The market for hydraulic cylinders is not abating. Companies rely on these devices to ensure their equipment functions properly – providing the force they need to accomplish specific manufacturing, construction or industrial tasks. While many categories or types of cylinders exist, some are more adept at handling specialized environments than others are. Among these is the telescoping hydraulic cylinder.
What Are Telescoping Hydraulic Cylinders?
Telescopic or telescoping cylinders feature a unique design. They consist of several cylinders, each fitting within the other to create a “telescope” design. The result is a contractible design that can occupy a small space when totally collapsed but can expand to produce an extended length, providing the force essential for the task. Therefore, when mounting space is limited, telescopic cylinders are ideal.
The stages usually number six at most. They comprise part of either a single- or double-acting telescoping hydraulic cylinder. While special designs do exist combining the two styles, generally a company will prefer one to the other, with the single-acting telescopic cylinder being the most popular. In either instance, the hydraulic force causes the extension of the cylinder. However, while gravity or another external force results in the retraction of the single-action hydraulic cylinder and uses hydraulic pressure to accomplish this action.
Applications for a Telescoping Hydraulic Cylinder
Telescopic hydraulic cylinders do not function optimally in all applications. They are very suited for small spaces. Companies utilize this type of hydraulic cylinder for satisfactory results in various types of construction equipment, but they are also viable in other types of equipment. Among the various applications that employ telescopic hydraulic cylinders are the following:
- Aerial platforms
- Dump trucks
- Cranes
- Excavators
- Forklift mast cylinders
- Garbage trucks (the pack-ejector)
- Oil drilling rigs
- Roll off trucks
- Transfer trailers
Indeed, the purpose built telescoping hydraulic cylinder proves to be a very valuable tool in numerous challenging situations.
