Apr . 12, 2024 11:09 Back to list

What are Single Acting & Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinders

If you need power, there’s nothing like a hydraulic cylinders to deliver a big punch. It’s the workhorse of the industrial world for the heaviest lifters, stadium lights and movers, including bulldozers, dump & Toe Trucks.

What is the difference between Single acting and Double acting hydraulic Cylinders?

Single Acting cylinder only extends by pressure from a pump and then retracts by the weight of the load or by an inbuilt spring. A Double Acting cylinder uses hydraulic power to both extend and retract.
A simple way to tell the cylinders apart is by looking at the number of ports. A Single Acting cylinder will have one port for the connection of a hydraulic cylinders Hydraulic Hose Fittings A Double Acting cylinder will have TWO ports. The first port is where the “advance” (extend) Hydraulic Hose Fittings will attach and the second is where the “retract” Hydraulic Hose Fittings will attach.

Advantages of Single Acting Cylinder or Pneumatic Cylinders

The cylinder of this hydraulic cylinder is a 90 / 105 inner wall rolling pipe, number 20 carbon steel.

A single acting hydraulic cylinder is simpler, so there is less to maintain. With only one line the action of the cylinder is determined entirely by the pressure on that one line. They often have a spring or something similar to push or retract the piston rod, but they might rely on the force on end to push it back. Simplicity is always good for equipment that needs to be rugged and reliable.

Advantages of Double Acting Cylinder or Pneumatic Cylinders

A double acting cylinder alternates cycles of pressurized fluid to both sides of the piston and creates extend and retract forces to move the piston rod, permitting more control over the movement. Using a control system made up of a 2-, 3-, 4- way position valve would be required to achieve the desired movement for your application.

What it comes down to when selecting which type of cylinder is the amount of control that you need versus what you can afford to have in place. If the heavy lifting, so to speak, is only in one direction, a single acting hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder may be your best bet. If you are moving a part in two directions and need to have full control, it’s best to have a double acting hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.