single acting vs double acting hydraulic pump brands

When comparing single-acting vs double-acting hydraulic cylinders, the most visible difference is the number of couplers or connection ports. A single-acting hydraulic cylinder includes just one port. This is where the hydraulic fluid enters and forces the plunger out in one direction. A double-acting cylinder includes two ports. One for the hydraulic fluid to enter and extend the plunger, and the other for retracting the cylinder.

The plunger in a single-acting hydraulic cylinder extends when hydraulic fluid under high pressure is pumped into the cylinder. When it is time to retract the cylinder, depending upon the cylinder design, the plunger can be retracted using a return spring, by the load, or simply by gravity.

In a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, the plunger retracts when hydraulic fluid is pumped under high pressure into the top port, forcing the plunger back to its original position. This can be done quickly, if required, or very gradually with precise control.

The single-acting cylinder is simpler than its double-acting counterpart. With fewer components, there is much less to go wrong, which is good news when it comes to maintenance.

Single-acting cylinders are ideal for straightforward jobs – especially when fast or controlled retraction isn’t essential. Hollow plunger versions including a thread are also available to handle pulling applications.

Double-acting hydraulic cylinders have the ability to pump hydraulic fluid to both sides of the plunger. Connection ports positioned near both ends allow the piston rod to move both forwards and backwards. The extra port also allows more control of the plunger during retraction and ensures it always returns back to its starting point.

The weight of a car is heavy, and it is very difficult to lift a car by muscle power alone, let alone to repair it while suspended in the air. This is the reason why hydraulic systems exist. When you want to work with dump trucks, RVs, boat lifts, lift gates, etc., a hydraulic pump is a must-have tool that allows you to easily complete jobs that are difficult to reach with human power. For some light work, we recommend choosing a 12 volt hydraulic pump, which is a tool of both size and power. Then before buying you"d better choose the type of hydraulic pump you need according to your needs. Next I will give you information about hydraulic pumps you should know.

A hydraulic pump is a machine that works with liquid fluid power, using an incompressible fluid, usually a derivative of petroleum and additives, as the working fluid to convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. Should hydraulic pumps be non-sparking due to potentially explosive environments? Keep in mind that most operating fluids are derivatives of petroleum, but there are non-sparking options available. Fluid selection should be determined by the operating environment/temperature.

This hydraulic energy can make a relatively small device very powerful and versatile. In the automotive industry, hydraulic pumps are used in combination with jacks and engine hoists to lift vehicles, platforms, heavy loads and pull engines. They can also be used in production facilities for conveyors, mixers, forklifts, etc.

Electric hydraulic pumps are generally divided into single-acting and double-acting. The most obvious difference is the number of couplers or connection ports. Single-acting hydraulic pumps include only one port. This port is where the hydraulic fluid is allowed to enter and force the plunger to extend in one direction. Double-acting hydraulic pumps have two such ports. The difference is that the first port is where the "push" (extension) hydraulic hose fitting will connect, and the second port is where the "retract" hydraulic hose fitting will connect.

When high pressure hydraulic fluid is pumped into a hydraulic pump, the plunger in the single acting hydraulic cylinder extends. When the cylinder needs to be retracted, depending on the cylinder design, the plunger is retracted by either a load weight or a built-in spring. Single-acting hydraulic pumps have fewer components and less potential for error, which facilitates maintenance of the hydraulic pump. Single-acting is ideal for this simple task when fast or controlled retraction is not required.

In a double-acting hydraulic pump, the plunger retracts as the hydraulic fluid is pumped into the top port at high pressure, forcing the plunger back to its original position. The double-acting principle of operation enables hydraulic oil to be pumped to both sides of the plunger. Connection ports located near each end allow the piston rod to move back and forth. The additional ports also allow for more fine control of the plunger during retraction. Faster and predictable retraction makes double-acting hydraulic pumps a better choice for projects requiring repeatable accuracy.

For lightweight applications, such as rear fender lifts on commercial passenger vehicles, where a low power output is required, a 12v miniature hydraulic power unit is a good choice because the 12v motor can be connected to a standard vehicle circuit for the rear fender lift function. There are other application scenarios such as dump trucks, RVs, boat lifts, lift gates, trailers, clearance trucks, car porters, agricultural equipment, snow plow equipment, and a variety of other applications that require powerful and compact hydraulic pumps.

