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In the industrial world, cylinders are an essential component to any high-powered job.

Bulldozers, dump trucks, tow trucks, and everything in between require a reliable and effective hydraulic system to make any job run smoother. Hydraulic cylinders are manufactured into single-acting, double-acting, or custom fabricated models. How does one decide which cylinder to use?

In the content below, we provide the complete guide to single acting cylinder and their applications, helping you decide which best suit your needs.

Single Acting Hydraulic Cylinders: An Overview

Single acting hydraulic cylinders are precision-manufactured from special pressure-rated ASTM A-53 Grade B pipe. Each cylinder plunger/rod is turned and polished to a 16 to 32 RMS
finish for optimal function and sealing performance. The casing, or cylinder barrel, is welded together using thick end-head plates and special welding wire to ensure leak-free pressure rated performance. Once all the components are produced and final assembly is conducted, each cylinder is 100% hydraulically tested for smooth operation and proper performance before shipping.

How Single Acting Hydraulic Cylinders Work

The simpler design of a single acting hydraulic cylinder creates fewer components to maintain. For equipment and projects needing an effective and reliable hydraulic cylinder, single acting may be your best option. Single acting cylinders have only one acting port that allows the hydraulic fluid to enter. This single line of action is calibrated by pressure, often with a spring or push to retract the piston rod that occasionally relies on pressure to again push the spring back in place.

DUSL-Style Cylinders

DUSL-style cylinders feature two replaceable glass-filled nylon wear rings in the upper bearing housing that provide superior load bearing capabilities. The seal and wiper are made from a high-performance thermoset polyurethane compound for long life and ozone and abrasion resistance.

SUSL-Style Cylinders

SUSL-style cylinder is made using a cast-iron upper bearing housing that is easily replaceable and will perform ruggedly for many years. The seal and wiper are made from a highly abrasion-resistant buna N compound that has proven itself for decades.

Benefits of Single Acting Hydraulic Cylinders

Lower Costs

A benefit to single acting hydraulic cylinders is lower manufacturing, installation, and repair costs. With only one port to support instead of two, piping and valve purchases cost much less.

Compatible with Compact Systems

Due to their single port and small housing, single acting hydraulic cylinders work well with smaller equipment. In most cases, if smaller equipment design allows room for the ports, fluid transfer, and venting, this cylinder will be highly compatible.

It is important to note that the spring mechanism in single-action cylinder interiors requires venting, giving the assembly an outlet to the outdoors. However, if not monitored properly, particles can enter the cylinder and cause potential breakdowns or gradual decline in performance.

Custom Hydraulic Cylinders for Lift Applications

When a standard cylinder model fails to meet your specific needs, consider specialty fabrication or custom hydraulic cylinders. All SVI cylinders can be purchased with a choice of optional fiberglass coating or in five standard finish colors. For harsher applications, industrial hard chrome is available for the plunger surface to prolong life and prevent corrosion.

Upon deciding which hydraulic cylinders to incorporate in your custom lift application, you need to then specify the size lift for your industry needs. Below, we discuss common custom lift applications.

Semi-Hydraulic or Full Hydraulic Applications

Before selecting the best-suited custom hydraulic lift for your business needs, decide if you will require a semi-hydraulic or full hydraulic cylinder application. Cylinders are available in many stroke lengths and up to five different diameters to suit your capacity or force requirements.

Custom SESM Lifts

Small Equipment Shop Maintenance (SESM) lifts can effectively engage in the sale, service, and use of smaller equipment. Because SESM lifts can be customized according to your niche applications, they often increase business productivity and overall employee safety. Exploring the custom SESM lift options allows you to highlight the selling or servicing of your equipment safely and efficiently in motorcycle shops, ATV dealers, golf cart dealerships, landscape equipment maintenance shops, and other small equipment businesses.

Custom LESM Lifts

Finding the right hydraulic lift for your large or heavy equipment can be challenging. However, Large Equipment Shop Maintenance (LESM) lifts provide a perfect solution for lifting your heavy objects such as skid steers, agricultural equipment, tractors, or any other equipment weighing over 100,000 pounds. To ensure safety and efficiency, you need a custom, reliable hydraulic lift guaranteed to complete a project with ease. When ordering your customized LESM lift, you can specify additional functions and dimensions to best suit your industry needs.

