A hydraulic cylinder is typically found with two different options. The two types are a tie-rod and the welded body cylinder. The tie-rod cylinder is the strongest type of hydraulic cylinder and is often used in heavy-duty applications, including industrial use. It appears with threaded steel rods. These rods attach to the ends of a cylinder. A welded body cylinder is smoother and attaches to the top of the moving object. This is typically found in some of the construction applications and is more light-weight than the toe-rod cylinder.
A hydraulic cylinder requires pressurized fluid. This fluid is used to provide force for the cylinder to work. To do so, it uses a piston which is connected to the piston rod, and the final result is that the piston uses that force to move the attached object.
The other option that can be used is a specialized option. It is made according to specific standards that exist for unique items and is very rarely available outside those terms. Due to that information, it may be a good idea to have extra parts available if there is an item with a custom designed cylinder that is used frequently. The maintenance and repair of hydraulic cylinders is very important for continued use.