In article ,
James Waldby wrote:

Nick Müller wrote:
JohnM wrote:

Again, I think you should go with an electric motor..
three-phase would be ideal because you can reverse the motor

Wouldn't be a two stroke better? It can be reversed too and
hasn't 3 wires that can be easily confused. :-)

Why have a motor at all? Just use a 5'x8' piece of 1/2"
steel for the lid, and above it rig one of those large
magnets like they use on the cranes at junkyards. Turn
on the magnet to raise the lid, turn it off to lower it ...
what could be simpler?

-jiw

Much simpler to use propane. Let a bit in under the cover, strike a
match when you want it to go UP. Automatically lowers itself.

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