What Are Lock Nut Hydraulic Cylinders?

Lock nut hydraulic cylinders are specially designed cylinders that feature a mechanical lock nut on the piston rod. Once the load is raised, the lock nut can be manually screwed down against the cylinder body to mechanically secure the load, even in the event of hydraulic pressure loss.

Enerpac’s lock nut cylinders combine the lifting power of traditional hydraulic cylinders with the added safety of positive mechanical locking, making them a top choice for applications involving prolonged load holding, jacking, or cribbing.

They are available in both single-acting and double-acting models, with lifting capacities ranging from 10 to over 1000 tons.

Where and How Are They Used?

Enerpac Lock Nut Cylinders are used in projects where both lifting and sustained load-holding are necessary. Common use cases include:

• Bridge construction and replacement

• Building foundation leveling

• Heavy equipment maintenance

• Structural lifting and support

• Precast concrete and beam positioning

• Wind turbine base installation

Operation typically involves connecting the cylinder to a hydraulic pump using high-pressure hoses. After the load is lifted to the required height, the lock nut is manually rotated to rest on the cylinder body, securing the load. The pressure in the hydraulic system can then be released without lowering the load, making it safe for work underneath or extended support.

Accessories for Enerpac Lock Nut Cylinders

To ensure safe and efficient use, the following accessories are often used alongside lock nut hydraulic cylinders:

• Hydraulic Pumps (manual, electric, air-driven)

• High-Pressure Hoses & Couplers

• Manifolds (for synchronous lifting)

• Pressure Gauges

• Saddles and Extensions (to protect the piston rod and adapt to specific loads)

• Tilt Saddles (for compensating angular misalignment)

Enerpac’s modular hydraulic systems allow users to tailor configurations for specific lifting and load-holding needs.

Industries in the USA That Use Lock Nut Cylinders

The ability to lift and safely hold heavy loads without constant hydraulic pressure makes Enerpac Lock Nut Cylinders a favorite across a range of industries in the United States:

• Construction: Used in bridge jacking, column replacement, and load transfer operations.

• Energy and Utilities: Deployed in hydroelectric dam maintenance, power plant machinery handling, and transformer lifting.

• Mining and Quarries: For heavy load support and shaft alignment under tough environmental conditions.

• Shipbuilding: To elevate and support vessel components for extended periods.

• Rail and Transportation: Employed in track and infrastructure lifting for long-term support.

These cylinders are often part of a broader hydraulic lifting system, particularly in synchronized lifting applications where uniform lifting across multiple points is essential.

Why Choose Enerpac Lock Nut Cylinders?

Enerpac is known for its high-quality, industrial-grade hydraulic tools, and its lock nut cylinders are no exception. Key advantages include:

• Built-in safety: The mechanical lock nut ensures load security even if hydraulic pressure fails.

• Durability: Made from alloy steel and tested for industrial use.

• Versatility: Available in low-height, high-tonnage, and long-stroke models.

• Precision: Ideal for projects that require tight load control and long dwell times.

• Service and Support: Backed by Enerpac’s global service network and spare parts availability.

Some models even feature nitrocarburized surfaces for enhanced corrosion resistance, extending their life in harsh environments.

Interesting Facts

• Lock nut cylinders are often used in multi-point synchronous lifting systems, especially when load shift or imbalance could pose a risk.

• In emergency response situations, these cylinders provide fail-safe load holding to ensure worker safety under unstable structures.

• Enerpac offers models with stroke indicators and collar threads for easy integration into engineered lifting systems.