Hydraulic cylinders provide the unidirectional force required to power your industrial equipment for heavy lifting. Telescopic hydraulic cylinders, which are ideal for dump trailers and platform truck trailers, give the extended stroke lengths required for a range of versatile purposes. When purchasing telescopic hydraulic cylinders, consumers are frequently faced with the decision between single-acting and double-acting hydraulic cylinders. Learn what distinguishes the two types of telescopic cylinders to determine which cylinder is appropriate for your high-power hydraulic requirements.

The hydraulic cylinder is the industrial world’s workhorse. Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of single and double-acting hydraulic cylinders. The function of your cylinder decides whether you should choose a single-acting or double-acting hydraulic cylinder.

Single-acting cylinders generate force exclusively in one direction, whether it is a push or pull action. These are also referred to as “plunger” cylinders. They are utilized in lifting operations where hydraulic pump pressure stretches the hydraulic cylinder and a mass or spring retracts it. Single-acting cylinders contain only one port through which the hydraulic pump’s pressurized oil passes. This causes the piston to extend in one direction, compressing the piston’s spring. After releasing the air via the cylinder port where it entered, the spring or associated mass will retract the piston rod.

Single-acting cylinders are classified into two types: push and pull cylinders. The push-type, as the name implies, will allow the air entering to push the piston out of the cylinder. The pull-type hydraulic cylinder allows the oil entering the cylinder to pull the piston inside the cylinder. For one-way linear movement, single-acting cylinders are ideal. They are commonly seen in hydraulic jacks and forklifts.

The lower manufacture, installation, and repair costs of single-acting hydraulic cylinders are an advantage. With only one port to operate instead of two, both piping and valve costs are significantly reduced.

The spring mechanism in single-action cylinder interiors necessitates venting, which provides the unit with an outlet to the outside world. Particles, on the other hand, can enter the cylinder and create potential malfunctions or a slow loss in performance if not adequately monitored.

Single-acting hydraulic cylinders are ideal for use with smaller equipment due to their single port and compact structure. Most of the time, if a smaller equipment design allows for ports, fluid transmission, and venting, then this cylinder will be extremely suitable.

Pressure flows from two ports in double-acting hydraulic cylinders. The “advance” hydraulic hose fitting connects to one of the ports. The pump’s hydraulic power forces the cylinder to extend via the first port. The “retract” hydraulic hose fitting is connected to the second port. Hydraulic power is used to extend and retract the cylinder in a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. In contrast to the single-acting cylinder, which produces force in only one direction, force is generated in both directions. As a result, the cylinder may both push and pull.

The piston rod moves due to the push and pulls forces created by the pressurized fluid that alternates between both sides of the piston. These hydraulic cylinders have more control over their movement in the application where they are installed. Using 2-, 3-, or 4-way position valves, different levels of movement can be produced. Double-acting hydraulic cylinders are utilized in mobile applications such as a TLB’s boom or to control the steering of an excavator.

Though this hydraulic cylinder is not appropriate for small places, double-acting hydraulics are extremely versatile. Two ports provide hydraulic power in both directions and are readily operated with a push-and-pull motion. As a result, they are the most popular hydraulic cylinder.

Unlike single-acting variants, double-acting cylinders are sealed from the outside world. As a consequence, you will not require repairs as a result of particles invading inside pipes and valves.

Precision work that needs hydraulic pistons to stop at specific lengths regularly can stretch and deform the hydraulics over time. However, double-acting hydraulic cylinders are constructed with exact, very precise dual ports, enhancing the product’s longevity.

The choice between a double-acting and a single-acting cylinder is frequently a matter of control. How precisely do you need to be while exerting force in your hydraulic system? A single-acting cylinder may be sufficient if you need to produce a large force to move a load in a single direction, such as in heavy lifting applications. However, if you need to direct a load in two directions or have more control over the cylinder’s movements, a double-acting cylinder will provide you with more control.

There’s been some confusion as to how to configure and use either system effectively without causing damage to the equipment, load, or to the user. Some of this confusion results from misunderstanding the difference between single-acting or double-acting cylinders and being unsure of when either should be used. Hopefully, we can clear the air in this department.

A pump, a hose, and a cylinder round out the basic setup of a hydraulic system, often times referred to as a port-a power. Without each of these components, this system cannot be operated at all.

