If your equipment utilizes hydraulics you may have the need for stock or even custom hydraulic cylinders. When you buy these components you have two basic choices for construction. Some units are known as tie rod cylinders and others are welded, so which is the best one to use? Let’s look a little closer at each type to help you make your decision.
Cylinder Construction
Basically, all cylinders operate on the same principle. Whether they are single or dual acting, they have pistons, rods, seals and they need a way to properly seal off the chamber. Without a sealed fluid system there could be no pressure, force or hydraulic power. This is why end caps are used on most units, and how those end caps are attached makes all the difference.
Bolt-on Construction
Tie rod or bolt on hydraulic cylinders work on a simple principle. The top and bottom end caps have holes around the outer edges. Special rods called tie rods are inserted to connect the end caps to one another. One end of each rod has a head while the other end is threaded. A locking nut threads onto the end once the tie rod is in place. By tightening the nuts, the end caps pull towards one another and effectively seal the cylinder.
Welded
Instead of using bolts and rods (which can loosen or weaken over time) some manufacturers choose to weld the end caps in place. However, a special threaded mechanism is usually installed for piston access, should repairs need to be made.
Why Choose Tie Rod Cylinders?
Bolt on units can be taken apart by simply removing the bolts. This allows for easy access to the components. These cylinders are commonly used on many kinds of agricultural equipment.
Why Welded?
There are several reasons to go with welded hydraulic cylinders. For one thing, they use less space and this is important for applications with many components and the need for as much room as possible. They are also more durable because some bolt on units can develop problems with a condition called “tie rod stretch”. This happens when the rods are exposed to a lot of force and pressure over time and lose their original dimensions.
Most custom hydraulic cylinders are made with welded construction. The design is easier to customize to a wide range of applications today. However, it’s important to choose a custom cylinder manufacturer with a reputation for quality and exceptional service. This will give you the best return on your investment.
