Plain End Double Acting Cylinders

Plain End Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinders

Flowfit supplies high-quality plain end double acting hydraulic cylinders for industrial, agricultural, construction, commercial and mobile hydraulic applications. Designed to provide controlled linear movement in both extension and retraction, these cylinders use hydraulic pressure in both directions for dependable pushing and pulling force.

Also known as no end hydraulic cylinders, plain end hydraulic rams or universal double acting cylinders, this type of cylinder is ideal for applications where flexible installation or custom mounting is required. Unlike cylinders with fixed mounting ends, plain end cylinders do not have pre-defined end fittings, giving engineers and equipment builders more freedom when designing or adapting a hydraulic system.

Flexible Mounting for Custom Applications

The plain end design is one of the main advantages of this cylinder type. With no fixed end caps or pre-installed mounting points, these cylinders can be adapted for a wide range of installation requirements. This makes them suitable for custom machinery, replacement projects and hydraulic systems where standard mounting styles may not be suitable.

For applications where mounting points need to be fabricated, modified or configured around an existing machine design, a plain end double acting hydraulic cylinder provides a practical and adaptable solution. This flexibility makes them a popular choice for engineers, fabricators and maintenance teams working with bespoke hydraulic equipment.

Double Acting Operation for Controlled Movement

Unlike single acting cylinders, which use hydraulic pressure in one direction and rely on gravity, spring return or load return for the opposite movement, double acting hydraulic cylinders use hydraulic pressure for both extension and retraction. This provides greater control, improved responsiveness and more consistent movement in both directions.

This double acting design makes plain end cylinders suitable for systems where controlled pushing and pulling force is required. They are often used on machinery that needs repeatable movement, accurate positioning and dependable performance during both the extend and retract strokes.

Key Features

• Plain end design: Supplied without fixed mounting ends, allowing greater flexibility when designing or adapting hydraulic systems.
• Flexible mounting: Suitable for custom applications where the cylinder ends need to be attached or configured in a specific way.
• Double acting operation: Provides hydraulic force in both extension and retraction for controlled two-way movement.
• Adaptable specification: Available in a range of bore sizes and stroke lengths to suit different hydraulic requirements.
• Universal use: Also known as universal cylinders, these rams can be used across a wide variety of machinery and equipment.
• Reliable performance: Built for dependable operation in demanding hydraulic applications.

Common Applications

Flowfit plain end double acting cylinders are suitable for applications where controlled hydraulic force is required in both directions and where the mounting arrangement needs to be customised. They are commonly used across industrial, agricultural, construction, fabrication and maintenance environments.

• Custom machinery: Ideal for bespoke hydraulic systems where standard mounting ends are not suitable.
• Fabrication projects: Suitable for engineers and fabricators who need to create their own mounting arrangement.
• Replacement cylinders: Useful when replacing older or non-standard cylinders where mounting requirements may vary.
• Industrial equipment: Used on machines requiring controlled pushing, pulling, lifting or positioning force.
• Agricultural and mobile equipment: Suitable for machinery where flexible fitment and reliable hydraulic movement are required.

Choosing the Right Plain End Hydraulic Cylinder

When selecting a plain end double acting hydraulic cylinder, it is important to consider the bore size, stroke length, closed length, working pressure, port size and the mounting arrangement required for your equipment. Because these cylinders are designed for flexible installation, checking the available space and planned end connection method is especially important.

If you are replacing an existing cylinder, measuring the current cylinder and confirming how the new cylinder will be mounted is a good starting point. If you are designing a new system or adapting an existing machine, Flowfit can help you identify the most suitable option based on your application and performance requirements.

Technical Specifications & Downloads

Each product page includes downloadable PDF technical specifications for easy reference. Simply select the plain end cylinder you require and visit the download tab to view detailed product information, dimensions and technical data.

These downloads are useful when checking compatibility, confirming measurements or comparing different plain end hydraulic cylinder options before placing your order.

Flowfit Plain End Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinders

Flowfit’s range of plain end double acting hydraulic cylinders is carefully selected to offer flexible mounting, dependable two-way movement and excellent value for money. Whether you refer to them as plain end cylinders, no end cylinders, no end hydraulic rams or universal hydraulic cylinders, Flowfit can help you find the right product for your system.

If you are unsure which hydraulic cylinder is suitable for your application, our experienced team can help. Contact Flowfit on 01584 876 033 or email sales@flowfitonline.com for technical support and product advice.