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What is the Difference Between Single Acting and Double Acting Cylinders?

Difference Between Single Acting and Double Acting Cylinders

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. See the image below as an example.

Single Acting and Double Acting Cylinders

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.

Single Acting and Double Acting Cylinders

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. 

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