Low pressure hydraulic cylinders are designed for equipment that requires controlled linear movement and reliable force output without the high working pressure used in heavy-duty construction or mining machinery. They are commonly used in light-duty to medium-duty lifting, positioning, clamping, opening, closing, steering, adjustment, and auxiliary motion systems.

KICAN supplies custom low pressure hydraulic cylinders for OEM equipment manufacturers, machinery repair projects, and replacement-cylinder programs. We can configure cylinder bore, rod diameter, stroke, mounting style, hydraulic ports, sealing arrangement, material selection, and surface protection according to your operating requirements.

For broader cylinder structures and customization options, please visit our Customized Hydraulic Cylinder page.

What Is a Low Pressure Hydraulic Cylinder?

A low pressure hydraulic cylinder is designed to operate in a hydraulic system with relatively low working pressure. On this website, low pressure generally refers to systems operating at up to 10 MPa. However, the final pressure rating should always be confirmed according to the actual equipment design, load condition, duty cycle, and safety factor.

Low pressure does not mean the cylinder can be selected only by pressure. The required output force also depends on effective piston area. When the system pressure is limited, a larger bore may be required to generate the necessary pushing force.

Custom design helps ensure that the cylinder matches the hydraulic circuit and machine mechanism rather than simply using an oversized or unsuitable standard model.

Typical Applications of Low Pressure Hydraulic Cylinders

Custom low pressure hydraulic cylinders can be used in a wide range of equipment where smooth motion, compact installation, and stable performance are required.

Typical applications include:

• Agricultural machinery attachments

• Light-duty loaders and lifting platforms

• Material handling equipment

• Conveyor guides and positioning mechanisms

• Industrial clamping systems

• Packaging and processing machinery

• Municipal service equipment

• Trailer and vehicle auxiliary systems

• Access covers, hatches, doors, and gates

• Light-duty press and forming equipment

• Steering and linkage systems

• Adjustable work platforms and support mechanisms

For applications that require power in one direction only, see our Single Acting Hydraulic Cylinder solutions. For controlled extension and retraction, explore our Custom Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinder range.

Customization Options for Low Pressure Hydraulic Cylinders

Bore Size and Output Force

Bore size should be selected according to the required output force and available hydraulic pressure. A properly matched bore helps the cylinder generate sufficient force while maintaining stable movement and avoiding unnecessary system cost.

Stroke Length

Stroke length is determined by the required movement distance of the equipment. We can customize short-stroke, medium-stroke, and long-stroke cylinders based on the installation layout and motion range.

Rod Diameter

Rod diameter affects cylinder rigidity and resistance to bending. It should be selected according to load direction, mounting geometry, stroke length, and the possibility of side loading.

Mounting Style

Available mounting options include:

• Clevis mounts

• Pin-eye mounts

• Cross tube mounts

• Flange mounts

• Foot mounts

• Trunnion mounts

• Welded brackets

• Custom mounting interfaces

Correct mounting selection helps reduce misalignment, side loads, rod wear, and premature seal failure.

Port Type and Port Position

Hydraulic port type and location affect hose routing, installation convenience, and maintenance access. Custom port arrangements can help avoid hose interference with moving machine parts.

Seals and Environmental Protection

The sealing system should match the working temperature, hydraulic fluid, contamination level, and operating frequency. Available options may include:

• Rod seals for repeated cycling

• Dust wipers for dirty environments

• Wear rings for stable piston guidance

• Corrosion-resistant rod treatment

• Protective paint or coating systems

• Stainless steel rod options for humid or corrosive applications

Low Pressure Hydraulic Cylinder Design Considerations

Required Force

The cylinder must generate enough pushing or pulling force for the intended task. Required force should be calculated based on the actual load, mechanical linkage, friction, installation angle, and safety margin.

Working Pressure Range

The cylinder should be designed for the normal operating pressure as well as possible pressure fluctuations in the hydraulic system. This helps ensure long-term sealing performance and structural reliability.

Duty Cycle

A cylinder used occasionally for a cover-opening mechanism has different requirements from one that cycles continuously in industrial automation or agricultural equipment. Duty cycle affects seal selection, surface treatment, and component design.

Installation Space

Retracted length, extended length, mounting-center distance, and port location must fit the available space inside the equipment. Custom cylinder dimensions can help reduce installation changes and simplify assembly.

Side Load Control

Hydraulic cylinders are designed primarily for linear force. Excessive side loading can damage the rod, gland, seals, and tube. Proper mounting alignment and linkage design are important for reliable operation.

Low Pressure Hydraulic Cylinder Configurations

Why Choose a Custom Low Pressure Hydraulic Cylinder?

A standard hydraulic cylinder may not match the exact pressure, force, mounting, stroke, or installation-space requirements of your equipment. A custom cylinder helps improve fitment and supports more reliable machine operation.

Custom low pressure hydraulic cylinders can provide:

• Bore and stroke dimensions matched to the actual mechanism

• Suitable force output at the available system pressure

• Flexible mounting and port configurations

• Improved hose routing and installation convenience

• Seal systems selected for the working environment

• Better compatibility with OEM equipment structures

• More consistent replacement-cylinder planning

• Reduced risk of interference, misalignment, and unnecessary modifications

Information Needed for a Quote

To recommend a suitable low pressure hydraulic cylinder, please provide as much information as possible:

• Equipment type and application

• Required pushing and pulling force

• Normal and maximum working pressure

• Bore diameter and rod diameter, if available

• Stroke length

• Closed length and extended length

• Mounting type and pin dimensions

• Port type, thread, and port position

• Required quantity

• Hydraulic fluid type

• Operating temperature range

• Environmental conditions such as dust, water, humidity, or corrosion

• Existing cylinder photos, samples, drawings, or OEM part numbers

If a full technical drawing is not available, clear photos of the existing cylinder and its installation position can help confirm the required configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a low pressure hydraulic cylinder be double acting?

Yes. A low pressure cylinder can be designed as a double-acting model when controlled extension and retraction are required. The final bore, rod, seal, and mounting configuration should be matched to the available pressure and required load.

Does a low pressure cylinder need a larger bore?

In many cases, yes. When working pressure is lower, a larger piston area may be needed to achieve the same output force. The correct bore should be calculated based on force requirements and system pressure.

Can low pressure hydraulic cylinders be used outdoors?

Yes. Outdoor use may require dust wipers, corrosion-resistant rod treatment, protective coatings, and seals selected for water, dirt, temperature variation, and agricultural or industrial contaminants.

What is the difference between a low pressure and high pressure hydraulic cylinder?

The main difference is the working pressure range and the related design requirements. High pressure cylinders are usually designed for heavier loads and more demanding structural conditions, while low pressure cylinders are often used where controlled force and compact integration are more important.

Request a Custom Low Pressure Hydraulic Cylinder

Send us your drawing, sample, equipment model, or technical requirements. Our team can help evaluate the required bore, stroke, pressure range, mounting style, port arrangement, sealing system, and material options for your low pressure hydraulic cylinder project.