Hydraulic Cylinders & Components

Hydraulic Cylinders & Components

From the powerful lift of a loader arm to the precise digging of an excavator bucket, these parts turn hydraulic oil pressure into the muscle you need to get the job done. Fix worn parts or build new setups easily with FridayParts hydraulic cylinder & components. Can’t find the exact part you need? Give us a call—we’ll help you get the right fit.

Hydraulic Cylinder Components

A hydraulic cylinder is a group of precision parts working together. Here are the main components and what they do:

Cylinder Barrel

The main tube that holds high-pressure hydraulic oil. The inside is honed smooth so the piston and seals can move without leaking.

Cylinder Head (End Cap)

Closes the barrel on the rod side. It holds the rod seals and wiper to keep oil in and dirt out.

Piston

Moves back and forth inside the barrel. Oil pressure pushes on it to create force. Seals on the piston keep oil from leaking past it.

Piston Rod

The chrome-plated shaft that connects the cylinder to the machine. It’s smooth and hard to protect seals. Even a small scratch can cause leaks.

Cylinder Base (Cap End)

The closed end of the cylinder is opposite the rod. It holds pressure and usually provides a mounting point to the machine frame.

Rod Gland

Located in the cylinder head. It holds the rod seals and wiper, stopping oil leaks and cleaning the rod as it retracts.

Seals

Small parts, big job. Worn or damaged seals are the most common cause of cylinder failure:

• Piston seals keep oil on the correct side of the piston.
• Rod seals stop oil from leaking along the rod.
• Wiper seals remove dirt and debris from the rod.
• Wear bands/guide rings prevent metal-to-metal contact.
• O-rings seal non-moving joints.

Spot the Signs Your Hydraulic Cylinders Are Failing

Notice these common warning signs that a hydraulic cylinder or its seals are wearing out:

• Visible Oil Leaks: Oil on the piston rod or fluid dripping on the ground usually means the rod seal is failing.
• Cylinder Drift: The cylinder won’t hold under load. For example, an excavator boom slowly sinks even with the controls in neutral. This often points to an internal leak past the piston seal.
• Loss of Power or Speed: The cylinder feels weak or moves more slowly than normal. This is because of internal bypassing and pressure loss.
• Jerky Movement: Soft, jerky, or uneven movement usually means air in the system. Worn seals are a common way air gets in, affecting control and performance.

FridayParts hydraulic cylinders stand tough even in the harshest work conditions. We’ve got hydraulic cylinders & parts that fit all kinds of brands and models. Don’t let a faulty hydraulic cylinder delay your project. Browse our selection right now and enjoy fast shipping!