How to identify a hydraulic cylinder?
Release Time :
2025-02-11
Hydraulic Cylinder Type Identification
You can easily differentiate between single-acting and double-acting hydraulic cylinders by checking the number of hydraulic ports, the presence of a retract mechanism, and the overall cylinder design.

Single-acting hydraulic cylinder
One hydraulic port on the cylinder body
No hydraulic port on the other end of the cylinder
May have a spring or other mechanism to retract the piston rod
Double-acting hydraulic cylinder:
Two hydraulic ports, located on either end of the cylinder body
No external spring or mechanism to retract the piston rod Hoses or tubes connected to either end of the cylinder
Other factors to consider when identifying a hydraulic cylinder include
Mounting style (e.g., clevis, trunnion, or eye-of-the-needle mount)
Cylinder body construction (e.g., tie rod, welded, or threaded)
Additional features such as cushioning or position sensing
Key measurements for specifying a cylinder
Bore
This is the inside diameter of the cylinder barrel. It determines the force output of the cylinder. Standard bores are typically 1.5 to 5 inches in 0.5-inch increments, but can be larger.
If the cylinder has been disassembled, measure the bore directly.
If assembled, measure the outer cylinder diameter and subtract the wall thickness to estimate the bore size.
Rod Diameter
This is the outside diameter of the rod going in and out of the cylinder. A larger rod will increase strength but will reduce the effective force area on the rod side. Measure the rod diameter with a caliper. Common rod sizes are 0.5 to 2.5 inches, depending on the bore size.

Conclusion
Identifying a hydraulic cylinder is critical for maintenance and replacement. Always check the part number (usually stamped or engraved on the cylinder) and measure the size if necessary.
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