Simplex RAC Series hydraulic cylinders are lightweight aluminum center-hole cylinders designed for pulling, pushing, tensioning, positioning, maintenance, and other industrial applications where a rod, cable, bolt, or tooling component needs to pass through the center of the cylinder.
RAC Series cylinders are single acting with spring return and are available in 30 and 60 ton capacities with 3 and 6 inch stroke options. They are designed for high-pressure hydraulic systems with a maximum operating pressure of 10,000 psi.
Single-Acting Aluminum Center Hole Design
The center-hole design allows force to be applied around a rod, cable, fastener, or other component passing through the cylinder. This makes RAC Series cylinders useful for applications such as pulling pins, tensioning threaded rods, pressing components, testing assemblies, and performing maintenance where conventional solid-plunger cylinders are not suitable.
Hydraulic pressure extends the piston, while a heavy-duty internal spring assists with retraction when pressure is released. This single-acting configuration provides a relatively simple hydraulic circuit while still allowing the cylinder to perform demanding center-hole applications.
Lightweight Aluminum Construction
Simplex RAC cylinders use aluminum construction to reduce overall cylinder weight compared with similar steel center-hole cylinders. The lighter design can make the cylinder easier to transport, position, and reposition during field service and maintenance work.
The RAC Series also incorporates protective features including a chrome-plated center hole, stop rings for piston over-travel protection, a rod wiper to help keep contaminants away from internal components, and a protective coating designed to reduce wear and corrosion.
Simplex RAC Series Capacity and Stroke Options
The RAC Series is available in two capacity classes:
- 30 Ton RAC Cylinders: Available with 3 or 6 inch stroke options.
- 60 Ton RAC Cylinders: Available with 3 or 6 inch stroke options.
This compact range makes model selection relatively simple: determine the required hydraulic force, then select the stroke length that provides sufficient travel for the application.
Choosing a Simplex RAC Center Hole Cylinder
Start with the maximum force required and select a cylinder with adequate rated capacity. Then determine the stroke and minimum collapsed height required for the available installation space.
For center-hole applications, also verify the inside diameter of the cylinder opening. The rod, cable, bolt, or tooling passing through the cylinder must have sufficient clearance throughout the complete operating cycle.
Also confirm oil capacity, hydraulic connection requirements, operating pressure, and compatibility with the pump, hose, couplers, and other system components.
RAC vs. Other Simplex Center Hole Cylinders
- Simplex RACD Series Cylinders provide a double-acting aluminum center-hole design for applications requiring hydraulic control during both extension and retraction.
- Simplex RC Series Cylinders provide a steel, single-acting center-hole design.
- Simplex RCD Series Cylinders provide a steel, double-acting center-hole design.
Return to Simplex Hydraulic Cylinders to compare all available Simplex cylinder series.
