Hydraulic Cylinders
Lifting
A Hydraulic Cylinder is a mechanical actuator that uses hydraulic pressure to generate linear force and motion. With +55 years of experience, we are your specialist for high-pressure hydraulic cylinders. Our Holmatro Industrial Tools offer you a range of Cylinders (Jacks) for various applications, enabling lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, pressing or spreading.
How does a Hydraulic Cylinder work?
A hydraulic cylinder operates by using pressurized hydraulic fluid to create force. When hydraulic oil is pumped into the cylinder, it pushes against a piston inside the cylinder housing. This movement forces the piston rod outward, generating linear motion.
The power of hydraulic-driven tools lies in the fact that you can move extremely large forces with a relatively small surface by means of fluid under high pressure, 700 Bar / 10.000 Psi.
Hydraulic cylinders, also referred to as jacks, bottle jacks, presses, small presses, small bottles, pumps, or small pump jacks, find application in the movement of heavy objects.
This can be done by lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, pressing, or spreading, and more.
Oil is almost incompressible, allowing it to generate extremely high pressure.
When the pressure is released or redirected, the piston retracts, either through hydraulic force or by means of gravity or a return mechanism.
Where are Hydraulic Cylinders used?
Hydraulic cylinders are widely used in applications where controlled force and precision are required. They are particularly suitable for lifting, pushing, pulling and holding heavy loads.
Typical applications include:
- Industrial lifting and positioning of heavy machinery
- Construction and infrastructure projects
- Maintenance and repair operations
- Bridge lifting and structural alignment
- Shipbuilding and offshore applications
- Energy sector, including wind and power plants
In all these environments, reliability, safety and high force output are critical.
The different types of Hydraulic Cylinders
Holmatro offers a wide range of hydraulic cylinders designed for different lifting, pushing and pulling applications. Each type is developed with specific use cases, capacities, and working conditions in mind.
Multi-Purpose Cylinders (HGC) – spring return
The Holmatro Multi-Purpose cylinders are designed for versatility. With a lifting capacity ranging from 5 to 100 tons and stroke lengths between 50 and 250 mm, they are suitable for a wide variety of general lifting applications.
These cylinders feature base mounting holes, collar thread and internal plunger thread (up to 50 tons), making them easy to integrate into different setups.
Flat Cylinders (HFC) – spring return
Flat cylinders are developed for situations where space is limited. Thanks to their very low construction height, they can be used in confined areas where standard cylinders cannot fit.
Despite their compact design, they still offer lifting capacities from 5 to 100 tons.
Short Stroke Cylinders (HSC) – spring return
Short stroke cylinders combine a low construction height with a limited stroke length. With capacities from 10 to 100 tons, they are ideal for general lifting tasks where only a small lifting movement is required.
Aluminum Cylinders (HAC) – spring & hydraulic return
Holmatro aluminum cylinders are over 50% lighter than comparable steel models, without compromising on strength. With lifting capacities from 20 to 150 tons and stroke lengths between 50 and 150 mm, they are particularly suitable for applications in hard-to-reach places or where the cylinder needs to be moved frequently.
Aluminum Hollow Plunger Cylinders (HAHC) – spring & hydraulic return
These lightweight cylinders feature a hollow plunger, making them suitable for both pushing and pulling applications. With capacities from 20 to 150 tons and stroke lengths up to 250 mm, they are commonly used in pulling operations with rods or cables and they are ideal for maintenance applications.
Hollow Plunger Cylinders (HHJ) – gravity, spring & hydraulic return
Hollow plunger cylinders (jacks) are designed for both pushing and pulling. The hollow center allows for the use of pulling rods, making them ideal for tensioning and alignment tasks. They offer capacities from 5 to 110 tons and stroke lengths between 25 and 150 mm.
High Tonnage Cylinders (HJ) – gravity & hydraulic return
For heavy-lifting applications, Holmatro offers high-tonnage cylinders with capacities ranging from 50 to 300 tons and stroke lengths up to 300 mm. These cylinders are built for demanding environments where maximum force and reliability are essential.
Locknut Cylinders (HLC) – gravity & hydraulic return
Locknut cylinders are designed for applications where loads need to be held safely over a longer period. They feature mechanical load locking, with capacities from 50 to 250 tons. The hydraulic version is equipped with a smart return-plunger design that ensures a compact build while maintaining high performance.
Telescopic Cylinders (HFJ) – gravity return
Telescopic cylinders combine multiple stroke stages in one compact unit. This results in a very low collapsed height while still offering extended reach. They are ideal for lifting applications where both compactness and longer stroke lengths are required.
Pulling Cylinders (HPJ) – spring return
Pulling cylinders are specifically developed for pulling applications, such as bringing heavy objects together or levelling structures. They offer pulling capacities from 11 to 60 tons and a fixed stroke length of 150 mm.
Key factors to consider when choosing a Hydraulic Cylinder
Selecting the right hydraulic cylinder depends on several technical and practical factors:
Capacity and force requirements
Determine the amount of force needed to safely perform the application.
Stroke length
Consider how far the cylinder needs to extend to complete the task.
Operating pressure
Ensure the cylinder matches the required pressure levels of your hydraulic system.
Available space: closed height
In limited spaces, compact or low height cylinders may be required.
Type of application
Lifting, pushing or pulling each require different cylinder configurations.
Durability and environment
Harsh environments may require corrosion-resistant materials and robust construction.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select a hydraulic cylinder that ensures safety, efficiency and long-term performance