Hydraulic cylinder sizing
The cylinder replaces the spring. With a 0.6 m lever arm between pivot and attachment point: force ≈ 4,238 N (432 kgf).
Pascal's Principle
F = P × A
F: force (N) — P: pressure (Pa) — A: piston area (m²). Diameter follows from d = √(4A/π).
Recommendation
Double-acting hydraulic cylinder, 140 bar, 20–25 mm bore, stroke adapted to desired angle — standard in agricultural/construction industry, easy to source.
Gas spring alternative: 2–3 gas struts at 4,000 N mounted in parallel — less precise, no intermediate locking.
| Pressure | Piston Ø | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| 70 bar | 28 mm | Low pressure, wider cylinder |
| 140 bar | 20 mm | Recommended — agricultural/construction standard |
| 210 bar | 16 mm | High pressure, more compact cylinder |
Interactive cylinder calculator
Required force
Required force
4 238 N
≈ 432 kgf
Required piston Ø @ 140 bar
19,6 mm
F = P × A
Piston diameter by pressure (F = 4 238 N)
Plus la pression est élevée, plus le vérin est compact. Recommandation : vérin double effet 140 bar, Ø 20–25 mm — standard agricole/BTP.
Animation — cylinder in action
Hydraulic cylinder in action
The double-acting cylinder pushes the piston rod against an arm attached to the cradle. Extending the rod rotates the barrel around the trunnion.