How to Specify a Custom Hydraulic Cylinder: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sourcing a custom hydraulic cylinder doesn't have to be complicated. With the right specifications in hand, our engineering team can recommend the ideal cylinder for your application — and get you a quote within 24 hours. Here's exactly what you need to prepare.

Step 1: Define Your Cylinder Type

Start by identifying which cylinder design fits your application:

• Welded (CBU, CCL, CTCL, CWT, CWT3) — for mobile, high-cycle, heavy-duty use
• Telescopic (CTC, HTC) — for dump trucks, tippers, and hoisting applications
• Tie-Rod (CTR2.5, CTR3) — for industrial, stationary, and serviceable applications
• Heavy-Duty Welded (CHBU) — for extreme load, high-frequency environments

Step 2: Specify Bore & Rod Diameter

The bore diameter determines the cylinder's force output, while the rod diameter affects its resistance to buckling under load.

• Bore diameter: Typically expressed in inches or mm (e.g., 3", 4", 80mm)
• Rod diameter: Usually 50–60% of bore for standard duty; larger for heavy-duty push applications

Step 3: Define Stroke Length

Stroke is the total distance the rod travels from fully retracted to fully extended. Measure the required travel distance in your application carefully — over-specifying stroke adds cost and weight unnecessarily.

Step 4: Confirm Operating Pressure

• Standard duty: Up to 2,500 PSI — CTR2.5 series
• High pressure: Up to 3,000 PSI — CTR3, CBU, CCL, CTCL, CWT series
• Heavy-duty: 3,000+ PSI — CHBU series

Step 5: Select Mounting Configuration

Mounting determines how the cylinder attaches to your equipment frame and rod end:

• Rear mount options: Bushing eye, cross lug, trunnion, tang, foot mount, rear flange
• Rod end options: Male thread, female thread, clevis/fork, rod eye

Step 6: Specify Port & Seal Requirements

• Port size and thread type (SAE, BSP, ORFS)
• Seal material: Nitrile (standard), Polyurethane (high-wear), Viton (high-temp)
• Cushioning: end-of-stroke cushions to reduce impact in high-speed applications

Step 7: Submit Your Inquiry

Once you have the above information, contact our engineering team with your specs. We'll confirm the right model, provide a detailed quote, and advise on lead time and shipping options.

Required information summary:

• Cylinder type / series preference
• Bore diameter & rod diameter
• Stroke length
• Operating pressure
• Mounting configuration (rear + rod end)
• Port size & seal preference
• Quantity & target delivery date

Our team responds within 24 hours. Get in touch today.