Custom Showroom Lifts

Every dealer providing top quality equipment could use a showroom lift to help increase sales of mowers, golf carts, ATV’s, or any other equipment, while demonstrating platform lifts to clients who are conscientious about improving their own productivity. Implementing a platform-style showroom lift will raise your best equipment to a height more palatable for customer viewing and interaction. As a result, fewer customers will be forced to bend over while examining controls or other significant features.

Custom Hydraulics for Your Application at SVI International

Are you in the market for a custom made, low-pressure, high capacity, single acting, hydraulic cylinder? Finding a reliable custom hydraulic manufacturer with high-quality products doesn’t have to be difficult. At SVI International, we are the industry’s leading supplier of high capacity, single acting cylinders for all types of applications.

Besides traditional, every-day parts, SVI is known in the industry as the problem solver – tackling specialty lift concerns with innovative products. Our supply of high-quality products can play a significant role in protecting your auto lift investment.

We are just a phone call away. If you have questions, concerns, or need help placing an order, please reach out at (800) 321-8173 or via our online contact form.

Deciding what type of hydraulic cylinder to use for your business can be a difficult task. A standard hydraulic cylinder can be ready to ship quickly, but might not deliver the best requirements. A custom hydraulic cylinder may be just what you need, but it can take time to be fabricated and delivered to your business. As an auto shop owner, you need to find the best solution so that you are able to keep your operations running smoothly and help customers get their vehicles back in a timely manner.

In this article, we’ll break down the advantages and disadvantages of both standard and custom-built hydraulic cylinders so that you can determine which is best for your applications and which should be the priority for your business.

Standard Hydraulic Cylinders

A standard hydraulic cylinder refers to the off-the-shelf models of hydraulic cylinders that are available and accessible when needed. However, these cylinders are not necessarily simplistic or basic. Instead, they can be a perfect fit for your hydraulic applications and can easily be obtained when needed. They are capable of accomplishing many basic operations and are a great, easy solution for many different industries.

A standard hydraulic cylinder can be made with any type of material, including high-end steel and other high-quality materials that work either as OEM components or OEM cylinders. If something happens to your hydraulic cylinder and you need a replacement, all you need to know is the manufacturer and product number to order a standard cylinder and get your equipment running again.

Custom-Made Hydraulic Cylinders

The alternative to the standard hydraulic cylinder is the custom-made hydraulic cylinder. These are not a standard size but instead are customized to fit your individual hydraulic cylinder needs for equipment and machines. These cylinders are developed with specific purposes, loads, and lift capabilities in mind. Because they are specially designed with specific operating conditions in mind, they can take into consideration things like climate, elevation, movements, weights, and functions that a standard hydraulic cylinder cannot.

A custom-made hydraulic cylinder can be made of virtually any material that is able to provide hydraulic functions. All of the component materials, compact design elements, mounting options, and other efficiency components can be modified to accomplish a specific purpose. You should also consider your team engineers before ordering a custom hydraulic cylinder, as certain factors like workflow, turnaround, experience, and innovations should also be taken into consideration as you search for a hydraulic cylinder option.

Advantages & Disadvantages of a Standard Hydraulic Cylinder

However, there are some distinct disadvantages to a standard hydraulic cylinder. They may need more maintenance if they are used for operations or procedures that they weren’t built to handle. You also might lack the third-party authorizations needed for certain industry standards to be met, such as in off-shore or marine industries.

Advantages & Disadvantages of a Custom Built Hydraulic Cylinder

The significant advantages of a custom built hydraulic cylinder come from the flexibility and customization benefits you can get by developing your own system. When you construct a hydraulic cylinder from scratch, you are able to build all of the specific qualities that you need for operations. Everything from component materials to mounting alternatives are part of the planning and development process, so you can specify everything you need to complete project objectives.

Another important benefit of custom built hydraulic cylinders is the durability of the end product. You can know the specific purpose of the cylinder before crafting it, so you can create a strong, durable cylinder made of the best materials for the specific purpose it will be used for. You can plan for high pressure in deep sea areas or high temperatures for use near furnaces and heat sources. This can help the cylinder last longer than a standard cylinder trying to do tasks that it wasn’t designed for.

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that there are disadvantages to using custom built hydraulic cylinders. They can be very expensive to manufacture and develop. While it could be argued that they pay for themselves over time, they still have high upfront costs that can be hard to swallow. They can also slow down operations as they take time to develop and manufacture, rather than the off the shelf options with standard hydraulic cylinders.

