Rebuilding a Hydraulic Cylinder

Despite your best efforts to prevent hydraulic cylinder failure, a time may come when your cylinders stop working dependably. Signs of a failing hydraulic cylinder include a loss in performance, leaking, jerking movements, unusual noises or clangs, fluid contamination, excessive heat, and more. The best way to address these issues is through repairing, rebuilding, or …

Benefits of Aftermarket Hydraulic Cylinders

OEM versus aftermarket products and components. It is a topic often associated with automotive with aftermarket parts and accessories yet the arguments for and against either one can be made for hydraulic cylinders. Historically, one of the biggest gripes with aftermarket products relates to quality. There has been the perception that aftermarket components cylinders are …

Common Causes of Hydraulic Cylinder Failure

Hydraulic cylinder failure can bring your operations to a standstill, resulting in lost revenue, time, and, potentially, jobs. It is necessary to understand the common causes and symptoms of hydraulic cylinder failure to avoid these costly outcomes. Signs and Symptoms of Hydraulic Cylinder Failure Your hydraulic cylinder will often display symptoms of an issue before …

Published: March 31, 2021 Last Updated: June 15, 2023 How To Series ,

Hydraulic Cylinder Mounts

Choosing the right hydraulic cylinder for your application needs remains a focal point for hydraulic cylinder design and manufacturing. However, selecting the correct hydraulic cylinder mount can minimize accelerated wear and tear in addition to keeping your cylinder running at optimal performance levels. Stability and strength provided by cylinder mounts can also aid in preventing …

The Importance of Hydraulic Fluid Viscosity

So, you’ve selected the right hydraulic cylinder that meets your needs. You have the power and performance needed to withstand rigorous daily demands. To ensure your hydraulic system continues performing optimally, fluid viscosity should be a top priority for hydraulic system efficiency and performance. While hydraulic cylinder maintenance is not exactly exciting, it also ensures …

Differences between Single-Acting and Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinders

For industrial heavy lifting packed with power, hydraulic cylinders offer you the unidirectional force needed to power your industrial equipment. Ideal for dump trailers and platform truck trailers, telescopic hydraulic cylinders provide the long stroke lengths needed for a variety of mobile applications. When deciding to purchase telescopic hydraulic cylinders, buyers are often tasked with …

Published: February 17, 2021 Last Updated: October 12, 2023 How To Series ,

What to Consider When Choosing a Telescopic Hydraulic Cylinder

Telescopic hydraulic cylinders are ideal for applications where force space is limited. Telescopic cylinders provide extended reach, making them perfect for heavy construction machinery, dump trucks, and other industrial mobile vehicles. While it may seem simple at first, choosing and buying the right hydraulic cylinder can be a time-consuming and overwhelming. Knowing you need a …

How to Choose the Right Hydraulic Cylinder

You know you need a different or new hydraulic cylinder. But where do you begin? Choosing the right hydraulic cylinder requires knowing what type of cylinder is best suited for your application requirements. It also requires understanding the size and operating factors necessary for optimal performance. Choose the Right Hydraulic Cylinder that Meets Your Needs …

How to Measure a Hydraulic Cylinder

When purchasing a hydraulic cylinder replacement, the best approach is to use your cylinder’s model number to determine which aftermarket cylinder is right for your machinery. However, if you are unsure of the model number, measuring your hydraulic cylinder is the next step in finding a suitable solution. Hydraulic Cylinders, Inc. can help. We offer …

Published: December 16, 2020 Last Updated: December 13, 2023 How To Series ,

How to Troubleshoot a Snow Plow Hydraulic Cylinder

It is that time of year again. Winter is here. It is unavoidable, often inciting chaos depending on how active mother nature decides to be. While you may not be able to control the weather, you can make sure your snow plow hydraulics are ready for whatever weather systems come your way. Learn how to …

When Should You Change Your Hydraulic Filters?

