Simplex RAL Series hydraulic cylinders are lightweight aluminum lock nut cylinders designed for lifting applications where a raised load must be mechanically supported for an extended period. The combination of aluminum construction, single-acting operation, spring return, and an integral lock nut provides high lifting capacity in a more portable cylinder design.
The RAL Series models available from BuyEnerpac.com range from 50 to 150 tons with stroke options from 2 to 10 inches. These cylinders are designed for high-pressure hydraulic systems operating up to 10,000 psi.
Mechanical Load Holding with an Integral Lock Nut
The defining feature of the Simplex RAL Series is the integral lock nut. After the cylinder raises the load to the required position, the lock nut can be threaded down against the cylinder body to mechanically support the load.
This allows the load to remain supported without depending on continuous hydraulic pressure. Lock nut cylinders are commonly used in maintenance, structural positioning, equipment support, construction, and other applications where a load must remain elevated for an extended period.
Lightweight Aluminum Construction
RAL Series cylinders use aluminum construction to reduce overall cylinder weight compared with similar steel designs. This is particularly valuable with higher-capacity cylinders that must be transported, positioned, or repositioned in the field.
The cylinders also incorporate protective features designed for industrial use, including a hard-coated exterior to help reduce wear and corrosion, a heavy-duty return spring, piston over-travel protection, and carrying handles for easier positioning.
Simplex RAL Series Capacity and Stroke Options
The RAL Series cylinders available in this collection include 50, 100, and 150-ton capacity classes with multiple stroke lengths. This allows the cylinder to be selected based on both the required lifting force and the amount of vertical travel needed for the application.
Shorter-stroke models provide a lower collapsed height for applications with limited starting clearance, while longer-stroke models provide additional travel when greater movement is required from a single setup.
Choosing a Simplex RAL Lock Nut Cylinder
Start by determining the maximum load that must be lifted and select a cylinder with adequate rated capacity. Then compare the required stroke with the available collapsed height and installation space.
If the load must remain raised after the lifting operation, the lock nut should be mechanically engaged according to the manufacturer's operating instructions. The lock nut provides mechanical load support and should not be confused with a hydraulic holding valve.
Also verify cylinder dimensions, oil capacity, operating pressure, hydraulic connections, and compatibility with the pump, hose, couplers, and other components in the hydraulic system.
RAL vs. Other Simplex Aluminum Cylinders
- Simplex RAS Series Cylinders are single-acting aluminum cylinders without an integral lock nut and are suited for general-purpose lifting applications.
- Simplex RAC Series Cylinders provide a single-acting aluminum center-hole design for pulling, pushing, and tensioning applications.
- Simplex RACD Series Cylinders provide an aluminum center-hole configuration with double-acting hydraulic operation.
Return to Simplex Hydraulic Cylinders to compare all available Simplex cylinder series.
