How to tell a good new cylinder from a bad one?

[hbaird]

I need to buy 6 cylinders for a coming backhoe project. The only, far sure, brand I have found with the size I need is Prince, but the Prince cylinder size I need is not discount retailed in the US. A US supplier has the size I need but I know not about the quality. If I buy one of what I need, what all should I look far to decide on buying the rest? I can modify the design and use a known make instead.
Harold

 

[dfkrug]

If you are building something like one of the CADDiggers, take
a look at Metkit. They were called Metco Supply when I bought
mine. They were all 3" OD welded cyls and $100 each, but that
was 10 y ago. The quality of these no-brand cyls was fine.

I would not be so concerned about a "name" brand, but I like
the welded over the tie rod cyls. I have used both types. The
selection is good at Surplus Center.

 

[hbaird]

I am looking at Metkit and CDP in Canada. I will use Metkit Hydraulics if I build the 608. The CDP uses an 18in compressed, 10in stroke, 2in bore welded cylinder made by Prince and not sold in the US. I have not decided yet which way to go.
Harold

 

[john_bud]

have you checked out surplus center?

Surplus Center - Hydraulic Equipment Electric Motors

Part 9-4883-10 is a 10" stroke 2 " bore 18" retracted double acting cylinder.

PN 9-5251-10 is a 10" stroke, 2.5" bore, 18" retracted

Those are from the 2006 catalog, but seem pretty common.

 

[hbaird]

Yes thank you, I have seen them. I also need cross tube ends and 1in pins. The variation in cylinders is very large and the specs for this come back to the Canadian Prince. If lived in Canada I could walk in to a Prince Auto and buy what I need. I think if I build the CDP backhoe I will cut an inch off the boom extention and 2in off the boom and use 17in compressed cyl.'s. I can get them several places.
Harold