Choosing a Replacement Hydraulic Cylinder

Need help selecting a correctly sized cylinder for your equipment? We'll walk you through key specifications to get you moving again. Some specifications must match exactly for proper operation. Some need to get real close.* We'll note whether it's a "Must Match", or a "Get Close" in each section. Call us anytime with questions at 800-800-1810 (8:00 am - 5:30 pm EST, M-F).

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Some cylinders are made for specific equipment or applications. Standard cylinders should not be used here. If your use-case is listed below, you need that type of cylinder. If not, continue on below.
Must Match

Cylinders fall into two types of construction, each with its own attributes that make it ideal for certain situations. Identify the cylinder you are replacing by the traits below. If the cylinder fits into the space alloted and the mounts match, either type may work for your application.
Get Close

Welded cylinders can come with various mounting types, each with its own use. Below are the typical mounting types you will see on welded cylinders. The mount must match what you have else the cylinder will not be able to be installed.
Must Match

A single-acting cylinder uses hydraulic pressure to move the rod in one direction, typically extension. A double-acting cylinder uses hydraulic pressure to move the rod in both directions, extension and retraction.
Must Match

Contact our experts to get custom-made hydraulic cylinders designed to meet your exact specifications.

Refer to the diagram below to when measuring your existing cylinder.

• Bore (Must Match): Internal diameter of the cylinder tube. A larger or smaller bore affects the force output, which could damage equipment and compromise operation.
• Stroke (Must Match): Distance the rod travels from retracted to fully extended. Subtract Retracted from Extended to find Stroke. (Extended - Retracted = Stroke).
• Rod (Must Match): The diameter of the rod coming out of the cylinder tube. Changing rod size affects retract force. Altering this from the original can affect performance.
• Retracted (Must Match): The distance pin-center to pin-center of a fully retracted cylinder.
• Extended (Must Match): The distance pin-center to pin-center of a fully extended cylinder.
• Pin (Must Match): Pin size is the diameter of the mounting pin used to connect the cylinder to your equipment. Match the original pin size to ensure the cylinder fits securely and operates safely.

• PSI (pounds per square inch) (Get Close): This is the amount of hydraulic pressure a cylinder can handle to extend the rod. The pressure is generated by fluid pushed into the cylinder by the engine/pump/motor. The replacement cylinder should be rated equal to or higher than the system pressure.
• Column Load (Must Match): The amount of pushing force a cylinder rod can safely handle without bending. Longer strokes and heavier loads require higher column load capacity. Exceeding a cylinder's column load rating is a common reason for cylinder failure and will void the warranty.

Mismatching these specs can result in cylinder failure, damage, and voiding of the warranty. Please contact our expert support team for assistance in ensuring your new cylinder is properly sized.

Cylinder ports come in a few standard size and thread types. Below are the three most commonly found. Port types cannot be mixed and matched. Using an SAE attachment on an NPT port, or vice versa, will strip the threads.
Must Match

• NPT (National Pipe Taper): Threads are tapered and require a sealant (tape or pipe dope). Best use is in lower pressure.
• NPTF (National Pipe Taper Fuel): Threads are tapered and do not require a sealant. Best use is in high pressure.
• SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers): Threads are straight (paralell). Seal relies on O-rings (ORB, O-ring Boss). Suitable for high-pressure use.

For Bailey-branded cylinders we use a naming system that can identify the construction and mounting type at a glance. Here is a decoder key for cylinder names.

• TC/TC3 = Tie-rod with a clevis
• TCR = Tie-rod with a clevis, rephasing
• WC = Welded with a clevis (Chief is threaded/Maxim is welded)
• WT = Welded with a cross tube
• WX = Welded with a rotating gland
• WP = Welded with a pin-eye
• WTG = Welded with a tang
• WSB = Welded with a swivel ball
• LD = Loader
• AT = Alternative to tie-rod

Browse our extensive selection of in-stock and ready to ship hydraulic cylinders.