On almost all types of machinery use for lifting, lowering, pushing or pulling, hydraulic cylinders are used to create the force needed for movement. The use of standard types of hydraulic cylinders is limited, which is why the telescopic hydraulic cylinder is often the perfect solution for the job.
The Size Issue
A standard hydraulic cylinder has a solid rod that is housed within the cylinder and is extended to create the lift or pushing movement of the equipment or device. As the rod is one solid, single piece, it can only be the length of the interior of the cylinder.
This means that the lift or push capability for these cylinders is limited to the length of the rod. Additionally, the location where the cylinder has to mount to the frame of the equipment has to be considered, and this can also limit the ability for lifting or pushing ability.
The Telescoping Solution
A telescopic hydraulic cylinder doesn’t use a single solid rod. Instead, it uses multiple precision crafted sections that nestle into each other and then telescope outward to create the extension for the lifting or pushing action.
The base of the telescopic section is the largest in diameters, with each subsequent section smaller to fit into the previous section. The total length of the fully retracted system cannot exceed the height of the cylinder, but it will extend the push or lift limit. These are typically designed for high operating pressures and provide steady, regular movement when extending and retracting under load or unloaded.
When selecting a telescopic hydraulic cylinder, it will be critical to consider the weight factor of the load over the extended length of the cylinder. Overweight loads can easily lead to bending or warping of one or more of the sections, preventing the rod segments from retracting and resulting in the need to repair or replace the cylinder.