A Brief Overview of Hydraulic Cylinders

Blog | January 28th, 2021

Many pieces of equipment and machines today are equipped with hydraulic systems due to their respectable functions. These systems are capable of utilising pressurised fluid and using it as the main source of power. As the liquid moves around the system, the equipment or machine becomes capable of doing heavy tasks such as lifting heavy loads and performing other hefty tasks.

Hydraulic systems cannot perform optimally if they do not maximise specific parts and components. One part of the system that can effectively makes it function is the hydraulic cylinder. It is a type of actuator that is responsible for the movement and control of the system. Usually, hydraulic cylinders are used for applications that require a strong push or pull force.

Working Principles of Hydraulic Cylinders

Hydraulic systems are designed to follow Pascal’s law, which states that the pressure applied to a fluid can be transmitted similarly to every point of the fluid as well as the walls of a closed container. The force, therefore, can be derived by multiplying pressure and area. 

Hydraulic cylinders also follow the principles of Pascal’s law. The pressure within the hydraulic systems is provided by a hydraulic pumping unit, while the area is the overall size of the hydraulic piston. Multiplying these elements can determine the amount of force that the hydraulic cylinder can exert and work on. With respect to the same law, the weight that can be pushed or lifted by this specific actuator will always be equal to the pressure provided by the pump multiplied by the size of the cylinder rod.

The ability of a hydraulic system to lift and move heavy load will usually depend on how big the cylinder is. If one intends to increase the pressure, then additional adjustments to the seals, valves, and cylinders on the systems might be required. Alternatively, the speed of the cylinders is dictated by the system.

Various Types of Hydraulic Cylinders

There are 4 types of hydraulic cylinders that can be utilised in certain applications.

• Single Acting Hydraulic Cylinders: This type of cylinder can effectively work where either a push or pull force is needed. This way, the hydraulic fluid will only act on one side of the piston rod. The operation of the cylinder in the other direction is then carried out by another force, which may include gravity, load weight, and spring. 
• Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinders: This type of cylinder directs the piston rod to both advance and retract directions by the hydraulic operation, allowing it to permit more control over the movement. This is ideal for tasks that require pressing and lifting with the same arm or another device.
• Telescopic Cylinders: Telescopic cylinders maximise a cylinder within a cylinder to effectively increase the distance lifted in just one stroke. These cylinders are normally used in tipping trucks and other applications that need an increase in the amount of movement that the cylinder can generate.
• Jack Cylinders: Jack cylinders are mobile cylinders that usually come in a wide variety of sizes. These cylinders are often used on the floor, with lifting weights of 5 to 50 tonnes. 

To know more about hydraulic cylinders, do not hesitate to contact us at Mobile Hydraulic Specialties.

Mobile Hydraulic Specialties Pty Ltd

Factory 89, 38-40 Popes Road
Keysborough, Victoria, 3173

Phone: (03) 9798-6511

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