A custom cylinder will also need to be created by someone who has experience in engineering and designing custom hydraulic cylinders. Knowing how to balance all of the variables and create something that will work for its intended purpose is a difficult task, especially for teams that haven’t created custom hydraulic cylinders before.

Replacement Parts for Your Hydraulic Cylinder

At some point in the automotive lift discovery process, individuals in the market often overhear the terms “asymmetrical” and “symmetrical,” usually in the same sentence as “two-post.” If this describes you, excellent!

Asymmetrical and symmetrical lifts are two-post lifts, and determining which best fits your application begins with a comparison of both. In the content below, we will overview two-post lifts before comparing symmetric vs asymmetric lifts.

Two-Post Lift

Determining which specific lift, asymmetrical vs symmetrical lift, is best for your application begins with an understanding of two-post lifts in general.

Firstly, two-post lifts are incredibly common, found in most auto repair shops, especially drive-in stops. Vehicle enthusiasts with automotive repair knowledge may install a two-post lift in their personal garage for easy access. Two-post lifts are frame-engaging, meaning they use four adaptable arms to hoist vehicles at specific lifting points on the undercarriage. One primary reason for two-post popularity is range of use. Due to lifting capability, technicians and enthusiasts can easily perform undercarriage repair, including engine and transmission work.

Because two-post lifts are frame-engaging, access to the undercarriage is even possible in low-ceiling garages. Inevitably, two-post lifts are among the most ideal for a shop with a low ceiling. Two-post lifts are often used for light truck, van, and car repair, with a maximum lifting capacity of about 20,000 pounds, depending on the lift. Finally, two-post lifts are most often anchored to the ground during installation. If you plan to keep your lift sedentary, this aids in durability for long-term use.

Symmetrical vs Asymmetrical Lifts

Symmetrical and asymmetrical lifts are some of the most common two-post lift options. Either type is ideal for repairing light trucks, vans, and standard vehicles. However, there are some important differences between the two that you’ll need to take into account when comparing an asymmetrical vs symmetrical lift.

Asymmetrical Lift

Simply put, asymmetrical lifts refer to the column or arm configuration of the lift. Asymmetrical lifts were designed to solve a problem in old, symmetrical lift variations. When in-ground and above-ground symmetrical lifts were installed next to each other the symmetrical lifts would encroach on the space, especially in an average lift bay. In response, many major lift manufacturers reduced the width between the columns – ultimately, creating a new problem. Vehicles barely fit inside the lift. Entering and exiting was difficult, cars were easily scuffed during work, and technicians struggled to complete projects. The solution: asymmetrical lifts.

Asymmetrical lifts feature shorter front arms and longer back arms for easy access. Before lifting, the four lift arms would be moved away from the vehicle. Technicians move the vehicle forward, until about 30% of the vehicle sat in front of the column while 70% sat behind. The shorter arms are positioned to specially designated lift points first, followed by the longer, rear lift arms. Asymmetrical lifts are created with heavy-duty rear arms to support the majority of the vehicle’s weight. Along with heavy-duty back arms, manufacturers rotated both columns 30 degrees, so the posts are angled outward while facing each other.

Ultimately, the asymmetric configuration solves the original issues. The driver’s front door opens wider, allowing for access into the vehicle, under the vehicle, and smooth transfer from the lift to the floor and vice versa.

Pros of Asymmetrical Lifts

Asymmetrical lifts allow you to access the inside of a vehicle with ease, as the vehicle is placed slightly to the back of the lift rather than right at the center. What’s more, they’re ideal for specialized service work such as transmission repair/replacement and bodywork repair.

Cons of Asymmetrical Lifts

Asymmetrical lifts take up more space, require more regular maintenance, and operate more slowly than symmetrical ones.

Symmetrical Lift

As mentioned, most original two-post, above-ground lifts were entirely symmetrical. Symmetrical lifts feature four arms of equal lengths and two columns directly facing each other. Thus, the vehicle is positioned directly between the two posts, equally split 50% on both sides. On a symmetrical lift, pressure is equalized on the lift’s posts and carriage, designed to lift the vehicle in the middle. As compared to its asymmetrical counterpart, symmetrical lifts allow to a wider drive-through area, often utilized for pick-up trucks, vans, and wider vehicles or vehicles with a weighted rear.

Pros of Symmetrical Lifts

Symmetrical lifts tend to have a higher weight capacity than asymmetrical ones. Because the vehicle is centered on a symmetrical lift, the lift can operate quickly and efficiently. Symmetrical lifts are durable and dependable, and it’s easy to maneuver around a vehicle on one of these lifts.