A single-acting cylinder is one in which the hydraulic fluid performs on just one side of the piston only. Since hydraulic oil does not compress, when applying force via a hand, electric or gas powered pump, the piston rod of the cylinder will extend. More specifically, the pump forces oil into the hose which flows into the bottom connection port of the cylinder, resulting in the ability for pushing, tensioning or jacking applications. The single-acting pump and cylinder are both equipped with one connection port at the lower portion of the cylinder body, for the oil to both advance the piston rod, and when retracting it, allow the oil to flow back into the reservoir of the pump. Many of the single-acting cylinders have springs built in to assist in the retraction process, but if not, they may be a bit more challenging to retract. The pump that you select also plays a role in the retraction process. Some manufacturers have pumps that will pull the oil back into it, rather than allow it to just flow back into the reservoir. The last consideration in selecting either single or double-acting, is whether the cylinder is considered a load-return type. Meaning, that in order for retraction to occur, the load, or a significant force is required, in addition to the pump for it to retract completely. So be careful, if you have an application that requires several complete stroke cycles, such as a jack and crib operation, you will likely want a double-acting cylinder for that task. Most single-acting cylinders are more commonly-used in light industrial and commercial applications. This of course is not an exclusive list, but the majority of single-acting cylinders in use today tend to be on the lower end of the capacity spectrum.

On the other hand, the double-acting cylinder is one in which the hydraulic fluid performs on both sides of an apron portion of the piston. The double-acting pump and cylinder are both equipped with two connection ports; one at the lower portion, the other at the top portion of the cylinder body. This system requires hoses for each port. When advancing the piston rod, oil flows in through the lower connection port. When you have achieved your desired pressure or stroke requirements, putting the pump in the neutral position will hold the cylinder at that resting point, until it is time to either continuing to advance, or when you would begin retracting operations. Double-acting cylinders are more commonly-used in heavy industrial and construction applications, such as lifting bridges to perform bearing maintenance. The majority of double-acting cylinders in use today tend to be on the higher end of the capacity spectrum.

Hydraulic cylinders are an essential component in many industries, including most of Australia’s critical sectors. Hydraulic cylinders and rams all provide the power a hydraulic system needs to function, but within the category of ‘hydraulic cylinders’, there are a few key types to understand.

The major way of dividing hydraulic cylinders is between ‘single acting cylinders’ and ‘double acting cylinders’. While fairly similar in function, there are differences between single and double acting hydraulic cylinders, meaning they aren’t interchangeable.

The main difference between single and double acting hydraulic cylinders is that a double acting hydraulic cylinder uses hydraulic pressure to move a piston in two directions, while a single acting hydraulic cylinder relies on a spring or gravity to return to its original position.

To help outline the differences in these fairly similar hydraulic systems, we have produced this handy guide. This article outlines the key differences between single and double acting hydraulic cylinders, and when is the best time to use each one.

Whether you’re choosing the right hydraulics components or need to repair hydraulic cylinders, you’ll need to know what type of cylinder or ram you’re working with. That’s why we’ve also covered how to identify single vs double acting cylinders and whether you can convert them.

A single acting hydraulic cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder in which the fluid acts only on one side of the piston. It relies on the springs, gravity, load, other cylinders, or separate reservoirs to push the piston back into the opposite direction.

The fluid used a type of oil (usually mineral oil), which allows the fluid to push a load without being compressed back down by the weight. This type of hydraulic cylinder is best for straightforward applications, where the goal is to have something move in one direction.

Push Type Hydraulic Cylinder– Fluid enters to push the piston out of the cylinder. This is also referred to as a hydraulic cylinder with a ‘sprung in’ position, where the piston is fully retracted at rest.

Pull Type Hydraulic Cylinder– Fluid enters to pull the piston inside the cylinder. This is also referred to as a hydraulic cylinder with a ‘sprung out’ position, where the piston rod is fully extended at rest.

In a single acting hydraulic cylinder, a plunger extends when the cylinder is pumped full of pressurised fluid. When it is retracted, the plunger can retract using a return spring, by the load or gravity.

Single acting hydraulic cylinders have only one port, where pressurised fluid enters. These are fitted with either a spring, or a load. When the fluid is compressed, it enters through the single port which forces the piston to extend in one direction, consequently compressing the spring. The spring then retracts the piston back into its previous position after releasing the fluid from through the same port it originally flowed from.

The typical applications of single acting hydraulic cylinders are simple lifting jobs, light industrial and commercial applications, and any other application where fast and consistent retraction is not essential.

Position And Line Up Objects – Through this application, a workpiece or product is either pulled or pushed into place, or into a specific machine such as a conveyor belt, before the spring acts and prepares the hydraulic cylinder for the next workpiece.

Punch Or Mark Objects– In this application, thrust from a single acting hydraulic cylinder is used to either punch or mark an object. The spring then retracts the punch, ready for the next object.

