. 4 to 22 lbs of force, 1 to 4 inches of stroke. If you need to move something small in a very tight space — a vent flap, an electronics panel, a miniature robotic joint — this is the one. Don't let the size fool you, these are built to the same manufacturing standard as our larger models, including limit switch protection.
Silent Micro and Utility Actuators (8-35 lbs, 1-8" stroke)
The Silent Micro Linear Actuator (22 lbs, 1-8" stroke) is specifically designed for home automation where noise matters. Motorized cabinet doors, hidden storage, automated window treatments — anywhere a loud actuator would ruin the experience. The Micro Utility Actuator (8-35 lbs, 1-8" stroke) trades some of the quiet for a lower price point, making it a solid choice for DIY projects and prototyping where budget matters.
Versatile Compact Models
We also have Mini Linear Actuators (15 lbs, 2-12" stroke), Bullet Series 23 Cal (26 lbs, 1-12" stroke), Mini Track Linear Actuators (35 lbs, 5-35" stroke), and High Speed Linear Actuators (22 lbs, 2-38" stroke). That 38-inch stroke on the High Speed model is worth noting — it lets you cover serious travel distance with a light load, which is exactly what you need for camera sliders, automated curtain tracks, or extended louvre systems.
Mid-Range Workhorse Actuators: 50-200 lbs Force Range
This is our most popular range — and for good reason. The 50-200 lb category covers the majority of real-world applications. TV lifts, desk lifts, vehicle hatches, motorized furniture, boat compartments. If you're not sure where to start, start here.
C-Series Actuators (45-225 lbs, 1-30" stroke)
The C-Series is one of our most versatile lines. 45 to 225 lbs of force, 1 to 30 inches of stroke, clean compact housing, integrated limit switches, clevis mounting at both ends. These work brilliantly in furniture automation — TV Lifts, height-adjustable desks, motorized storage beds — and equally well in vehicle applications like camper hatch automation or truck topper lifts. IP54 rated, so dust and light moisture are handled. A very solid all-rounder.
Classic and Adjustable Rod Actuators
Classic Rod Linear Actuators (35-200 lbs, 1-24" stroke) use an exposed rod design, which gives you flexible mounting options and the ability to visually confirm the actuator's position at a glance. The Adjustable Stroke version (35-200 lbs, 1-29" stroke) goes one step further — it has mechanical stops you can set in the field after installation. That's a really useful feature when you're not 100% sure of the final geometry until everything is assembled, or when 1 model needs to serve a few similar applications with slightly different dimensions.
P-Series and Feedback Options
P-Series Actuators (32-200 lbs, 1-30" stroke) are our cost-effective option when you need solid performance without paying for premium features. When position feedback matters — and for synchronized systems it absolutely does — step up to the Feedback Rod Linear Actuators (35-200 lbs, 2-12" stroke) or Optical Feedback Actuators (35-400 lbs, 1-30" stroke). The built-in potentiometer or optical encoder sends position data to your controller, enabling precise stops, closed-loop synchronization, and programmable intermediate positions. Essential for solar panel tracking, automated medical equipment, or any precision positioning application.
Specialized Mid-Range Models
We also offer Sleek Rod Tubular Actuators (40-150 lbs, 3-30" stroke) for applications where aesthetics count — the cylindrical housing looks clean in a visible installation. Deluxe Rod Actuators (100 lbs, 3-36" stroke) give you extended stroke in a premium package. For more force in a compact body, the Utility Linear Actuator (110-330 lbs, 2-12" stroke) punches well above its size, and the Bullet Series Mini (20-110 lbs, 1-8" stroke) combines the distinctive Bullet aesthetic with practical versatility.
Heavy-Duty Actuators: 200-400 lbs Force Range
Once you're above 200 lbs, you're into serious hardware. Boat hatches, large access panels on industrial equipment, heavy vehicle modifications, architectural automation. These actuators are built heavier throughout — bigger motors, reinforced housings, more robust limit switches.
