What are tie-rod cylinders?

A tie-rod hydraulic cylinder uses threaded steel rods to hold two end caps to the ends of the cylinder barrel. Applications can use anywhere from 4 to 20 tie-rods depending on the bore diameter and operating pressure. A strong advantage of the tie-rod design is that it can be easily disassembled and examined for repair. Tie-rod cylinders are utilized in a large majority of industrial and heavy-duty manufacturing applications.

What are welded rod cylinders?

In a welded rod hydraulic cylinder, the barrel is welded directly to the end caps. The head cap can use a variety of retention methods such as threading or bolting. This design is generally well-received for mobile equipment due to the compact construction, internal bearing lengths, and duty cycle compared to tie-rod construction. However, the design does make inspection and repairs more difficult in the field due to requiring less conventional tools and equipment.

What are telescopic cylinders?

Telescopic hydraulic cylinders are typically used when a stroke length is required which is considerably longer than the retracted length. They are designed with a series of steel tubes, called stages, each progressively smaller in diameter and nested within each other.

Types of Hydraulic Cylinders

Which Configuration is Best for Your Cylinder Application?

No two cylinder applications are the same, and identifying the best type of hydraulic cylinder for your job and machinery can be difficult. Equipment specifications, pressure capacity, extended reach capabilities, and other factors all impact your buying decision. To help remove the stress from your process, this guide breaks down the available types of hydraulic cylinders and identifies their best applications.

Types of Hydraulic Cylinders & Cylinder Applications

Always consult your equipment’s manufacturer manual before purchasing any type of hydraulic cylinder. If you do not have your manual or are unsure which cylinder is suitable for your machinery, call Hydraulic Cylinders, Inc. today at 888-771-1894. We will get to know your equipment and walk you through identifying your best selection.

NFPA Tie-Rod Cylinders

A tie-rod hydraulic cylinder uses threaded steel rods to hold two end caps to the ends of the cylinder barrel. Anywhere from four to twenty tie-rod cylinders may be used, depending on the bore diameter and operating pressure. Advantages of tie-rod cylinders include easy disassembly for repair and examination, compact constructions, and standardized parts with widespread availability. This type of hydraulic cylinder powers low-pressure applications:

Machine tools
Automotive manufacturing equipment
Plastic processing machinery
Industrial manufacturing lines

Welded Rod Cylinders

Welded rod hydraulic cylinders feature a barrel welded directly to the end caps. The head cap can use a variety of retention methods, such as threading or bolting. The double-acting design offers a compact construction, internal bearing length options, high-pressure capabilities, and improved duty cycle compared to tie-rod cylinders. Welded rod cylinder applications include:

Excavators
Bulldozers
Cranes
Agricultural equipment

Telescopic Cylinders

Telescopic cylinders provide extended stroke lengths with a compact retracted package. They are designed with a series of steel tubes, called stages, and each is progressively smaller in diameter and nests within the previous stage. Two types of telescopic cylinders are available: single-acting and double-acting. The right choice will depend on your equipment requirements and cylinder application.

Single-acting telescopic cylinders use hydraulic pressure to extend and retract a single piston rod or sleeve. Gravity, load weight, or another external force returns the rod or sleeve to its non-pressurized state. They are a cost-effective and low-maintenance option commonly used in:

Dump trucks and trailers
Garbage trucks
Clamping devices
Platform truck trailers

Double-acting telescopic cylinders use hydraulic pressure to both extend and retract the rod or sleeve. They feature more complex constructions than single-acting configurations, offering greater precision, increased control, and more flexibility to a range of industrial and mobile applications:

Construction equipment
Agricultural machinery
Recycling and waste handling
Oil and gas equipment

HCI Will Identify the Best Type of Hydraulic Cylinder for Your Application

Hydraulic Cylinders, Inc. is your full-line supplier of hydraulic cylinders and cylinder component parts, and our team is standing by the ensure you choose the right type of hydraulic cylinder for your application and equipment. From offering same-day shipping on all in-stock inventory to tailoring custom designs to fit non-standard machinery, we are ready to supply suitable solutions to keep your job site moving.