A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is a cylinder in which the working fluid acts alternately on both sides of the piston.

It has a port at each end, supplied with hydraulic fluid for both the retraction and extension of the piston. A double-acting cylinder is used where an external force is not available to retract the piston or where high force is required in both directions of travel.

The double-acting cylinder is more common than its single-acting counterpart. It works at any angle and in almost any application where hydraulic power is needed. Even with applications where gravity (or weight) can assist retraction, hydraulic pressure is often applied to control acceleration, change the rate of travel and cushion the stoppage. Travel in one direction always differs from travel in the other, all things being equal; the push action requires more force and is slower but more work output is generated. The pulling action is faster, but less work output is created.

We can supply custom design double-acting cylinders tailored to your specific application and operating parameters – just complete our Hydraulic Cylinder Design Form with as much detail as you can, and we’ll then be in touch to confirm your requirements in full.