Super Duty Actuators (220-450 lbs, 2-40" stroke)
The Super Duty range bridges mid-range and full industrial, with 220 to 450 lbs of force and stroke options up to 40 inches. IP66 weatherproofing means these handle outdoor and marine environments without issues. We see these used constantly in boat deck hatches, RV slide-outs, large overhead doors, and agricultural equipment. The 40-inch stroke is a genuine advantage here — it simplifies your mechanical design and cuts component count by handling the full travel in a single actuator.
Heavy Duty Rod Actuators (200-1000 lbs, 3-30" stroke)
This is our broadest single product line by force range — 200 to 1,000 lbs across the same product family. That span covers moderate industrial lifting right up to serious heavy equipment positioning. The exposed rod design makes custom mounting straightforward and lets you see at a glance where the actuator is in its travel. Built for continuous industrial service.
Track and Specialized Designs
Heavy Duty Track Actuators (200-400 lbs, 10-60" stroke) use an enclosed track design that handles side loads far better than any rod-style actuator. That 10 to 60-inch stroke range makes them ideal for large door automation, industrial conveyor positioning, or kinetic architectural installations where you need both long travel and heavy load capacity in one unit.
The Bullet Series 35 Cal (22-270 lbs, 6-28" stroke) and Bullet Series 36 Cal (224 lbs, 6-24" stroke) are worth considering when the installation is visible and you don't want an industrial-looking unit. The cylindrical housing is distinctive and clean. The Column Lift (400 lbs, 25-39" stroke) uses a telescoping column design — the go-to choice for Standing Desks and medical examination tables where integrated guiding and long stroke matter.
Industrial-Strength Actuators: 400-2200 lbs Force Range
This is the top of the range. Industrial Actuators for demanding commercial and industrial environments. Oversized motors, reinforced screws, heavy-gauge steel, industrial-grade sealing. When something absolutely has to work every cycle without fail, this is where you look.
Bullet Series 50 Cal Actuators (500-1124 lbs, 6-40" stroke)
The largest in our Bullet family delivers 500 to 1,124 lbs with strokes up to 40 inches. Despite the serious force rating, the sleek cylindrical design still keeps the aesthetics clean — useful for theatrical automation and large-scale architectural projects where industrial appearance would be out of place. Heavy machinery access panels, large industrial door systems, major vehicle modifications — this is where these earn their keep.
Power Max Heavy Duty Actuators (900-1500 lbs, 6-40" stroke)
Power Max is our premium heavy-duty line, engineered for continuous industrial duty. 900 to 1,500 lbs, built to run hard. Construction equipment, industrial presses, heavy conveyors, large-scale automated machinery — applications where downtime isn't acceptable and maintenance windows are limited. These are specified when reliability is non-negotiable.
Industrial Heavy Duty Linear Actuator (2,200 lbs, 10-35" stroke)
2,200 lbs. That's the ceiling of what we make in an electric linear actuator — and it represents a serious engineering achievement. 10 to 35 inches of stroke with reinforced mounting points, oversized internals, and industrial-grade sealing throughout. If your application genuinely needs maximum force from an electric linear actuator, this is the answer. There's nothing comparable in our range above it.
What Else Should You Consider Beyond Force and Stroke?
Force and stroke get you to the right shortlist. These factors narrow it down to the right model.
Speed and Duty Cycle
Speed and force trade off against each other — that's just physics. A Micro Actuator might extend at 1-2 inches per second. An industrial unit at 0.3-0.5 inches per second. For a TV lift you want smooth, moderate speed. For an emergency hatch you want maximum speed. Know which matters more for your application before you choose.
Duty cycle is the percentage of time the actuator can run without overheating. 20% means 2 minutes on, 8 minutes rest per cycle. Furniture automation, vehicle hatches, occasional positioning — these all fall well within a 20% duty cycle. Conveyors, continuous positioning systems, frequent cycling — these need actuators rated for 50% or 100% duty. Running beyond the rated duty cycle kills motors. It's not a guideline, it's a hard limit.
