Simplex RFS Series hydraulic cylinders are low-height, single-acting, spring-return flat jack cylinders designed for lifting applications where available clearance is extremely limited. Their compact profile allows substantial hydraulic force to be applied in spaces where a conventional cylinder may be too tall to fit.
RFS Series cylinders are available in capacities up to 150 tons with very short stroke lengths, making them well suited for machinery positioning, structural lifting, bridge maintenance, pier work, equipment installation, and other applications where high lifting force must be generated from a low starting height.
Low-Profile Hydraulic Lifting
The defining characteristic of the Simplex RFS Series is its extremely low collapsed height. These cylinders are designed to fit beneath loads with minimal available clearance while still providing the hydraulic force required to begin the lift.
Because flat jack cylinders prioritize compact height, their available stroke is intentionally short. RFS models are therefore best suited for applications where only a small amount of initial movement is required or where the load can be supported and the cylinder repositioned as the lifting operation progresses.
Simplex RFS Series Capacity and Stroke
The RFS Series spans a broad range of lifting capacities, allowing the same low-profile cylinder concept to be used for both relatively small maintenance jobs and much heavier industrial or structural applications.
Published Simplex specifications show RFS Series models with stroke lengths of approximately 0.44 to 0.62 inches. When selecting a model, compare both the required lifting capacity and the minimum height available beneath the load.
Built for Demanding Industrial Applications
Simplex RFS cylinders use steel construction for durability in industrial and field environments. The series incorporates a plated piston to help resist scoring and corrosion along with a rod wiper designed to reduce contamination entering the cylinder.
The combination of compact dimensions, high lifting capacity, and heavy-duty construction makes the RFS Series particularly useful for maintenance, construction, machinery moving, bridge work, and other low-clearance lifting applications.
Choosing a Simplex RFS Flat Jack Cylinder
Start by measuring the minimum clearance available beneath the load. The selected cylinder's collapsed height must fit comfortably within that space before hydraulic pressure is applied.
Next, determine the maximum lifting force required and select a cylinder with adequate rated capacity. Because RFS cylinders have very short strokes, also confirm that the available travel is sufficient for the lifting step being performed.
Finally, verify operating pressure, oil capacity, cylinder dimensions, hydraulic connection requirements, and compatibility with the pump, hose, couplers, gauge, and other components in the hydraulic system.
RFS vs. Other Simplex Low-Height Cylinders
- Simplex RLS Series Cylinders provide a low-profile design with greater stroke where slightly more collapsed height is available.
- Simplex R Series Cylinders are better suited for general-purpose lifting applications where additional cylinder height and stroke are acceptable.
Return to Simplex Hydraulic Cylinders to compare all available Simplex cylinder series.
