A linear actuator assembly (30) having an inner sleeve (100) which moves in a first direction or in an opposite second direction relative to a fixed outer sleeve (90) between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position. The linear actuator assembly (30) includes a stop mechanism (99, 112) limiting the movement of the inner sleeve (100) relative to the outer sleeve (90) in the extended position, the stop mechanism (99, 112) having a first portion (99) associated with said outer sleeve (90) and a second portion (112) associated with said inner sleeve (100) with the first (99) and second (112) portions abutting each other when said inner sleeve (100) is in the extended position to define a hard stop.