Keep in mind that double acting hydraulic cylinders are able to do all of the above, albeit without the cost savings of a single acting hydraulic cylinder. When it comes to hydraulic cylinder parts, single-acting cylinders are simpler and therefore cheaper to purchase.

Lower cost– The initial cost of single acting hydraulic cylinders is much lower than double acting ones. This makes it ideal for situations where a double acting hydraulic cylinder may be too much, and a single acting hydraulic cylinder will work fine. In addition, its single port and small housing leads to reduced valve and hose cost compared to double acting cylinders.

Easier maintenance – Since force is only applied to one direction, there are fewer areas or segments which have to be maintained. Single acting hydraulic cylinders are easier to maintain and repair, especially if you know how to maintain hydraulic cylinders.

Safety benefits– Single-acting hydraulic cylinders have a specific rest state, which can be easily identified in the event of a power outage. Knowing the cylinder’s resting state will prevent surprise and injury once power is restored, if the cylinder is halfway through an operating cycle.

International Standards –Compared to double acting hydraulic cylinders, there aren’t many single acting hydraulic cylinders that are compliant with ISO standards.

A double acting hydraulic cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder in which the fluid alternately acts on both sides of its piston. It has a port on each end, filled with hydraulic fluid for the pistons’ retraction and extension.

This type of hydraulic cylinder is ideal for applications that require fast and predictable retractions, or applications where consistent accuracy is necessary.

In a double acting hydraulic cylinder, the plunger retracts when the hydraulic fluid, which has now been pressurised, is injected into the top port, which forces the plunger back to its original position. It is possible for this process to be done either very quickly, or very gradually with precise control.

Double acting hydraulic cylinders have two ports where pressurised fluid can flow in and out. Fluid flows through one port, which moves the piston forward, which then applies pressurised fluid into the second port which then retracts the piston back into the cylinder.

The standard applications for double acting hydraulic cylinders are those that require repetitive presses and situations that require both pushing and pulling forces. Elevators and forklifts are good examples of double acting cylinder applications.

Double acting hydraulic cylinders can do anything a single acting cylinder can. However, these are especially good for industrial and robotics industries, tasks such as opening and closing doors, and lifting and moving merchandise off conveyor belts. Other uses include medical applications, earthmoving and construction equipment, and even in space programs.

Complexity– Double acting hydraulic cylinders are built slightly different to their single acting counterparts. The parts of a double acting cylinder are more complex. They generally have more pistons, and more seals to accommodate the flow of fluid on both ends for a push and pull control.

Costly– Double acting cylinders are much more expensive than their single acting counterparts. They require larger housing, for example, if it’s used as a feed cylinder and requires coupling with another machine system. Because the system is larger, fluid is often consumed at a faster rate than in single acting hydraulic cylinders.

Single and double acting hydraulic cylinders both serve similar functions, with the double acting hydraulic cylinder being able to do any job a single acting cylinder can, at the cost of being more expensive and requiring more dedicated maintenance.

Single acting hydraulic cylinders are simple, inexpensive, have one job they can do and do it well. These cylinders are exceptionally useful in fabrication, where one repetitive movement is required, such as on a factory line. Manufacturing hydraulics systems strongly rely on low-cost single acting cylinders.

Double acting hydraulic cylinders, in comparison, are far more sophisticated and powerful. Not only can a double acting cylinder perform any job a single acting hydraulic cylinder could, but by having the piston pressured to move in two opposing directions, it’s essential to the way modern pneumatic machinery works today. Things like elevators and forklifts could not exist without double acting hydraulic cylinders.

If an application only needs motion in one direction, a single acting hydraulic cylinder is the safest and most economical choice. However, any situation requiring greater control and power requires a double acting hydraulic cylinder, and the ISO standards compliance associated with them.

Double-acting cylinders push harder. Naturally, that would mean they are faster, right? Actually, in order to push harder, double-acting cylinders need much more pressure to operate, and generating that pressure takes time.

Single-acting hydraulic ramps do not need all this extra pressure, so they can raise up to two-and-a-half times faster. This means you can set up your ramp and get to work more quickly instead of waiting and waiting for a double-acting hydraulic ramp to reach the desired height.

Rising faster is not the only way Copperloy ramps save you time. Our unique ramp design allows you to link your ramp directly to the dock or truck. The hand pump is also on the outside of the ramp, so you can quickly start raising the ramp as soon as it is in position.

