Exploring the Common Types of Hydraulic Cylinders

Types of Hydraulic Cylinders

Hydraulic cylinders are crucial to the functionality of your application. Choosing the right functional cylinder type can help ensure optimal performance and service life. Let’s explore some of the most common types of hydraulic cylinders.

Contact our team to help select the right cylinder type for your application.  

How to Choose the Right Type of Hydraulic Cylinders For Your Application

Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinders

Double-acting hydraulic cylinders are intended to work in both directions with both the extend and retract function powered by the hydraulic system. Retract (pull) force is less than extend (push) force in this design. Double-acting cylinders are one of the most common and versatile cylinder types found in the marketplace and are used in various applications. 

Displacement Hydraulic Cylinders

Unlike double-acting cylinders, displacement hydraulic cylinders are designed to work in the extend direction only, classifying this design as a single-acting hydraulic cylinder. Displacement cylinders do not have a piston but instead, extend by displacing the rod with hydraulic oil. Displacement cylinders are retracted by an external force, often gravity or another cylinder. Load dumping or angling plow blades are common applications for this type of cylinder. 

Rephasing Hydraulic Cylinders

Rephasing hydraulic cylinders are designed to keep two or more cylinders synchronized as they work together. Rephasing is usually accomplished by allowing oil to bypass at one or both ends of the cylinder stroke. Rephasing cylinders are used to maintain level or even operation of the application. 

Double Rod Hydraulic Cylinders

Double rod hydraulic cylinders feature a piston between two rods extending out of both ends of the cylinder barrel. These cylinders are most commonly double-acting, but unlike standard double-acting cylinders, double rod cylinders have the same working force in both directions. Double rod cylinders are commonly used in steering or shuttle applications.  

Rod-Fed Hydraulic Cylinders

Rod-fed hydraulic cylinders are designed with ports located in the cylinder rod or rod-end mount. They can be single- or double-acting and are highly customized for specific application needs. Rod fed cylinders are generally used when there is a significant advantage or need within the application to locate the hose ports in the rod-end mount. 

Spring Extend or Retract Hydraulic Cylinders

Spring extend or retract hydraulic cylinders are single-acting cylinders that are extended or retracted with hydraulic pressure and use an internal or external spring to return the cylinder to the home position. Common applications include latch pins or braking systems. 

Cushion Hydraulic Cylinders

Cushion hydraulic cylinders slow the speed of the cylinder piston before it reaches the end of the stroke. This reduces the impact noise, vibration, and mechanical shock created. Cushions can be incorporated into the design of most hydraulic cylinder types and are often used in applications functioning at higher speeds and with heavy loads.  

Telescopic Hydraulic Cylinders

Telescopic hydraulic cylinders are multi-stage cylinders used in applications seeking short overall collapsed lengths as compared to standard cylinders of the same stroke. Telescopic cylinders can be single or double-acting and can incorporate many custom design features. Single-acting telescopic cylinders are often used in dump box applications. 

Still Haven’t Found the Cylinder Type You Are Looking For? 

Aurelius Manufacturing has the experience and expertise to develop the solution you need. Contact our team today to start the discussion on your application. 

Choose Aurelius Manufacturing As Your Custom Hydraulic Cylinder Partner 

With nearly 100 years in business and over 40 years specializing in the design and manufacture of hydraulic cylinders, we have the experience and expertise to be a trusted partner. Our approach makes us different and we work every day to build our team and deliver exceptional value to you.

We practice a collaborative design approach. Our team listens to your specific needs, adds our cylinder design experience, and develops a solution tailor-made for you. We can develop a design with the cylinder bore, rod diameter, stroke length, porting, and mounting that will work best for your application. 

We have experience with many cylinder types including standard single and double-acting, displacement, double rod, telescopic, trunnion mount, rod fed, and more. We commonly work with operating pressures up to 5000 PSI and have extensive experience integrating cartridge valves and position sensors.

Contact our team to get started today!

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