🧊 Built to Push Through Winter: What to Look for in a Snow Plow Hydraulic Cylinder

northstarhydraulic
Jul 26
2 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

When winter hits hard, your plow can’t afford to stall. At the heart of your snow removal equipment is the snow plow hydraulic cylinder — the muscle behind every lift, angle, and push. Whether you’re maintaining city roads, clearing commercial lots, or managing private driveways, having the right hydraulic cylinder can mean the difference between uptime and downtime. In this post, we break down what makes a snow plow cylinder cold-weather ready, how to choose the right one for your plow setup, and what sets NorthStar cylinders apart from the rest.

Snow Plow Hydraulic Cylinders: Essential for Winter Operations

❄️ What Makes a Snow Plow Cylinder Winter-Ready?

Cold-Weather Seals: Our cylinders use North American-made, winter-rated seals designed to stay flexible and tight even at sub-zero temperatures — no leaks, no hiccups.
Rugged Barrel & Rod Construction: Every cylinder is built with 1045 chrome-plated rods, 28–32 HRC hardness, and precision-honed barrels that reduce seal wear and scoring from harsh ice buildup.
Corrosion Resistance: With salt, slush, and grime on every job, our cylinders come coated in industrial-grade paint, salt-spray tested to ASTM B117-18 for up to 360 hours.

🔩 Fitment for Popular Brands: Easy Drop-In Replacements

We offer direct-fit replacements for major plow manufacturers, including:

Fisher e.g., Model F-SP-150-12-1000 – 1.5" bore, 12" stroke
Western e.g., Model W-SP-200-16-1000 – 2" bore, 16.375" stroke
Meyer, Monarch, Arctic, and more

Full compatibility chart available here.

🛠️ How to Choose the Right Snow Plow Cylinder

When replacing or upgrading, consider:

Bore Size – Dictates lifting power.
Stroke Length – Determines angle or lift height.
Mount Type – Ensure correct pin or clevis fit.
Operating Pressure – Ours are rated up to 2500 PSI for serious plowing.

Need help? Our tech team can assist you in matching a part number or finding a custom-fit solution.

🧪 Tested to Survive Canadian Winters

Our cylinders undergo rigorous testing, including:

Salt spray testing
Freeze/thaw cycle durability
Seal compression testing
Load-pressure validation

They’re not just designed for winter — they thrive in it.

✅ Why NorthStar Hydraulics?

Canadian-owned & operated
Built for tough field conditions
In-stock & ready to ship within Canada
Custom orders available for hard-to-find dimensions or specs

The Importance of Choosing the Right Cylinder

Choosing the right snow plow hydraulic cylinder is crucial for efficiency and reliability. A quality cylinder ensures that your plow operates smoothly, even in the harshest conditions. It minimizes downtime and maximizes productivity. This is especially important when snowstorms hit unexpectedly.

Maintenance Tips for Snow Plow Cylinders

To prolong the life of your snow plow hydraulic cylinder, consider the following maintenance tips:

Regular Inspections: Check for leaks and wear regularly.
Clean the Cylinder: Remove dirt and debris after each use.
Lubricate Moving Parts: Ensure all moving components are well-lubricated.
Store Properly: When not in use, store the cylinder in a dry place to prevent corrosion.

Conclusion

Don’t wait until your plow is down in the middle of a snowstorm. Shop our full line of snow plow cylinders today or contact us for help cross-referencing your current setup.

📞 Need a custom build? Email: info@northstarhydraulics.com