Single-acting hydraulic cylinders

We offer brand new single-acting cylinders ( in plunger cylinders, unlike double-acting cylinders - the working stroke occurs in only one direction ) All offered cylinders are brand new and are manufactured in Poland. Plunger cylinders have versatile applications in agriculture, forestry and various types of industry. All offered cylinders are under warranty, ready for work and painted in standard gloss black. Below we present typical types of cylinders available off the shelf. At the customer's request, we also manufacture cylinders with specified dimensions and requirements or according to a provided technical drawing.

What are single-acting hydraulic cylinders ?

Single-acting hydraulic cylinders are basic devices used in power hydraulic systems. Their operation is based on using hydraulic oil pressure, which moves the piston in one direction – usually for lifting, moving or applying pressure. The return of the piston to its original position occurs thanks to a spring or the action of external forces, such as gravity.

Application of single-acting cylinders

Single-acting cylinders are widely used in industry and agriculture. Example applications include: Agricultural machinery: Presses, spreaders, plows and other equipment requiring lifting or moving. Construction industry: Cranes, lifts and machines used on construction sites. Industrial equipment: Production lines where precise piston movements are necessary.

How does a single-acting cylinder work ?

A single-acting cylinder uses hydraulic fluid pressure to perform piston movement in one direction. The cylinder's operation is as follows: Piston working stroke: High-pressure hydraulic oil is forced into the cylinder chamber through a control valve. The fluid pressure causes the piston to move, allowing work to be performed, e.g. lifting, moving or pressing. Piston return: The return of the piston to its original position occurs due to the action of a spring built into the cylinder or external forces, such as gravity. In this stage, hydraulic oil is drained back to the tank.

Which control valve for a single-acting cylinder ?

To operate a single-acting cylinder, it is recommended to use a hydraulic control valve 2-way (usually designated as a 2/2 valve). Such a valve allows for: Controlling oil flow in one direction – to the piston, to enable the working stroke. Draining oil back to the tank to allow the piston to return. In the case of more advanced applications, multi-way valves (e.g. 4/2) can be used, which allow the control of several cylinders or additional functions in the hydraulic system.

How to connect a single-acting cylinder to a control valve ?

Correctly connecting the cylinder to the hydraulic system and the control valve is crucial for its proper operation. Here are the steps to follow: System preparation: Make sure that all components, such as the cylinder, hydraulic control valve, hoses and hydraulic pump, are compatible in terms of operating pressure and flow. Connecting hydraulic lines: Connect the pressure outlet of the control valve to the input port of the cylinder (marked as „A” or „P” depending on the model). Connect the return line from the cylinder to the appropriate port in the control valve or directly to the oil tank. Checking connection tightness: Ensure that all connections are leak-tight to avoid oil leaks. System testing: Turn on the hydraulic pump and test the cylinder operation, checking if the piston moves in the desired direction and if the return occurs smoothly.

Plunger hydraulic cylinder

Within the group of single-acting cylinders, plunger hydraulic cylinders can also be distinguished, which represent a special type of design intended for heavy-load operation. A plunger hydraulic cylinder does not have a classic piston – the working element is the piston rod itself, which is directly acted upon by oil pressure. These types of cylinders work exclusively in one direction, and the return occurs by gravity or under the weight of the lowered element. Plunger cylinders are most commonly used in lifting systems, trailer tippers, presses and structures where high force and simple, reliable construction are essential. Hydron's offer includes single-acting cylinders, which, depending on the design and application, can function as plunger cylinders in power hydraulic installations.