What are standard hydraulic cylinders?

Standard hydraulic cylinders are common in applications where high nominal strength and mounting space restrictions are not a concern. The extended stroke length of a standard hydraulic cylinder is less than the overall length of the barrel. The main distinguishing feature of a standard hydraulic cylinder is the head and base of the cylinder barrel is welded, screwed, or connected with bolts or nuts. Standard hydraulic cylinders are used in mobile machinery, steel and iron working, civil engineering, presses, cranes, offshore applications, and shipbuilding.

What are telescopic hydraulic cylinders?

Telescopic hydraulic cylinders are used in hydraulic lifting applications, or where large amplitudes of motion are needed but limited space is available. Telescopic hydraulic cylinders are made up of multiple stages, where the piston rod collapses into a larger piston rod, two or more times. This allows the telescopic hydraulic cylinder to extend to at least two times the length of the barrel. Telescopic hydraulic cylinders are used in mobile and industrial hydraulic systems such as dumping, lifting, and applications where space is a consideration.

What are tie-rod hydraulic cylinders?

The main distinguishing feature of the tie-rod cylinder is its construction style. The top and bottom of the tie-rod cylinder, as well as the cylinder barrel, are connected together by four or more tie-rods that extend from the head to the base of the tie-rod cylinder to hold it together. Tie-rod cylinders function as standard hydraulic cylinders. Tie-rod hydraulic cylinders are used in industrial machine tools, the automotive industry, plastics machinery, transfer lines, and other manufacturing devices.

What type of hydraulic cylinder should I use in my application?

Choosing a hydraulic cylinder for your operations can be challenging. There are several types of hydraulic cylinders available today, each designed for a specific application. Understanding the different uses and applications of each cylinder type is key to ensuring the longevity, dependability, and efficiency of your operations.

Keep reading to learn about hydraulic cylinder applications so you can select the right cylinder model for your needs.

Common Hydraulic Cylinder Applications

Telescopic Hydraulic Cylinders

Telescopic hydraulic cylinders are used in hydraulic lifting applications or where a large range of motion is needed in a limited space. These cylinders are made with stages, where the piston rod collapses into a larger piston rod multiple times, allowing the cylinder to extend and retract at least two times the length of the barrel. Standard applications of telescopic hydraulic cylinders include:

Dumping
Lifting
Garbage trucks
Transfer trailers
Platform truck trailers

Welded Hydraulic Cylinders

Welded hydraulic cylinders feature welded barrels and end caps to strengthen their design, improve structural integrity, and minimize leak points. These durable cylinders are compact and ideal for heavy-duty applications with limited space. Common welded cylinder applications include:

Boom arm lifts
Crane grapples
Landscaping skid steers
Snow plows
Forklifts

Tie-Rod Hydraulic Cylinders

Tie-rod hydraulic cylinders are known for their unique design, where the top, bottom, and barrel are connected by four or more tie-rod that extend from the head to the base of the cylinder. These rods hold the cylinder together and reinforce their hydraulic actions. Tie-rod hydraulic cylinders are used in:

Industrial machine tools
Automotive projects
Plastics machinery
Transfer lines
Manufacturing devices

Choosing Between Single-Acting and Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinders

At Hydraulic Cylinders, Inc., we offer the three main types of hydraulic cylinders: telescopic, welded, and tie-rod. Each of these cylinder categories can be further broken down into single-acting cylinders and double-acting cylinders. Single-acting hydraulic cylinders apply force on the piston in only one direction. They rely on gravity or a counterweight to return to their resting state.

Double-acting cylinders can apply force in two directions, increasing precision for both extension and retraction. They can be used for more complex control systems, such as horizontal pushing and pulling in a compactor, extending a plow, or in the controls of complex digging equipment.

In addition to selecting the right type of cylinder for your application, consider whether a single-acting or double-acting cylinder is the better solution. Contact us with any questions and a team member will assist you.

Order Hydraulic Cylinders for Your Applications from Hydraulic Cylinders, Inc.

Ready to order hydraulic cylinders? Hydraulic Cylinders, Inc. is a full-line supplier of performance-built aftermarket hydraulic cylinders and components. With our FASTSHIP same-day shipping services, we get you the cylinders you need to demolish downtime and keep your operations up and running. Our team of industry experts can answer any questions and find a solution that works for you.