Hydraulic cylinders are key components in a wide variety of different applications. Cylinders of different configurations are used in the construction business, vehicle manufacturing and many other sectors. Many businesses utilise the same types of hydraulic cylinder on an ongoing basis, whereas other businesses have variable needs from project to project.
For any company that uses hydraulic cylinders, a reliable source of high-quality components is essential. Making the wrong purchase decision can have far-reaching consequences, as a low quality cylinder, or one that does not meet your precise specifications, can cause mechanical failure in the wider application.
As load-bearing components, hydraulic cylinders should be engineered to perform under exacting conditions. Furthermore, for a manufacturer, affordability and delivery timescales are also important. All these factors should be considered together when searching for a source for your cylinders.
Here are three tips on where to source cylinders for your business. Each alternative has its own benefits and drawbacks.
1) Online Trade Suppliers & Marketplaces
The most convenient way to purchase hydraulic cylinders is through an online store or marketplace. There are dozens of such marketplaces available, often selling other industrial components as well as hydraulic cylinders. For small volumes, some businesses purchase hydraulic cylinders on Alibaba or even from eBay, while for larger volumes industrial wholesalers are the preferred option. This is usually the cheapest way to buy cylinders and to make your budget stretch the farthest. Online suppliers vary widely in terms of service delivery and quality. It is important to seek independent reviews and test your supplier relationship with small orders before purchasing in bulk.
The general difficulty some companies find with online suppliers are transparency – not knowing the ultimate source of the hydraulic cylinders – and difficulty sourcing bespoke parts for specific applications.
2) Hydraulic Cylinder Reseller
Another sales option involves purchasing from a specialist hydraulic cylinder reseller. These resellers, which usually have an online presence as well as a physical warehouse location, may sell products from a number of manufacturers. Some resellers are well-established and knowledgeable, and you can normally be assured of greater transparency than when buying from an online marketplace. When you establish a relationship with a reseller, they may be able to order specific parts for you and cater for flexible volumes. However, sourcing bespoke cylinders through a reseller can sometimes be problematic. Also, you are at the mercy of the reseller’s manufacturer relationships. If they lose one of their supply-side relationships, or if a manufacturer goes under, this will directly impact you.
3) Specialist Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturer
The way to ensure the best quality and accurate bespoke orders is to order directly through a hydraulic cylinder specialist. These companies usually specialise only in cylinders and other hydraulic products, so they will have an in-depth knowledge of their field. With many companies you can speak directly to engineers, and they’ll be happy to take on bespoke orders. A hydraulic cylinder specialist will also be able to help you with technical drawings and to advise you on the most appropriate component. You may spend a bit more on your cylinders with a specialist than you would do with a reseller, but the trade-off in enhanced quality is always worth it.
Our FREE Buyers Guide To Hydraulic Cylinders
If you are in the market for a regular supply of high-quality hydraulic cylinders, maintaining good supplier relationships can make all the difference. Please download our Buyers Guide To Hydraulic Cylinders for all the information you need to make an informed decision. Sections cover topics such as buying from the UK versus importing from overseas, bespoke versus standard sized cylinders, how to get the best lead times and how to ensure reliable deliveries. Click here to claim your copy.