Routine maintenance. It sounds boring and in fact, it isn’t exactly an earth-shattering event. Regardless of how much excitement it elicits, it is also a necessary evil when properly maintaining your hydraulic system.  With its main function to remove dirt and particles from the hydraulic components. Particle contamination can wreak havoc on your system, with …

Published: November 11, 2020 Last Updated: June 15, 2023 How To Series, Hydraulic Cylinder Component Parts

The Differences between Standard and Custom-Made Hydraulic Cylinders

The decision to purchase a standard, off-the-shelf hydraulic cylinder or design a custom-made hydraulic cylinder largely depends on your specification requirements and application needs. Off-the-shelf hydraulic cylinders are usually in-stock and ready to ship, making them a quick fix if your hydraulic system has failed to the point of no return. Custom hydraulic cylinders offer …

Published: October 28, 2020 Last Updated: May 26, 2023 Custom Hydraulic Cylinders ,

Choosing a Custom Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturer

Designing a custom hydraulic cylinder may seem like a daunting task, but with the right engineering team, you can create a hydraulic cylinder that can meet your application’s demands. Standard, general-use hydraulic cylinders are manufactured to be multi-purpose. While they may be constructed with decent materials, they may not be able to withstand the daily …

How to Troubleshoot Hydraulic Cylinder Drift

High-performance and ruggedness are associated with desirable traits in a hydraulic cylinder. Meeting the industrial demands and rigors of mobile equipment work requires a performance-built, reliable hydraulic cylinder. When a hydraulic cylinder exhibits a problem, it is often due to hydraulic drift. Hydraulic drift is can result from internal leaks in piston seals, valves, or …

Published: September 30, 2020 Last Updated: June 27, 2023 How To Series ,

Bobcat Hydraulic Cylinder Replacement Cylinder Advantages

Which is better, aftermarket hydraulic cylinders or Bobcat OEM cylinders? It is an age-old question for which there is not a clear cut answer. Preferences often dictate subjective responses. It is easy to find OEM enthusiasts as well as aftermarket enthusiasts. Regardless of enthusiasm or preferences, there are factors to consider when choosing an aftermarket …

How to Troubleshoot Hydraulic Cylinder Failure

You and your fleet are hard at work when disaster strikes—hydraulic cylinder failure. Hydraulic cylinder troubleshooting is a fundamental step that can help pinpoint the problem and get your system back on track. A thorough assessment might take longer than expected, but it can also find the root of the hydraulic cylinder failure to ensure …

Published: September 2, 2020 Last Updated: March 26, 2024 How To Series

Installing a New Hydraulic Cylinder

This how-to guide provides an overview of the steps needed for replacing a hydraulic cylinder, including prep work, removing your old cylinder, installing a new hydraulic cylinder, and important safety precautions for hydraulic cylinder replacement. Hydraulic Cylinder Installation Prep Work Before installing your new hydraulic cylinder, the first step is to create a safe workspace for …

Published: August 19, 2020 Last Updated: January 2, 2024 How To Series

Avoiding Hydraulic Fluid Contamination

With 75% to 80% of hydraulic system failures stemming from fluid contamination, the importance of avoiding hydraulic fluid contamination cannot be overstated. Keeping your hydraulic fluids contaminant-free can mean consistent, optimal system performance and lessens the chances of downtime due to hydraulic system replacement or repair. Major Hydraulic Fluid Contamination Forms Air Contamination. Commonly presented …

Temperature Stability in Hydraulic Systems

To elicit optimal hydraulic cylinder performance, it is necessary to have temperature stability through all lubricating and hydraulic fluids. Excessive heat, as well as cold temperatures, can wreak havoc on your hydraulic cylinders. Fluid viscosity and component materials can be compromised by temperature extremes within hydraulic systems. These extremes can cause performance issues and/or complete …

Published: July 21, 2020 Last Updated: June 27, 2023 How To Series