Hydraulic Cylinder Mounting Types Explained (Alignment, Load & Performance)
A practical guide to hydraulic cylinder mounting types and how they affect performance, alignment and service life.
The way a hydraulic cylinder is mounted has a direct impact on its performance, wear rate and overall lifespan.
Incorrect mounting can lead to misalignment, uneven loading and premature failure of seals and components.
Why Cylinder Mounting Matters
Hydraulic cylinders generate linear force, but how that force is applied depends heavily on mounting design.
Incorrect mounting can introduce side loads, causing:
- Seal wear
- Rod bending
- Barrel scoring
- Reduced efficiency
Common Hydraulic Cylinder Mounting Types
Clevis Mount
Allows pivoting movement and is ideal for applications with changing angles.
Flange Mount
Provides rigid mounting and is suitable for straight-line force applications.
Trunnion Mount
Supports pivoting from the centre of the cylinder for balanced load distribution.
Mounting and Alignment
Correct alignment is critical for cylinder performance.
- Ensure rod movement is straight and unrestricted
- Avoid side loading on the rod
- Match mounting type to application movement
- Check alignment during installation
Poor alignment is a major cause of issues highlighted in
Hydraulic Cylinder Failure Modes.
Need Help Specifying a Cylinder Installation?
Choosing the correct mounting type is essential for performance and reliability.