By producing a unidirectional force from a unidirectional stroke, hydraulic cylinders create a versatile force that is used in hundreds of commercial and industrial applications. Small hydraulic cylinders are used on a daily basis in the automotive manufacturing, oil and gas, forestry and logging, mining, and construction sectors, among others. This article is about the characteristics of a good small hydraulic cylinder supplier, but before we continue, it is worth discussing what constitutes a ‘small’ cylinder and what differences there are (if any) compared to larger cylinders.

Everything You Need To Know About Small Hydraulic Cylinders

Often referred to as mini hydraulic cylinders, small hydraulic cylinders are compact, robust components used in a range of engines and mechanical systems. As with their larger counterparts, small cylinders are available in both double acting and single acting variants. Whether they are single action or double acting, small hydraulic cylinders frequently punch above their weight, offering high pressure outputs with low flow. Due to their size and high performance characteristics, small hydraulic cylinders are ideal for incorporation into flexible components. Different variants can be fabricated to deal with the most challenging of operational environments, with high-temperature seals and surface treatments to increase their corrosion resistance. High quality manufacturers can usually incorporate advanced features into their small hydraulic cylinders, including cushions and pneumatic stroke completion sensors.

A small hydraulic cylinder is ideal in applications with confined space but where there is still a requirement to produce a substantial force from a small movement. They can be customised to fit various valve systems, including pressure relief valves, hose rupture valves and integrated load holding valves.

Examples of where small hydraulic cylinders are used include car engines, industrial automation tools, stair lifts, tool locks and brake systems for wind turbines, among other applications.

Finding A Reliable Supplier

For businesses that depend on small sized hydraulic cylinders, finding a reliable supplier is essential. A good supplier should be able to provide you with the type and size of hydraulic cylinder you need for your application, at the volumes you need, with a short lead time, at a price that suits your budget. This all looks simple on paper! In practice, however, many businesses struggle to find a good quality hydraulic cylinder supply they can forge a relationship with.

The reason behind this, in our opinion, is that some suppliers are primarily resellers. They have a set product to sell which they will always present as the solution, and the customer can either take it or leave it. A good small hydraulic cylinder supplier will be attentive to the needs of your application, crafting bespoke solutions that match your precise needs. Here are the features you should look for when sourcing a supplier:

• The ability to fabricate bespoke components to meet your pressure, force output and temperature requirements.
• Flexible order volumes, ranging from a few components to many hundreds as required.
• A single point of contact or account manager who you can chat with about your needs.
• Transparent manufacturing process. Ideally the supplier will fabricate your cylinders in the UK, but they should be upfront about any part of the process they outsource, especially when overseas contractors are used.
• A range of UK, EU and international engineering accreditations relevant to your industry.
• A proven track record of reliability, backed up by customer testimonials and many years in business.

Our Free Guide To Hydraulic Cylinders

To help you make the right business decision when sourcing hydraulic cylinders, we have written a free Buyers Guide To Hydraulic Cylinders, which can be downloaded by clicking here. For a free quote or to speak with one of our engineers, please don’t hesitate to give us a call, or send us a message through our online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.