Comprehensive Overview of Hydraulic Cylinder Terminology & Types

Hydraulic cylinders are the muscle behind countless machines in agriculture, construction, transport, and industrial sectors. Understanding how they’re built — and which type is right for your application — is key to equipment performance and long-term reliability. This post breaks down the terminology, configurations, and NorthStar product lines to guide your decisions with confidence.

Basic Components of a Hydraulic Cylinder

• Rod: Typically made of chrome-plated 1045 steel, the rod transfers hydraulic force and extends/retracts during operation.

• Barrel / Tube: Precision-honed steel housing that holds the piston and hydraulic fluid. Interior finish extends seal life.

• Piston: Separates fluid chambers and creates the differential pressure needed to generate motion.

• Gland: Located at the rod end, this component holds rod seals and wipers. Typically ductile iron or steel.

• Seals: Prevent internal leakage and protect against contaminants. Hallite and North American brands offer top-tier performance.

• End Mounts: How the cylinder is attached to equipment — clevis, flange, trunnion, etc.

• Ports: Hydraulic inlet/outlet connections, typically SAE or NPT thread styles.

Hydraulic Cylinder Types by Construction

1. Tie-Rod Cylinders

• Uses threaded rods to hold end caps together.

• Easy to service; common in industrial and agricultural machinery.

• Examples: NorthStar TR 2500 (2500 PSI), TR 3000 (3000 PSI)

  

  Tie-Rod Cylinders

Tie Rod _NorthStar Hydraulics.pdf

Download PDF • 1.51MB

2. Welded Cylinders

• End caps are welded directly to the barrel.

• More compact, higher strength-to-size ratio. Less serviceable but more rugged.

• Examples: NorthStar WC Series (Welded Clevis, 3000 PSI)

Welded clevis cylinder

Clevis end_NorthStar Hydraulics.pdf

Download PDF • 2.91MB

3. Telescopic Cylinders

• Multiple nested tubes (stages) for a long stroke in a short retracted length.

• Available in single or double-acting designs.

• Examples: HTC Series (7T/12T), FEE Series, Dump Truck Cylinders

SAT Front end cylinder (FC, FE, FEE) and DAT _NorthStar Hydraulics.pdf

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7T and 12T _NorthStar Hydraulics.pdf

Download PDF • 1.57MB

Types by Function

(Huinink, 1987)

Single-Acting Cylinders

• Hydraulic pressure drives movement in one direction; gravity or load force returns it.

• Simple, cost-effective for dump beds or tipping systems.

  
  

Double-Acting Cylinders

• Fluid pressure is applied on both sides of the piston for powered extension and retraction.

• Offers greater control and force in both directions.

  
  

🔄 Stage Configuration (for Telescopic Cylinders)

• 1-Stage: Standard non-telescopic cylinder

• 2-Stage: One extension sleeve

• 3-Stage: Two sleeves (common in trailers and hoists)

• 4–5 Stage / multistage: Designed for very long stroke needs, like large end-dump trucks

Technical Notes

• Rod Materials: 1045 Steel, hardened to 28–32 HRC, chrome thickness 0.001"

• Seals: Premium Hallite and North American brands

• Paint: Corrosion-resistant finish (ASTM B117 up to 360 hours), standard black

Need help choosing the right cylinder for your system?

Contact NorthStar Hydraulics — we’re here to help spec, supply, and support your hydraulic needs, whether off the shelf or custom-built.

📩 info@northstarhydraulics.com or drop us a line here!

Huinink, T. (1987). The hydraulic cylinder. In Proc 2nd Biennial Movable Bridge Symposium, St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.