Choosing the Right High-Tonnage Cylinder
In large-scale construction, strength and safety come first, and that’s where high-tonnage hydraulic cylinders excel. Built for heavy lifting in bridge, infrastructure, and industrial projects, they deliver the power and reliability needed for demanding jobs.
Unlike general-purpose hydraulic cylinders, high-tonnage models are designed for extreme loads of often up to 1,000 tons and precise, controlled movement. Their nitrocarburized coating protects against corrosion, wear, and impact, making them tough enough to perform outdoors and in harsh environments.
Choosing the Right High-Tonnage Cylinder
Selecting the right high-tonnage cylinder starts with understanding your project’s lifting needs. Here are the key factors to consider:
Factor | Key features |
|---|
Tonnage Capacity | Up to 1000 tons, choose based on your maximum lift load. |
Stroke Length | Up to 300 mm, depending on the lift height required. |
Return type | - Single acting cylinders use load weight to retract.
- Double acting cylinders use hydraulic force for faster, more controlled movement.
|
Locking | Locknut cylinder provides safe mechanical load holding, ideal for long-duration lifts. |
Saddle types | Consider a replaceable or tilt saddle to reduce sideload and wear. |
Resistance to Sideload | Choose cylinders rated for 5–10% sideload if side forces are expected. |
External dimension | Check the collapsed height for tight spaces and base diameter for stability. |
Durability | Nitrocarburization provides maximum durability, but for occasional or light use, a baked enamel finish offers a more cost-effective option. |
High-Tonnage Cylinder Products Overview
Here’s a breakdown of commonly used high-tonnage cylinder types, suited for different job site requirements:
Series | Type | Lifting Capacity | Lifting Stroke | Highlights |
|---|
HCG | Single acting | 50 to 1000 ton | 50~300 mm | - Gravity return
- Stop ring to prevent plunger blow-out
- Designed to withstand up to 10% side load of maximum capacity.
|
HCR | Double acting | 50 to 1000 ton | 50~300 mm | - Hydraulic advance and retract for controlled movement.
- Designed to withstand up to 10% sideload of maximum capacity.
|
HCL | Locknut (Single acting) | 50 to 1000 ton | 50~300 mm | - Gravity return
- Lock nut for mechanical load holding
- Overflow port to prevent plunger blow out
- Designed to withstand 10% side load up to 90% of maximum stroke.
|
HCRL | Locknut (Double acting) | 50 to 300 ton | 150~300 mm | - Hydraulic advance and retract
- Designed to withstand up to 10% side load of maximum capacity
- Integrated tilt saddle
- Lock nut for mechanical load holding
|
LPL | Lock nut
Low height
Single acting | 50 to 500 ton | 45~50 mm | - Integrated tilt saddle
- Gravity return
- Lock nut for mechanical load holding
- 5-10% side-load of maximum capacity.
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Controlled Lifting Pumps
Large infrastructure projects often involve lifting multiple points at once using high-tonnage cylinders. To keep every lift point moving evenly, hydraulic flow must be synchronized, and that’s where controlled lifting pumps come in.
Unlike independent pumps, controlled systems regulate oil flow automatically, ensuring smooth, accurate movement, reducing manual work, and improving lift safety.
Split Flow Pumps
Ideal when up to 4% synchronization accuracy is acceptable. These pumps deliver an even oil flow to each cylinder, keeping lifts balanced and steady.
EVO Synchronous Lifting System
A more advanced option that controls up to 12 lift points from one pump using a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). It achieves up to 1 mm (0.040 in) precision between cylinders for demanding, high-accuracy lifts.
EVOP Pump-Per-Point System
Each lifting point has its own pump, all controlled from a single station. This setup offers higher flow rates with the same 1 mm (0.040 in) accuracy, ideal for high-tonnage or long-stroke applications.
High-tonnage cylinders, combined with controlled lifting pumps, make complex lifts safer, faster, and more precise.
Conclusion
Selecting the right
high-tonnage hydraulic cylinder is essential to ensure safety, precision, and efficiency in any heavy-lifting operation. Built for power and reliability, these cylinders play a crucial role in applications where strength and control matter most. By understanding your load requirements, operating conditions, and maintenance needs, you can maximise performance and service life. SLS provides expert advice, quality Enerpac products, and tailored hydraulic solutions to meet your industry’s toughest challenges.
Contact us today to find the right high tonnage hydraulic cylinder for your next heavy-duty application.
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