Cons of Symmetrical Lifts

Symmetrical lifts are more expensive than asymmetrical ones. Furthermore, the design of a symmetrical lift may make it difficult or even impossible to use certain tools in a repair, maintenance, or parts replacement job.

Other Less Common Two-Post Lifts

Symmetrical and asymmetrical lifts are by far the most common options. However, there are also two other model options. These are the semi-asymmetrical lift or a versymmetrical lift.

The semi-asymmetric lift has short front arms and long rear arms. It enables you to access certain parts of a vehicle easily; however, its design puts a lot of wear and tear on the bearings.

A versymmetrical lift is a combination of a symmetric and asymmetric lift. It is designed to allow an auto shop owner to use the lift in either capacity, as the need arises. Some models get high reviews, but many don’t work as well as either a symmetrical lift or an asymmetrical one.

Versymmetrical

Semi-Asymmetrical

Semi-asymmetrical lifts feature shorter front arms than rear arms; however, both center columns face each other directly.

To get in touch, contact our team today at (800) 321-8173 or via our online contact form!

We must mention a third, if less popular, variation of two-post lifts – because you may have heard the name. In theory, versymmetrical automotive lifts are the ideal combination of asymmetrical and symmetrical lifts. For example, the columns might face directly, but the arms may be asymmetrical. Versymmetrical lifts receive mixed reviews; some manufacturers declare versymmetrical lifts combine the worst aspects of asymmetrical and symmetrical lifts, a sort of hideous Frankenstein monster.

Cons Associated in Both Asymmetrical & Symmetrical Lifts

While asymmetrical and symmetrical lifts are both commonplace, they share a few cons that you’ll want to be aware of when making a purchase.

Door Protection

Both asymmetrical and symmetrical automotive lifts poise the risk of denting vehicle doors. This reality is unescapable. Even if technicians are extraordinarily careful, accidents happen. Thus, regardless of the two-post lift you choose, extra precaution should be taken to protect vehicle doors. DoorJammer car door protection is an excellent option. Specific benefits include:

• Elimination of costly damage (door dents, scratches, etc.), reduced stress, and the prevention of lost revenue.
• The device is trustworthy, award-winning, with a design patent.
• The product is fashioned with impact and energy absorbing foam.
• Technicians find it easier to enter and exit vehicles on hoists shielded with car door protection.
• Utilizing the product can also improve the appearance of your shop.
• The items are stocked and ready to ship immediately from one of SVI’s three cross-country warehouses.

Space Requirements

Any two-post lift will need a clearance of at least 12 feet from floor to ceiling. Asymmetric lifts should be at least 9 feet from a wall. Symmetric lifts should be installed about 12 feet from a wall.

Maintenance Requirements

Both lift types will need preventative maintenance and periodic inspections. You’ll also need to be on the lookout for common lift problems such as high temperatures, failure to prime, and knocking sounds.

In addition to training your employees in lift repair and maintenance, you’ll also want to have a reliable lift part supplier with a large stock and fast shipping. That’s why auto shops around the country turn to SVI for lift components. Our large stock, two ready-ship warehouses, and high standard of customer service make it easy for you to find any part you need, when you need it. Get in touch with us to learn more about our services, find information about a part, or place an order.

Two-Post Repair Products

Regardless of the age of your lift – decades old or brand new – SVI International provides the repair parts required to extend the life of your auto lift. Among the items available for two-post lifts, SVI carries:

• Overhead stop limit components
• Equalizer and lifting cables and chain
• Power units and parts
• Lift installation and relocation supplies
• Auxiliary height extensions
• Rubber arm pads
• Complete lift arm assemblies and components
• Lift arm pins
• Arm restrain/ lock assemblies and parts
• Slider blocks and bearings
• Carriage locks and components
• Hydraulic cylinders
• Hydraulic seal kits
• Pulleys and sheaves

Any repair part you may require, SVI International has in in stock, ready to ship, or ready to craft by our fully degreed mechanical engineers.

Asymmetrical Lift and Symmetrical Lift at SVI International

At SVI International, we are passionate about solutions and innovation. As the leader in repair parts for automotive and industrial equipment, quality, shipment speed, and problem solving define our company. We are spread across the country with 3 warehouses, 40K repair parts, 50 product lines, and 2K distributors. For your company, we are the “can-do” solution.

