Hydraulic Cylinder Parts Guide
It is essential to understand the functions each component in a hydraulic cylinder performs and how it interacts with other members part of the equipment. Knowing the features inside is vital to remove, rebuilding, or repair a hydraulic cylinder.
To help, we’ve created this comprehensive list of hydraulic cylinder components. Learn more about hydraulic cylinder parts and how they’re put together.
What Are the Different Parts of a Hydraulic Cylinder?
A hydraulic cylinder comprises eight essential components, including the clevis and gland, port(s) rod, barrel, a cap that closes at the end, and seal. When combined, these components enable the hydraulic device to pressurize the fluid, allowing the piston to create energy for machines.
The Clevis
The clevis is a mounting system used for hydraulic Cylinders. This part can be described as a pivot mounting that allows a hydraulic piston to turn into only one range of motion along an axis.
The Port
A port (or ports in double-acting hydraulic cylinders) is where fluid flows into and leaves the system. In double-acting hydraulic cylinders, the ports are located on either side of the hydraulic cylinder, with the piston positioned between the ports.
The End Cap
The cap at the end covers the chamber on one side of the hydraulic barrel. It’s also referred to as the cylinder head, also known as”the “blind end” due to its position inside the barrel of the cylinder, which blocks any light exposure to sunlight.
The Piston
Within the hydraulic piston, it separates the pressure zones inside the barrel of the cylinder. The back-and-forth movement that the whole piston system produces creates energy.
The Barrel
A cylinder’s hydraulic tube is the one that’s maintaining the pressure in the cylinder and also houses the piston. The barrels of hydraulic cylinders must be constructed of highly robust materials that can withstand their anxiety and stress.
The Rod
Also called the piston rod, it is among the most essential and crucial components of a hydraulic cylinder. The rod is a component of the piston that expands and retracts, which creates the motion the hydraulic cylinder needs to function.
The Gland
Also called the hydraulic cylinder gland or these glands’ the gland is outfitted with several seals that prevent the leakage of pressurized fluid beyond the piston rod or head of the cylinder. They are crucial as leaks could cause misalignment or damage to the piston.
The Seal
Seals are located in the hydraulic cylinder and are constructed of various materials based on the use to stop leakage from the system. They are built to last through repeated piston rods moving through and out of the barrel of the cylinder.
Hydraulic cylinder manufacturers are responsible for designing and producing high-quality hydraulic cylinders that play a critical role in various industries, from heavy machinery and construction equipment to aerospace and manufacturing.
How are Hydraulic Cylinders Assembled?
The most fundamental steps to hydraulic cylinder assembly include:
- Then, the seals (piston, cylinder head, etc.) are installed. The seals (for the cylinder head, piston, etc.) are put in their appropriate places, along with the snap ring and bearing.
- The cylinder head, as well as the piston, are then connected to the rod for the cylinder.
- Seals on the head of the cylinder and piston are coated with oil.
- After the rod has been put together, it’s prepared for tube installation
- The tube is fitted horizontally on an install bench where a bearing is placed, and the tubing is then meticulously cleaned from within.
- The piston rod is put into the tube starting with the piston’s end.
- After these are completed when they are done, the grease nipples, as well as bearings, are put in place.