Hydraulic cylinders can have many different applications and are widely used in situations where there is no electricity for power, or where air can supply a larger amount of pressure. Many of these applications are in industrial and commercial settings, where it is very important to handle all equipment safely and to take a great deal of care when carrying out operations. Hydraulic lifting cylinders need special considerations and must be used with the right equipment in order to produce the best outcome and result. More importantly, this will keep everyone safe and will prevent injury whilst using and handling hydraulic cylinders.

Many of the hydraulic cylinders available are single acting. This is where a push or a pull force is needed, so the hydraulic fluid is acting on one side of the piston rod. This is different to a double acting hydraulic cylinder, where the piston rod is forced in two directions. It is important to know which type of cylinder is being used, how it works and how it should be used and managed. Only fully trained and competent individuals should ever be responsible for handling hydraulic cylinders and carrying out operations using them.

All hydraulic cylinders will have different capacities and will have different pressure requirements. Many have a maximum pressure of 700 bar and up to a 350mm stroke size. There are also more unique cylinders that will have slightly different usage purposes, like those that feature safety locks. These come in the form of a lock nut which will hold a position – it is recommended when a has to remain lifted in the same position over a long period of time, making it easier and safer to do so.

Many leading brands supply hydraulic lifting cylinders. There are plenty of options out there for consideration, all of which will provide very good options for different applications. It is simply a case of identifying the type, size, capacity and pressure that are needed to carry out safe and successful operations, depending on individual circumstances, as no two scenarios and environments will ever be quite the same.

Complementary Equipment to Use with Hydraulic Cylinders

Hydraulic cylinders can be used with a wide variety of equipment in a complementary way to ensure their safe and secure operation. These are some of the main accessories that might be needed when using a hydraulic cylinder:

• Hoses, valves and accessories. Hydraulic hoses are integral to any hydraulic application. There is a wide range of accessories available, like hydraulic gauges, manifolds, hoses, valves and pressure switches.
• Pumps. Did you know that a cylinder can be capable of using 30% more oil capacity if a pump is connected? There are two types of pumps: hand pumps and electric pumps. Pressure can be generated to operate the hydraulic cylinder, which will travel from the pump through the hose. For safety, it is important to select the correct voltage, and single or three phase.

Hydraulic tools can also be used in conjunction with these – there are tools such as chain cutters, puller kits, spreader wedges and more.