How do I know if a cylinder is defective?

A cylinder is defective when it no longer holds pressure, when oil passes between chambers, or when the rod is too damaged to seal properly. Perform a test with the engine off, equipment raised, and no one underneath: if the position drops, the cylinder is the issue. Then send us its Volvo reference.

What is the role of a cylinder?

A cylinder converts the oil pressure supplied by the pump into linear motion. By pushing or pulling, it raises a boom, tilts a bucket, closes a dipper, or steers an articulated loader. The control valve supplies one side or the other of the piston according to the movement requested by the operator.

What are the three known types of cylinders?

Single-acting cylinders work in one direction only and return by a spring or the load. Double-acting cylinders push and pull using two chambers supplied alternately; this applies to nearly all steering, lifting, and bucket cylinders on Volvo machines. Telescopic cylinders, with nested tubes, provide long stroke length within a compact design.

Who manufactures cylinders in France?

Several French companies design and manufacture hydraulic cylinders, often custom-made for industry or machinery. On a Volvo machine, the original cylinder is supplied by Volvo Construction Equipment and carries its reference number. Provide us with this reference: finding an identical used cylinder avoids costly and lengthy custom fabrication.

Can a Volvo cylinder be fitted from one series to another?

Only sometimes. For example, an L120E and an L120F, or an A30E and an A30F, may have cylinders with different dimensions or mounts. Provide us with the Volvo reference of the removed cylinder and your machine’s serial number: we verify compatibility before offering a replacement part.