Enerpac double-acting hydraulic cylinders use hydraulic pressure for both extension and retraction, providing positive control throughout the complete cylinder stroke. This makes them well suited for industrial lifting, pushing, pulling, positioning, maintenance, production, and repeated-cycle applications where powered return is important.
This collection includes Enerpac double-acting cylinders in long-stroke, high-tonnage, hollow-plunger, aluminum, lock nut, and precision-production configurations. Compare capacity, stroke, collapsed height, construction material, plunger design, and other specifications to select the appropriate cylinder for the application.
How Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinders Work
A double-acting cylinder has hydraulic connections on both sides of the piston. Hydraulic pressure applied to one side extends the cylinder, while pressure applied to the opposite side retracts it.
Because hydraulic pressure controls movement in both directions, double-acting cylinders provide more positive return than spring-return or load-return designs. This can be particularly valuable where the cylinder is operating horizontally, pulling a load, cycling repeatedly, or working in an application where gravity cannot reliably retract the piston.
Advantages of Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinders
- Powered Extension and Retraction: Hydraulic pressure controls cylinder movement in both directions.
- Faster Return: Hydraulic retraction can reduce cycle time compared with spring-return or load-return cylinders.
- Greater Control: Powered return provides more predictable piston movement throughout the operating cycle.
- Push and Pull Capability: Many double-acting configurations can apply useful hydraulic force in both directions.
- Repeated Cycling: Double-acting operation is well suited for production and maintenance applications requiring frequent cylinder movement.
Types of Enerpac Double-Acting Cylinders
High Tonnage Hydraulic Cylinders
Enerpac HCR and HCRL Series double-acting cylinders provide powered advance and return for heavy lifting, positioning, construction, infrastructure, and industrial maintenance applications. HCRL models also incorporate mechanical lock nuts for load holding.
Hollow Plunger Hydraulic Cylinders
RRH and RARH Series cylinders combine double-acting operation with a hollow-plunger design, allowing rods, cables, bolts, or tooling to pass through the cylinder for pushing, pulling, tensioning, and testing applications.
Aluminum Hydraulic Cylinders
Enerpac RAR and RARH Series cylinders combine double-acting hydraulic control with lightweight aluminum construction for applications where reduced cylinder weight and easier handling are important.
Long Stroke Hydraulic Cylinders
Enerpac RR Series double-acting cylinders provide longer stroke lengths for applications requiring greater travel along with hydraulic control of both extension and retraction.
Precision Production Hydraulic Cylinders
Double-acting production cylinders provide controlled hydraulic movement for demanding industrial, fixture, and repeated-cycle applications where consistent advance and return are required.
Choosing a Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinder
Start by determining the maximum force required during both extension and retraction. Because piston area differs on the rod side of a double-acting cylinder, available force may differ between the advance and return strokes.
Next, determine the required stroke and available collapsed height. The cylinder must fit within the application before operation begins while still providing enough travel to complete the required movement.
Also consider cylinder material, plunger configuration, mounting method, available installation space, cycle frequency, and whether the application requires specialized features such as a hollow plunger, mechanical lock nut, lightweight aluminum construction, or extended stroke.
A double-acting hydraulic system also requires the correct pump and control valve arrangement to direct oil to both sides of the piston. Verify that the pump, valve, hoses, couplers, gauges, and other hydraulic components are compatible with the cylinder's working pressure, oil volume, and operating requirements.
Double-Acting vs. Single-Acting Hydraulic Cylinders
Double-acting cylinders provide hydraulic force in both directions and are generally preferred when powered return, positive control, faster retraction, or repeated cycling is required.
Single-acting hydraulic cylinders use hydraulic pressure in one direction and rely on a spring, load, or external force for return. Their simpler hydraulic circuit makes them a strong choice for many lifting, pushing, and maintenance applications where powered retraction is unnecessary.
Return to our complete Enerpac Hydraulic Cylinders collection to compare all available Enerpac cylinder configurations.