Voltage and Power
Most of our actuators run on 12V DC — the standard for automotive, marine, and renewable energy systems. 24V versions are available for industrial systems or where long wire runs would cause unacceptable voltage drop on 12V. Make sure your Power Supply can handle the peak current draw, not just the average — peak current at startup can be 2-3x the running current.
Environmental Protection
IP54 covers dust and light moisture — fine for indoor and protected outdoor use. IP66 handles direct water spray and heavy dust — you need this for marine, outdoor, or washdown environments. Specifying the wrong IP rating in a wet environment is one of the most common causes of premature actuator failure. Don't cut corners here.
Mounting and Integration
Actuators mount via clevis ends, threaded rods, flanges, or custom brackets. Work out your mounting geometry before you order — it affects stroke selection, bracket choice, and which models physically fit your space. For anything beyond a basic switch, Control Boxes and Remote Controls are available to give you proper control over the system.
What Gets Used Where?
0-50 lbs Applications
Small vent positioning, compact electronics enclosures, camera positioning, miniature robotics, automated plant watering, small door locks, electronic device adjustment, compact display automation. Space is tight, force requirements are modest, precision matters.
50-200 lbs Applications
TV Lifts, adjustable desks, Murphy beds, truck topper lifts, camper hatches, custom consoles, hidden storage, automated pet doors, window automation, DIY robotics. This is where the vast majority of home automation and vehicle projects land.
200-400 lbs Applications
Boat hatch automation, RV slide-outs, large overhead doors, agricultural equipment, theatrical rigging, solar panel positioning, large furniture systems, vehicle wheelchair lifts. You need serious construction and weatherproofing in this range.
400-2200 lbs Applications
Construction equipment, industrial presses, heavy conveyor automation, large-scale architectural systems, industrial door systems, manufacturing equipment, heavy vehicle modifications, commercial lifting platforms. When the load is serious and failure isn't an option.
How Do You Control Them?
Simple projects use a basic rocker switch — reverse the polarity to reverse the direction. Done. More sophisticated systems use Control Boxes with integrated relays, programmable controllers for intermediate positioning, or Arduino-based systems for custom automation logic.
If you need precise positioning or synchronized movement across multiple actuators, you need Feedback Actuators. The built-in potentiometer or optical encoder feeds position data back to your controller so it can correct any drift and hold exact positions. Don't try to synchronize 2 actuators without feedback — minor speed differences will cause binding and mechanical stress that will eventually damage your system.
For wireless control, Remote Control systems handle that cleanly. Particularly useful for vehicle modifications and boat automation where you need to operate from different locations.
Do They Need Maintenance?
No. FIRGELLI actuators are sealed and self-lubricating. The lead screw and gearbox assemblies are greased for life inside a sealed housing. Sealed bearings throughout — no grease points, no scheduled maintenance. Keep the mounting bolts tight, keep the electrical connections clean, and operate within the rated specs. That's it.
In controlled environments within rated specifications, you can expect well over 100,000 cycles. When actuators fail prematurely, it's almost always an application issue rather than a product defect — overloading, side loading from poor mounting geometry, undersized power supply causing voltage sag, or an IP rating mismatch with the environment. Get the selection right upfront and these things run for years.
Need More Technical Help?
For complex applications, our Linear Actuator Engineering Guide goes deep — force calculations, mounting geometry effects, duty cycle analysis, control system design. Sections 5-6 specifically cover selection methodology including how force and stroke interact with linkage geometry and mechanical advantage.
If your application involves lateral loads alongside linear motion, our Slide Rails and Drawer Slides complement actuators by carrying the side load so the actuator only has to deal with its primary push/pull function. Linear Bearings take that further when precision and minimal play are required.
If you're still not sure after reading this, call us or send a message. Our technical team has seen thousands of applications over the years — if your project has a wrinkle we haven't seen before, that would genuinely surprise us.
Making Your Actuator Selection
Start with force and stroke — these two numbers narrow the field dramatically. Then work through speed, duty cycle, voltage, IP rating, and mounting. If you do that methodically you'll land on the right actuator every time.