The auto lift cable on your auto lift plays a significant role in lifting vehicles. They equalize the lift arms to lift the vehicle evenly. As with any other mechanical part, lift cables wear out over time, especially if you don’t keep them maintained. They stretch with use and need adjustment. The equalization cable also needs regular lubrication. One of the ways to tell if the car lift cable is not even on both sides is when you hear the locks clicking separately. This applies to two-post and four-post lifts.

Why is it Important to Have Properly Working Auto Lift Cables?

The auto lift cable on your car lift ensures the vehicle is lifted evenly. If one cable is stretched more than the other, the lift arms will be uneven. You can determine this by listening to the locks. If the locks on each side don’t click at the same time, the vehicle is not even on the lift and could slide off the lift. A stretched car lift cable is also weaker and won’t be able to hold the weight of heavier vehicles.

If an auto lift cable is frayed or strands are completely broken, the cable will not have the strength to hold a heavy load. The risk of the frayed cable breaking is significantly higher, especially if an entire strand is broken or frayed. Since the lift cables can no longer keep the lift arms at an equal height, the vehicle will fall off the lift.

How Do Lift Cables Get Damaged?

The most common type of damage to lift cables is stretching due to the weight placed upon them by vehicles. They will stretch more if you constantly lift heavy vehicles. A shop that primarily works on trucks will have to replace each auto lift cable more often than a shop that lifts mostly smaller passenger vehicles.

As the cable stretches, it becomes weaker and cannot handle heavier vehicles. If the cable stretches too much, it will eventually break.

Additional ways the auto lift cables can get damaged include:

• Abrasions: Abrasions are usually caused by something rubbing against the cable. An improperly installed cable or worn cable could rub against the lift, a pulley could be seized, or someone may have dropped a tool in the cable’s cavity.
• Mechanical Damage: When working in an auto repair shop, mechanical damage can happen to lift cables in many ways, including another malfunctioning lift part, lifting a vehicle that is too heavy for the lift, and other reasons.
• Rotational Damage: If a pulley or another part of the lift forces an auto lift cable to rotate when it’s not supposed to, the cable will suffer rotational damage.
• Heat Damage: If a vehicle catches on fire or if the equalization cables are not adequately lubricated, they could suffer heat damage, which makes them significantly weaker.
• Bending Fatigue: When cables stretch, they can easily bend. If they continue bending, they will eventually break.

How to Take Care of Your Auto Lift Cables

• Always instruct your employees on the weight capacity of the hydraulic lift system. Make sure the lift system is in good working order and has plenty of hydraulic fluid.
• Check the hydraulic lift system for leaks. Tighten any fittings and couplings that may have come loose. Replace damaged hoses and seals before using the lift.
• Check the cables, pulleys, v-belts, chains, and spindles. Ensure everything is properly lubricated. If the auto lift cables are stretched, adjust them. Check the tension – the cables should not be able to move more than ½-inch for two-post and four-post lifts. Replace any worn pulleys, chains, cables, v-belts, and spindles.
• Check the posts, columns, and rolling bridge for damage, wear and tear, and rust. Lubricate any moving parts and check the alignment. Finally, test the locks and rollers to ensure they are working correctly.
• Make sure the electrical is working correctly, including the switches, terminals, and limit switch.
• Check the entire lift, ensuring that it is clean and free from grease, the decking and covers are in good condition, and that all the functions work. Check the anchor bolts and all fasteners. Check the arms and telescoping stops. Finally, check the floor where the lift is bolted for cracks.

When Should Auto Lift Cables Be Replaced?

Depending on the type of lift you have and the weight of the vehicles you most frequently lift, you should replace auto lift cables every four to five years. Additionally, if you notice fraying and other issues with the cables, immediately stop using the lift until you replace the cables.

The following issues are significant safety problems, and you should not use the lift until you replace the cables if:

• You see more than two broken wires in one cable strand.
• You see more than five random wires sticking out of the lift cables (in different strands).
• You see corrosion and rust on the wires — even a single wire.
• You see a cable core protruding from the cable.
• The diameter of the lift cable decreases by 10 percent or more.
• Any other problems, such as abrasions, twists, bending, rotational damage, heat fatigue, and other damage.

Replacement Parts from SVI International

SVI International carries over 40,000 lift parts from original equipment manufacturers (OEM). With just the brand and type of your lift, you can quickly search our extensive database to find the parts you need to repair your vehicle lift. If you need assistance with searching for the appropriate parts, our experienced customer service representatives are ready to help you. Contact SVI International today for all your lift part needs and questions.