Safety is always a priority when designing hydraulic ramps. Your forklift operators need a ramp that ensures their safety as they carry pallets on and off the truck. Forklifts alone already introduce a variety of safety hazards to both operators and other employees, so you do not want your yard ramp contributing to the problem. Here at Copperloy, we design our ramps to meet OSHA‘s strict safety standards to prevent potential accidents and protect workers.

Our centrally-located, single-acting hydraulic ramp design offers stability even after positioning the ramp. This cylinder also prevents wobbling and tipping, ensuring forklifts have a smooth ride up and down the ramp at all times. We reinforce this stability by including a safety curb, high-traction deck grating, a low endplate, and an 8-foot level off. These features in combination with the single-acting cylinders make Copperloy ramps the safest option on the market.

Double-acting cylinder systems are much larger than their single-acting counterparts. This also means double-acting hydraulic ramps are much larger, making them less functional and convenient. Single-acting cylinders are simple and compact, so we can more accurately design our ramps to meet the spatial needs of your unique facility.

The single-acting hydraulic cylinder design is much less complicated than double-acting cylinders. The cylinder only applies pressure in a single direction while a spring handles movement in the opposite direction. Not only does the simple design leave less room for errors and breakdowns, but it also makes the ramp more stable overall. A single-acting hydraulic ramp will raise more evenly than double-acting ramps, minimizing wear and tear and preventing downtime.

One of the most obvious differences been single and double-acting cylinders is cost. Single-acting hydraulic cylinders are significantly cheaper to acquire and install. This allows us to minimize manufacturing costs on our end, but more importantly, lower manufacturing costs mean you pay less for your ramp at the end of the day.

The initial cost is not the only way you will save money, however. The low maintenance requirements and exceptional efficiency of single-acting hydraulic ramps ensure you get the most work done in the least amount of time. A single-acting Copperloy ramp will pay for itself in no time by maximizing productivity while minimizing downtime and repairs.

Hydraulic cylinders convert fluid pressure and flow into powerful force and velocity. This converted pressure is then used to help create most of the heavy-lifting equipment around us- from dump trucks and bulldozers that we see on construction sites to gigantic cranes and stadium lights. For all these and everything in between, hydraulic cylinders ensure that the job is done in a smoother, more reliable, and more efficient process, making it an imperative in different industrial fields.

You can find hydraulic cylinders in nearly every mechanical utility and contraption involving heavy-duty push and pull. They come in a variety of sizes, customized designs, and configurations, making them suitable for different forms of applications.

There are two primary ways hydraulic cylinders are manufactured: single-acting and double-acting models. Below, we discuss their main operational differences to help you decide which one best suit your needs and applications.

As their name denotes, single-acting cylinders act in a single direction, meaning that the cylinder can only move in one direction when applied oil flow. For this cylinder to return to its original position, an external force must be supplied to bring the oil back to the pump or system. Some cylinders rely on gravity to go lower; an example is a forklift. While other cylinders, like standard jack cylinders, use an internal spring to return to the original position.

The fluid only applies pressure on the piston’s single side in a single-acting hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder rod will extend whenever a force is applied through a hand, gas, or electric pump. This force pumps the oil into the cylinder’s oilport, making jacking, pushing, and tensioning applications possible.

Double-acting hydraulic cylinders allows for the pressure of the hydraulic fluid to be applied on both sides of the piston. This produces direct extension and retraction control, without supporting a spring or external force to help it return to its original position.

In addition, there can be a variety of combinations of hydraulic pumps and valves connected to these cylinders that enables control of the specific motion or performance of the hydraulic system.

The simplistic build and design of single-acting hydraulic cylinders provide fewer maintenance components. For a project or machine that requires an efficient and reliable hydraulic cylinder, single-acting may be your best option.

Easier to control. Single-acting cylinders have just one port for the hydraulic fluid to enter for a more calibrated and maintained pressure. This entails less complexity in the hydraulic system required to control it since oil flows only through one hose.

Cheaper. Because of this style’s single-acting nature, the overall cylinder assembly is more straightforward, and this generally implies less material, seals, and complexity that can drive up costs. With only a single port to support instead of two, piping and valve purchases cost much less. Single-acting hydraulic cylinders have lower manufacturing, installation, and repair costs.

The process of using a single-acting hydraulic cylinder is highly effective when it comes to equipment and various devices. It is mainly used by those who want to simplify otherwise complex tasks.

Double-acting cylinders offer greater complexity. Unlike single-acting cylinders, they can transfer hydraulic fluids or output forces in extending and retracting directions. In addition, double-acting cylinders can cater to more unique industrial systems, thanks to their pressing and pulling power without the aid of external power sources. Because of this, they are the market’s most commonly used cylinder type.