We make over 50 models because applications vary that much. From a 4 lb Micro Actuator moving a tiny mechanism to a 2,200 lb Industrial Actuator driving heavy equipment — the range exists so you don't have to compromise. Pick the right one and it'll run reliably for years. Pick the wrong one and you'll know about it quickly.
Browse the individual product pages for full specs, dimensional drawings, performance curves, and CAD files. And if you need help narrowing it down, get in touch — we're here to help you get it right.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the force required for my application?
For horizontal movement, multiply the object weight by the coefficient of friction — typically 0.3-0.5 for sliding surfaces. For lifting, calculate the vertical force component based on your mounting angle. Then add a 30-50% safety margin on top to account for friction, binding, and wear over time. If your geometry is complex — angled mounting, linkages, multi-stage mechanisms — the Linear Actuator Engineering Guide has detailed calculation methods for the most common scenarios. Or just get in touch and we'll work through it with you.
What stroke length do I need?
Measure the distance between the fully closed and fully open positions of your application. Add a small margin — typically half an inch to 1 inch — so the actuator doesn't reach a hard mechanical limit during normal operation. If you're using linkages or angled mounting, calculate the required actuator stroke separately from the actual component travel, as they won't be the same. If you're not sure of the exact geometry yet, the Adjustable Stroke models let you set the end stop after installation.
Can I use multiple actuators together?
Yes — but synchronization is critical. For basic setups, use identical models on a single switch and they'll track reasonably well due to matching characteristics. For anything that needs precise synchronization, you need Feedback Actuators with a closed-loop controller that actively corrects position drift. Never assume force simply adds up across multiple actuators — actual load distribution depends on mounting geometry and balance. Keep each actuator within its own rated force capacity.
What is the difference between Rod-Style and Track-Style actuators?
Rod-style actuators have an exposed telescoping rod — compact when retracted, and you can see the position at a glance. The downside is the exposed rod is vulnerable to side loads and contamination. Track Actuators enclose everything inside a housing with a sliding carriage, giving you far better side load resistance, better environmental protection, and smoother travel over long strokes. Use Track Actuators for extended strokes, outdoor/marine environments, or any application with significant lateral forces. Use rod-style where space is tight and side loads are minimal.
How do I control actuator speed?
Speed is set by the internal motor and gear ratio — it's a fixed characteristic of the model you choose. You can reduce speed by dropping the supply voltage or using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) via a motor controller or Arduino, but be aware this also reduces force and can cause overheating in high-duty-cycle applications since motors run less efficiently at reduced speed. The right approach is to choose a model with the base speed you need, rather than trying to modify speed significantly after the fact.
12V or 24V — which should I choose?
Most of our actuators are 12V, which matches automotive, marine, and solar system standards. Choose 12V unless you have a specific reason not to. Go with 24V when you're integrating into an existing industrial 24V control system, when wire runs exceed 20-30 feet and voltage drop on 12V becomes an issue, or when you're running multiple high-current actuators and want to simplify the wiring. Mechanical performance is identical — voltage choice is purely about electrical compatibility and efficiency.
Do FIRGELLI actuators require regular maintenance?
No. They're sealed and greased for life. Internal components run in sealed environments — no grease points, nothing to service. Keep mounting bolts tight, keep electrical connections clean, operate within spec. For outdoor or marine installations, check for corrosion at mounting points periodically and confirm the environmental seals are still intact. That's genuinely all that's needed. The maintenance-free design is one of the key advantages electric actuators have over hydraulic systems.
What is duty cycle and why does it matter?
Duty cycle is the percentage of time the actuator can run before it needs to rest and cool down. A 20% duty cycle means 2 minutes on, 8 minutes off per cycle. The motor generates heat during operation — run it beyond the rated duty cycle and it overheats, which shortens lifespan and can cause failure. Intermittent applications like TV lifts, vehicle hatches, or occasional positioning are well within a typical 20-25% rating. If you need frequent or continuous operation, specify actuators rated for 50% or 100% duty cycle — or plan your control system to enforce rest periods.
