Can two hydraulic cylinders of two different sizes, be plumbed together?

Bigshooter81 · Jun 5, 2016

If they are acting in unison on the same mechanical function or leg?

I have a constraint that only allows for a certain length of retracted cylinder, but at the same time require more of a radial arc than one cylinder can provide on it's own, if I add a linkage, and change the directions of the push/pull, I can add a second cylinder, but am not sure how the function of two potentially different sized hydraulic cylinders will act on the same circuit.

Thanks.

4570Man · Jun 5, 2016

The big cylinder will fully extend before the small one moves because the larger cylinder requires less pressure to lift the same load.

Bigshooter81 · Jun 5, 2016

4570Man said:
The big cylinder will fully extend before the small one moves because the larger cylinder requires less pressure to lift the same load.

And the same way when retracting?

Otherwise no issues, as long as the meet or exceed pressure ratings?

Will the system be only as strong as the weakest cylinder then I'm guessing?

if they are both the same bore and rod size, but different stroke length will the move in unison until one reaches full extension?

Thanks.

aircommuter · Jun 5, 2016

The small one will extend first because it takes a smaller oil volume. If you are trying to use them together like on a loader you will bend something most likely. Retracting force varies with piston size and rod size. It is all based on the square inch displacement, multiply by by psi and you have the force.

bigdeano · Jun 5, 2016

Post #2 is correct. If they're both the same size either one could move first, no way to tell without trying it.

mkr7734 · Jun 5, 2016

bigdeano said:
Post #2 is correct. If they're both the same size either one could move first, no way to tell without trying it.

Best answer,,,, not a good idea, they will never work in sinc.

aircommuter · Jun 5, 2016

How about a sketch of what you are doing, then we could help more.

bcp · Jun 5, 2016

They will work together, each to their best ability, it they are mechanically forced to, like this diagram of a boom.

If they can operate independently, like this lift platform, they won't lift evenly.

Bruce

Bigshooter81 · Jun 5, 2016

aircommuter said:
The small one will extend first because it takes a smaller oil volume. If you are trying to use them together like on a loader you will bend something most likely. Retracting force varies with piston size and rod size. It is all based on the square inch displacement, multiply by by psi and you have the force.

Not like a loader. they will be inline with one another, operating a single articulating "dump/curl" mechanism so to speak.