Question

State the difference(s) between a single acting cylinder and a double acting cylinder.

Answer 1

There are two common types of hydraulic cylinders- single acting and double acting.

Simply put, a double acting cylinder has both an A and a B Port.

This means oil enters the cylinder via the A port, which pushes the piston down. When the control calls for the piston to retract, oil is diverted to the B port, which then pushes the piston up. A double acting cylinder uses hydraulic power to both extend and retract. You can tell if a cylinder is double acting by looking at the number of ports. See the image below as an example.

In contrast, a single acting cylinder has an A port for running the piston down by pressure from the pump but is retracted with an internal spring.  

See the image below as an example.

A double acting cylinder has pressing and pulling power and is generally controlled with a joy stick control. A single acting cylinder only has pressing power.

Answer 2

There are two common types of hydraulic cylinders- single acting and double acting. 

But what is the difference between the two? 

Simply put, a double acting cylinder has both an A and a B Port. 

This means oil enters the cylinder via the A port, which pushes the piston down. When the control calls for the piston to retract, oil is diverted to the B port, which then pushes the piston up. A double acting cylinder uses hydraulic power to both extend and retract. You can tell if a cylinder is double acting by looking at the number of ports.

In contrast, a single acting cylinder has an A port for running the piston down by pressure from the pump but is retracted with an internal spring. 




A double acting cylinder has pressing and pulling power and is generally controlled with a joy stick control. A single acting cylinder only has pressing power.