Strong Versatility.Despite not being the best option for compact spaces, double-acting hydraulics are incredibly versatile. Ports on both ends make hydraulic power available in both directions resulting in an easily controlled push-and-pull motion.

Longevity and Low Maintenance. Due to the nature of a double acting cylinder, most of the internal components are sealed off from the environment and immersed in oil. The seals prevent the ingress of contaminants that would degrade and wear down components in both the cylinder itself, and the hydraulics system that powers it. Immersing the components in oil keeps parts lubricated, keeps water out, and maintains operational temperatures. Depending on the system, the oil can also take away contaminants that work itself into the cylinder away, and work through filters.

Both of these major features result in double acting cylinders and their systems having a longer service life, which results in significantly lowered maintenance costs for the lifetime of the cylinder and system.

ISO standards guarantee every industry’s safety and cohesive operations. Most cylinders use these standards for their ports, mounts, bores, strokes, seals, and other features. This facilitates compatibility of connecting cylinders into existing systems, generally lowers maintenance costs, and guarantees safety if operating pressures and conditions are not exceeded. This varies from each manufacturer, and here at Fluid Tech Hydraulics Inc., we can manage ISO standard cylinders, along with any custom or special application cylinders that have unique specifications.

Double-acting cylinders work best for complex applications, including heavy lifting in one direction. In contrast, single-acting cylinders are more suitable for more straightforward applications.

When choosing the hydraulic cylinder that best suits your needs and application, it’s essential to know that you are working with specialized experts who know how to deal with all the components of the machine in the industry and various applications that relate to it.

If you’re looking for a partner for your next machining project, we at Fluid Tech Hydraulics Inc. have one of the most extensive and complete facilities for hydraulic cylinders on the West Coast. In addition, we provide a broad range of solutions, from resealing cylinders to designing and manufacturing custom cylinders based on your specifications.

There are several sections you can look at within hydraulic cylinders that would allow you to tell them apart. We’re here to help you figure out which is which and get the most out of your components.

These hydraulic cylinders have only one port available for the user to connect hydraulic cylinders or hose fittings to. As a result of there being the single port, this is also where the hydraulic fluid enters the system which then extends the rod due to the area difference. To return the piston rod an external force or gravity function is used.

Single acting cylinders are simpler than their double counterparts and require less maintenance throughout their life, due to their actions being determined by the pressure only being on one line.

Double acting hydraulic cylinders have two separate ports. The first port is where advanced (extending) hydraulic hose fittings will be attached to the cylinder. Whereas the second port is where the retracting hydraulic hose fittings are attached. In this case hydraulic fluid is supplied for both the retraction and extension actions within the hydraulic cylinder, so to return the piston rod an external force is not needed.

With the double acting cylinder the user needs to have full control of the mechanism as the component is moving in two separate directions without the need for manual returns on the piston rod. This means that the hydraulic cylinder needs to be checked regularly and monitored more closely than the single acting cylinder.

For those needing to eject parts off of a conveyor belt then the single acting cylinder could be for you. Need speed and force? Then the double acting cylinder would be better suited for the application you have in mind.

If you are still unsure about which cylinder is the best one for you, then get in contact with our expert team. They’ll offer technical advice and even find you the perfect hydraulic cylinder for you today!

Double-acting hydraulic cylinders have pressure flowing from two ports. One of the ports is where the “advance” hydraulic hose fitting connects to. The hydraulic power of the pump causes the cylinder to extend through that first port. Attached to the second port is the “retract” hydraulic hose fitting. The double-acting hydraulic cylinder uses hydraulic power to extend and retract the cylinder. Force is generated in both directions, unlike the single-acting cylinder that produces force in only one direction. This gives the cylinder the ability to both push and pull.

Pressurised fluid alternates between both sides of the piston, creating the push and pull forces that move the piston rod. The application in which these hydraulic cylinders are installed has more control over its movement. Different levels of movement are achieved by using 2-, 3-, or 4-way position valves.  Double-acting hydraulic cylinders are used in mobile applications like the boom of a TLB or to control the steering in an excavator.

There are two most commonly used types of hydraulic cylinder: single acting and double acting cylinders. One type of cylinder is not innately better than the other and the decision is not normally an either/or choice.

Rather, both single and double acting cylinders have their uses and applications where they are better suited than the other type. In this article we take a brief look at each type, explaining how they work and the applications they are found in.

