Industrial hydraulic systems perform tasks using pressurized fluids and are common in machinery such as hoists, forklifts, and other heavy equipment. If your system uses a hydraulic system, it is prudent to ensure it is installed correctly and maintained in top condition. In particular, you need to ensure that all the parts are running well, and we are going to look at one of the most important of them: the hydraulic cylinder.

A hydraulic cylinder is an actuation device used to pressurize hydraulic fluid so that it produces the expected motion and force. The devices can be either single-action or double-action model and work on Pascal’s Principle, which states that "Pressure is equal to the force divided by the area it acts on.” In this post, we will highlight the most important hydraulic cylinder accessories that you need to know:

Cylinder Head

The cylinder head is a very important part of the device because it helps to enclose the pressure chamber from one end. It features a rod sealing arrangement to allow it to support a seal gland. The head connects to the body of the cylinder with bolts, threading, or tie rods. For the cylinder to work well, a static-O-ring must also be used between the barrel and the head.

Piston

The hydraulic cylinder piston is used to help separate pressure zones inside the barrel. The piston is designed with grooves so that it can fit seals as well as bearing elements. The seals that are used on the cylinder can be either double-acting or single-acting. The cylinder piston is fitted with nuts and bolts to help transfer linear motion.

Magnetic Sensors for Position Monitoring

These sensors interrupt magnetic fields to measure the angular, linear, or rotary movements of magnets connected to moving parts. With continued use, the moving parts of the cylinder can get distorted, resulting in poor performance or safety risk. Therefore, the sensors help to signal you that it is time to repair the cylinder and entire hydraulic system.

Spherical Ball Bushings

Spherical ball bushings are designed to support rods or shafts with significant amounts of misalignments. They are also developed to work with high radial loads and guarantee optimal performance under extreme speed and stress. In a hydraulic cylinder, the spherical ball bushings feature a hole for optimal lubrication. In most cases, the bushings are the attachment points for the cylinder.

Pivot Pins

These pins help to hold the machine when running at high pressure. They absorb the force on the cylinder centerline and allow the hydraulic cylinder to change alignment on the same plane. To ensure that the cylinder works effectively, ensure the pins have ample diameter to withstand internal pressure.

The tools and accessories we have listed in this post are only a few of what you need. You should also learn about cushions, spherical rod eyes, alignment couplers, and rod clevis. This list will not be complete without having the right sets of screwdrivers and wrenches. Remember that even after installation, the hydraulic system requires proper maintenance for top-performance and safety.