What Are Low Height Hydraulic Cylinders?

Low height hydraulic cylinders, often referred to as “pancake cylinders” or “flat jacks,” are engineered to deliver significant force in confined spaces. Unlike standard cylinders, which may be too tall or bulky for certain tasks, low-profile designs allow the user to lift or push loads where other cylinders simply won’t fit.

Enerpac’s line of low height hydraulic cylinders is known for rugged construction, high tonnage capacity, and operational safety. Made from high-grade materials with integrated stop rings, these cylinders are ideal for high-load, low-clearance applications.

Where and How Are They Used?

Enerpac low height cylinders are the go-to solution in applications where traditional hydraulic tools can’t be positioned. Their compact design allows them to fit under machinery, structural supports, or within tight construction frames.

Typical applications include:

• Bridge lifting and lowering

• Heavy machinery alignment

• Skidding and jacking systems

• Industrial maintenance

• Foundation and structural support work

• Rail and mining applications

Operators typically pair these cylinders with a hydraulic pump—manual, electric, or air-powered—via high-pressure hoses and couplers. The system allows for controlled lifting and retraction, often with the help of gauges or valves to ensure safe and accurate operation.

Common Accessories for Enerpac Low Height Cylinders

To optimize performance and safety, the following accessories are commonly used with Enerpac’s low-height hydraulic cylinders:

• High-pressure hydraulic pumps: Required to supply fluid to the cylinder. Available in manual, electric, or pneumatic configurations depending on mobility and power needs.

• Hydraulic hoses and couplers: Enable a secure and leak-free connection between the cylinder and the pump.

• Pressure gauges: Used to monitor applied force during operation.

• Locking collars (on select models): Enhance safety during extended load holding.

• Cylinder bases or saddles: Protect the cylinder piston and improve stability under load.

These accessories are essential for tailoring the hydraulic system to match the specific requirements of a job.

Industries That Use Enerpac Low Height Cylinders in the USA

These powerful tools find widespread use across a variety of industries in the United States:

• Construction and Infrastructure: Used in bridge construction, steel erection, and heavy lifting projects where space constraints are common.

• Mining: Employed for equipment maintenance and positioning in underground or restricted environments.

• Railroad: Used for track lifting, railcar maintenance, and heavy load shifting.

• Shipbuilding and Marine: Perfect for docking, lifting, and structural work in tight spaces aboard vessels or docks.

• Manufacturing and Plant Maintenance: Ideal for aligning presses, installing machinery, and lifting heavy components during shutdowns.

In all these sectors, reliability and safety are paramount—and Enerpac delivers on both fronts.

Why Choose Enerpac Low Height Cylinders?

Enerpac has a long-standing reputation for manufacturing top-tier hydraulic tools that meet or exceed global safety and quality standards. Their low-height cylinders are:

• Made from alloy steel or aluminum, depending on the model, for optimum strength-to-weight ratio.

• Double-acting or single-acting, offering flexibility for push or push-pull operations.

• Tested to rigorous industry specifications, ensuring long service life under demanding conditions.

• Available in various stroke lengths and capacities, ranging from 5 to 200 tons.

Enerpac also provides comprehensive technical support, service kits, and replacement parts—ensuring long-term value for every investment.

Interesting Facts

• Some low-height cylinders are designed to function horizontally as well as vertically, making them even more versatile on the job.

• Enerpac models with integrated return springs offer faster cycle times for repetitive tasks.

• They are commonly used in synchronous lifting systems to raise large structures evenly without stressing the framework.