In a single acting hydraulic cylinder, fluid pressure is exerted on one side of the piston only, so that the piston rod acts like a hydraulic ram, pushing outwards but not pulling back on the retract movement. These cylinders need an external force to retract the piston rod, such as a pump, motor or set of internal springs.

While high quality single acting hydraulic cylinders are reliable units, those equipped with retractable springs are vulnerable to component failure as the springs wear out. This manifests as a gradual reduction in force on the retract movement. They are also more difficult to seal and can become damaged over time through exposure to corrosive fluids.

A double acting cylinder is capable of pressure being exerted on either side of the piston alternatively. This means that both outward and retraction movements can be achieved under the cylinder’s own pressure without an external source of power. This can be used simply to return the piston to its starting position, or to apply an alternating force on both sides of the cylinder – for instance to operate a crankshaft.

The decision between a double acting or single acting cylinder often boils down to one of control. How much precision is required when exerting force in your hydraulic system? If you need to exert a large force to move a load in a single direction – e.g. for heavy lifting applications – a single acting cylinder may be sufficient. However, if you need to direct a load in two directions or have greater flexibility over the movements of the cylinder, a double acting cylinder will give you more control.

We have a range of single acting and double acting hydraulic cylinders available for immediate dispatch from our extensive stock. Click here to check our current availability. For questions and product enquiries, please call 01299 896953.

In a single acting hydraulic cylinder, the fluid applies pressure only on a single side of the piston. Because the hydraulic fluid is oil, it does not compress. This means that whenever a force is applied either through your hands, or a gas or electric pump, the cylinder shaft will extend. The oil is pumped by the force into the cylinder’s bottom port, allowing for jacking, pushing, and tensioning applications.

Single acting cylinders have a connection port at the bottom part allowing the hydraulic oil to push the piston rod which flows back to its original position during retraction. Some single acting cylinders have a mechanism to allow the oil to flow back automatically whereas other cylinders redirect it into the reservoir.

The advantages of using a single acting hydraulic cylinder lie in its ruggedness and simplicity. They are easier to maintain and with only one-directional force being applied, the piston rod is retracted with the help of a spring or external force. They are commonly used in light commercial and industrial applications.

In a double acting hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic fluid is used to apply pressure on both sides of the piston rod. This allows for both extension and retraction without the aid of a spring or external force.

This type of cylinder has two connection ports (and so does the pump), one at the top and the other at the bottom of the cylinder’s body. By connecting hoses to both ports, the hydraulic fluid applies the desired stroke or pressure from the lower end of the cylinder. When the required pressure is achieved, the pump goes into a neutral position, holding the cylinder in place. Likewise, the pump generates the optimum pressure to pull back the extension and cause the rod to collapse back into its pre-extended phase.

The double acting cylinders strength lies in its control and maneuverability. Each cylinder has its own unique strengths and benefits based on the type of operations.

Whether it is single acting or double acting, we manufacture a wide range of custom built hydraulic cylinders based entirely on your specifications. Contact us now to place your order and obtain the highest quality hydraulic cylinders in the market.

1/2 hp pump, continuous duty with 2 gallon thermoplastic reservoir, 9500 double-acting valve. The 17 series hydraulic pumps are designed to have a maximum of 690 bar (10,000 psi) at a flow rate of 278 cc/min (17 cu. in/min).

People prefer them for some of their advantages: no requirement for compressed air, electricity, or hydrostatic flow. Those pumps can be used anywhere, provided that there is somebody that can work with the handle. You can leverage the power of hand pumps while lifting a heavy load and feel like a superman. This is accomplished by transforming mechanical energy into fluid energy. In this way, manual hand pumps differ from pneumatic hand pumps, as the latter generates air pressure instead of non-compressible fluid.

Hydraulic hand pumps are suitable for work where you would need up to 10,000   of pressure. Manual hand pumps are perfect for fieldwork since they are easy to carry and don’t require electric power. They are ideal for places where flammable liquid or gas is present, as they don’t need any electrical power.

When you buy any product, you look for some characteristics according to your needs. This is also the case for hydraulic hand pumps. Here are the top three reasons to choose them:In transferring energy from one form to another, efficiency is crucial. By simply moving the handle, you can move a heavy load.

If you want to achieve an accurate result, manual hand pumps are products you should be seeking. They are engineered to have the highest degree of precision and apply pressure of 10,000 PSI.

During the production process, any stability issues are resolved and maintained accordingly. Therefore, stability is the nature of hydraulic hand pumps.

