Hydraulic rams have a mind-boggling array of applications all over the world.
Some are more obvious, the hydraulics on heavy plant machinery like excavators, loaders, cranes and dumpers. We can see those cylinders and rams clearly as they work.
Other hydraulic applications aren’t so visible in everyday life. From garage doors to zoo enclosure doors, from theme park rides to your ride: cars, trucks and motorcycles.
Plenty of industries rely on hydraulic rams including the fishing and agricultural industries, aerospace, defence, mining and energy industries too.
But what exactly is a hydraulic ram? What is its function in a hydraulic system? And what component parts is it made up of?
We will answer these basic ‘need to know’ questions in this simple guide.
What is a Hydraulic Ram?
A hydraulic ram also called an actuator, is an essential part of a hydraulic system.
Perhaps the most essential as it’s the bit that does the lifting or moving.
It consists of a cylinder with a rod inside it that moves up and down. With one end attached to the machine that is doing the job: lifting, pushing etc.
It is this rod that converts the hydraulic energy, created by liquid entering both sides of the cylinder at the same time, into mechanical energy.
Components of Hydraulic Rams
Before we explain how a hydraulic ram works it’s a good idea to get an idea of the component parts we’re going to be talking about.
Hydraulic rams consist of several components. These are:
- Cylinder – this houses the rod, piston, and the fluid while it is working i.e. moving the rod. It is sealed so that the fluid can enter, do its job, and exit. Rather confusingly, the hydraulic ram or actuator is also referred to as the cylinder because the cylinder houses it all.
- Piston – this is attached to the piston rod, which moves it up and down the cylinder. It fills up the space as it has a wider area than the rod – this creates the hydraulic force.
- Piston Rod – this is the part that attaches the hydraulic ram to the machinery.
- Cylinder Ports – these sit at either end of the cylinder and are where the fluid is pumped in.
- Neck Gland – these create the seal to ensure no fluid escapes.
- End Caps – these prevent dirt and debris from contaminating the hydraulic ram.
How Does a Hydraulic Ram Work?
Fluid is pumped into the annular or rod side of the cylinder through the port. This will retract the rod.
When the flow is reversed the fluid is pumped into the full-bore side, that is the piston side. This pushes the rod out of the cylinder and at the same time forces the fluid from the annular side back into the tank.
Where to Buy Hydraulic Components
At MCH Hydraulics we are proud of the excellent quality of our hydraulics parts and components. With an enormous range and a dedicated team of expert hydraulic engineers, we offer advice, services, component sales and delivery and hydraulic system design; the whole package.
We believe this makes us the best choice in the UK, whatever your hydraulic needs are.
Just get in touch with us and you’ll soon see why we’re the best choice for hydraulics in the UK.