Excavator hydraulic cylinder to power various movements and functions. Some of the common applications of hydraulic cylinders in excavators are:

Boom lift

Hydraulic cylinders are used to raise and lower the boom of the excavator. The boom is the large arm to which the bucket is attached. Raising and lowering the boom allows the operator to dig higher and lower.

Bucket curl

Hydraulic cylinders are used to curl and uncurl the bucket. Curling the bucket scoops the soil or material, while uncurling opens the bucket to release the material.

Swing

Hydraulic cylinders are used to rotate the excavator upper structure. The upper structure includes the cab, boom, and bucket. Swinging allows the operator to rotate to the left and right.

Boom extension

On some excavators, especially larger ones, hydraulic cylinders are used to extend and retract telescopic booms. Extending the boom increases the reach and digging depth.

Cab riser

On some excavators, hydraulic cylinders are used to raise and lower the entire cab and boom assembly. Raising the cab provides more ground clearance for travel. Lowering provides a lower center of gravity for more stability when excavating.

Outriggers

On excavators with outriggers, hydraulic cylinders are used to extend and retract the outriggers for stability when excavating. The outriggers widen the base of support.

Track slide

On excavators with sliding tracks, hydraulic cylinders are used to extend and retract the tracks. Sliding the tracks widens and narrows the base of support. Wider tracks provide more stability for excavation.

Hydraulic cylinders provide the linear force to power many of the key mechanical movements and functions on an excavator. They enable the mobility, stability, digging, and material handling capabilities of the excavator.