Simplex RAS Series hydraulic cylinders are lightweight aluminum, single-acting, spring-return cylinders designed for industrial lifting, positioning, maintenance, and field-service applications. Their aluminum construction provides a high capacity-to-weight ratio, making them easier to transport and position than comparable steel cylinders.
RAS Series cylinders are available in capacities from 30 to 150 tons with stroke lengths from 2 to 10 inches. All models are designed for high-pressure hydraulic systems with a maximum operating pressure of 10,000 psi.
Why Choose a Simplex RAS Aluminum Cylinder?
Weight becomes increasingly important as hydraulic cylinder capacity increases. Large steel cylinders can be difficult to transport, position, and reposition around machinery or a jobsite. The aluminum construction of the RAS Series substantially reduces cylinder weight while still providing high lifting capacity.
Simplex RAS cylinders also use a heavy-duty return spring to retract the plunger after hydraulic pressure is released. Large bearing surfaces help protect the cylinder when minor side loading occurs, while the cylinder design incorporates features intended to protect internal components in demanding industrial environments.
Simplex RAS Series Capacities and Stroke Options
The RAS Series covers a broad range of lifting requirements with 30, 50, 100, and 150-ton capacity classes and multiple stroke lengths. This allows the cylinder to be selected based on both the force required and the amount of travel needed for the application.
Shorter-stroke models provide a more compact collapsed height where installation space is limited, while longer-stroke models provide additional travel for applications that require greater movement from a single cylinder setup.
Choosing a Simplex RAS Series Hydraulic Cylinder
Start with the maximum load the cylinder must move and select a model with adequate capacity for the application. Then compare the required stroke with the available installation height. Stroke determines how far the plunger can extend, while collapsed height determines whether the cylinder will fit into the available space before lifting begins.
Because RAS cylinders are single acting, hydraulic pressure advances the plunger and the internal spring assists with retraction when pressure is released. Applications requiring positive hydraulic control during both extension and retraction may be better suited to a double-acting cylinder.
Also verify cylinder dimensions, oil capacity, operating pressure, hydraulic connections, and compatibility with the pump, hose, couplers, and other components in the hydraulic system.
Other Simplex Aluminum Hydraulic Cylinders
For applications requiring different aluminum cylinder configurations, compare the other Simplex aluminum series:
- Simplex RAL Series Cylinders provide mechanical lock nuts for applications requiring extended load holding.
- Simplex RAC Series Cylinders provide a single-acting center-hole design for applications requiring access through the center of the cylinder.
- Simplex RACD Series Cylinders provide a double-acting center-hole configuration for applications requiring hydraulic control in both directions.
Return to Simplex Hydraulic Cylinders to compare all available Simplex cylinder series.