Magister Hydraulics already has all of those mentioned above. A responsible company with a reliable crew that has the privilege of owning an ISO 9001:2015 certificate. To keep up with the requirements of the certificate, we are delivering high-quality products. All of our products are shipped via FedEx within one business day. We can accomplish this as we have storage facilities all over the USA.

... two stage hydraulic hand pumps, easy to handle and use, with very high oil flow rates to operate a wide range of hydraulic cylinders or equipment.

... pneumohydraulic pumps that are compact and easy-to-use. It has a standard reservoir of 2.5L in plastic, and 5 or 10L in steel. The pump can be attached with a threaded G¼" fitting to ...

A compact lightweight pump, the Power Team 60 series is designed for rugged applications and low voltage starting. Experiencing a long, trouble-free life in the most demanding work environments, the 60 ...

... hand pumps come in a variety of configurations to meet the requirements of your application. Along with various oil capacities and flow rates, you can choose from the following options:

... lightweight and portable the Power Team PA6D series pumps are single-speed pumps for driving double-acting cylinders. The PA6D series pumps operate at ...

... : industrial tools, lifting systems, car repair, clamping systems, hydraulic equipment (presses, jacks, …), tire changers, bead breakers, automotive.

The HP-AP pump, like all HP Series pumps, can be installed in any hydraulic applications which requires high working pressures and moderate and controllable oil flow. Our HP Series air-hydraulic ...

... this, PN pumps are extremely handy and stand out due to a very low effort on their handle. The practical pedal locking hook allows to use the lever as a handle during transport by holding it in the correct position in ...

... pneumohydraulic pump incorporates a double-acting pneumatic motor. The pump operates on compressed air with 2 to 7 bar pressure for construction of circuits that demand ...

... for use with either single or double acting cylinders and tools. The HP range offers the ideal solution for applications where completely independent, portable hydraulic power is required. ...

Double-acting, single-stage air-powered compact pump. Standard with a 3/8” NPT female thread and compressed air connector. Excluding coupler, hoses and pressure gauge.

the hydraulic single-port hand-pump range is tailored for use with Equalizer international hydraulic equipment. Certified for use in the hazardous areas ll 2 G ex h T5 GB llB, ll 2D ex ...

Air hydraulic pumps, working pressure 700 bar, using a pressure multiplicator. Recommanded solution to replace hand pumps. For single and double acting ...

For expert users cylinder jacks are very easy to configure and use. For people that have never used these jacks, configuring a system and accurately using the system seems extremely complicated. The reason is that between the 3 main manufacturers of cylinders in the US, over 10,000 cylinders, pumps and fittings are available. A novice user does not know how all these components work, what job they do and how to configure them.

The basic set up of a hydraulic cylinder entails a hydraulic hose that connects the cylinder to a hydraulic pump. The jack cannot be operated without the basic set up of these 3 components:

The pump takes hydraulic fluid (oil) and pushes it into the connected hydraulic hose. The oil flows through the hose into the connected hydraulic cylinder. Inside the cylinder, the oil then pushes and raises the piston out of the cylinder.

In a “Double Acting” system, the cylinder and the pump have two connections for two hydraulic hoses. One hose runs from the pump into the bottom of the cylinder and one hose runs from the pump into the top of the cylinder (Both hoses connect to the side of the cylinder – top and bottom).

In this set up, oil is pumped into the bottom of the cylinder to extend the piston just like with a “Single Acting” system. However, the user can reverse the flow of oil by now pumping the oil into the second hose which pumps oil into the top of the cylinder which then pushes the piston back down. The hose at the bottom of the cylinder now transports the oil that is inside the cylinder underneath the piston back to the pump.

A “Double Acting” cylinder and a “Double Acting” pump are outfitted with one connection nipple for each of the two hoses. The double acting pump also has a lever to change the oil flow from one hose to the second hose which pushes the piston up or down respectively.

With lower capacity cylinders you can push the extended piston back down and force the oil to flow back to the pump by simply pushing down on the piston with your foot. A single acting system is consequently an adequate set-up.

However, with larger capacity cylinders the piston will retract extremely slowly or will not retract at all with just the pressure of your foot. Consequently the user must rely on either the weight of the load to press the piston back down or the user needs to have a double acting system that can force the piston to retract.

A double acting system is more expensive than a single acting system. Also there are more components to connect and if you are operating multiple cylinder jacks at the same time too many hoses become user unfriendly. Most users stay with a single acting set-up if at all possible.