Hydraulic Cylinder & Rods

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Cylinders & Rods
 

 

 

 

 

Overview

FLEXIBILITY, AVAILABILITY,
AND PEACE OF MIND.

 

Cat hydraulic cylinders and rods provide the muscle for your machines. And just like your own muscles, they need proper care. Your Cat® dealer offers repair options for a wide range of specific needs and budgets. Choose anything from reseals to full rebuilds, replacements with Cat Reman or Cat new components, and you’ll get the most up-to-date engineering improvements to maximize machine productivity and component life.

Hydraulic Cylinder & Rods

 

 



FIVE REPAIR OPTIONS
Reseal, repair, rebuild, replace with Cat Reman, or replace with Cat new. Enhance your return on investment with total hydraulic system management.  Choose from:

1. Reseal: Restore undamaged components with fast dealer turnaround service or order DIY kits. This is the lowest-cost option.

2. Repair: Ideal for lightly damaged cylinders and rods. A quick turnaround from your experienced dealer delivers results and gets you back to work quickly, retaining reusable parts for cost efficiency.

3. Rebuild: For more severely damaged cylinders and rods. This option retains usable parts for cost efficiency and includes engineering updates for a like-new result.

4. Cat Reman: Receive like-new performance and quality at a fraction of the cost of new, including a same-as-new Caterpillar Limited Warranty. Off-the-shelf availability helps minimize downtime versus rebuilding a component, while sustainability benefits offer less energy and materials used compared to the manufacture of new parts.

5. New: Genuine Cat parts are factory-assembled and available worldwide, ensuring  you get the highest quality components ready to go.

CATERPILLAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Covers resultant damaged Cat parts in the event of an applicable failure.1


1Warranty can vary by model and application; limitations may apply. For complete details about the applicable Caterpillar Limited Warranty, contact an authorized Cat dealer.

 

 

COMMON CAUSES OF CYLINDER FAILURE

High usage and harsh site conditions contribute significantly to cylinder failure. Impact, corrosion, and abrasion all take their toll, leading to serious machine performance issues. Surprisingly, 75-85% of hydraulic system failures are traced to contamination issues. Simply keeping your hydraulic fluid clean through smart contamination control practices can significantly reduce cylinder failures and repair/replacement costs.

Why is Contamination Prevention Important?

Preventing cylinder contamination and choosing the right repair option can save you time and money. Contamination control is crucial for maintaining a healthy hydraulic system. Surface damage to cylinder rods, such as scoring, pitting, or denting, is a common entry point for contaminants, leading to costly repairs and reduced efficiency. Regular maintenance and inspections help proactively manage potential hydraulic system issues. If any damage is identified, selecting the right repair option is essential. By investing in the right solution, you can reduce the risk of further contamination, protect the integrity of your hydraulic system, and save time and money.

*According to industry standards.

Repair Options for Hydraulic Cylinders

 

Watch as Caterpillar senior hydraulics consultant Jeremy Carter illustrates how preventing cylinder contamination and choosing the right repair option can save you time and money. Download the brochure below for more information.

View Brochure
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FIVEL LEVELS OF REPAIR TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR DEALER

Repair Options for Hydraulic Cylinders

Your Cat dealer offers a comprehensive contamination control program and various repair solutions depending on your situation and needs. If your cylinder has a leak, your dealer can provide a cost-effective repair option called cylinder light hone and reseal. This repair helps maintain your machine’s performance and efficiency. If your cylinder is broken, your dealer offers other options such as dealer rebuild or exchange, Cat Reman, or Cat new. These options are backed by the Caterpillar Limited Warranty, giving you peace of mind when selecting a repair option from your Cat dealer.

Repair Options Make Repair or Replace Decisions Easy

Your Cat dealer is your go-to source for any hydraulic component repairs and replacements. They offer a wide selection of repair and maintenance services that range from basic and economical services, such as cylinder resealing, to full component replacement using remanufactured (Cat Reman) or brand-new Cat parts. With your dealer, you can find a repair option that fits your budget and time requirements.

LEVEL 1:  RESEAL

Resealing your cylinder is the lowest cost option. Restore undamaged components with fast dealer turnaround service or order DIY kits.

  • Lowest-cost option

 


DOWNLOAD RESOURCES

Caterpillar product brochures and other informational documents are available for your growing business.

 

 

 

GALLERY

Hydraulic Cylinder & Rods

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Cat Construction Equipment Maintenance: Do It Yourself Articles

Proper maintenance keeps your equipment reliable and job-ready. Check out these articles for hands-on tips to help extend the life of your machine.

Why Choose Cat® Hydraulic Cylinders & Rods?

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cat® hydraulic cylinders high quality?

Cat® hydraulic cylinders are engineered for durability, precision, and long service life. Key features include honed cylinder barrels for reduced contamination, inertia friction-welded rod eyes for joint strength, and induction-hardened rods that help resist dents and scratches. OEM Cat cylinders also offer advanced sealing systems that handle pressure spikes and side loading, making them ideal for heavy equipment applications.

Why is contamination prevention critical for hydraulic cylinders?

Contamination is responsible for 75–85% of hydraulic system failures. Damage to cylinder rods can allow debris to enter the system, leading to costly repairs and downtime. Regular inspections and maintenance of Cat hydraulic cylinders help prevent contamination and extend component life.

What are the OEM repair options for Cat cylinders and rods?

Cat offers multiple OEM cylinder repair solutions:

  • Re-bearing and Reseal Kits – Cost-effective for undamaged components.
  • Recondition Kits– Ideal for light wear, retaining reusable parts.
  • Overhaul Kits– Complete rebuild including all necessary parts and engineering updates.
  • Cat Reman®– Remanufactured to like-new condition with same-as-new Caterpillar Limited Warranty* coverage.
  • New OEM Components– Factory-assembled genuine Cat parts are globally available for immediate replacement.

What is Cat Reman® and how does it benefit equipment owners?

Cat Reman hydraulic cylinders and rods offer like-new performance at around 45–85% the cost of new parts when you return your end-of-life core. They reduce downtime compared to rebuilding the component, contribute to a circular economy, and come with a Caterpillar Limited Warranty*—making them a smart choice for cost-effective equipment maintenance.

How do I know if my hydraulic cylinder needs repair or replacement?

Common signs include hydraulic fluid leaks, reduced performance, or visible damage such as scoring or pitting on the rod. Your Cat dealer can inspect the cylinder and recommend the best repair or OEM part replacement option based on condition and budget.

*Warranty can vary by model and application; limitations apply. For complete details about the applicable Caterpillar Limited Warranty, contact an authorized Cat dealer.

What support do Cat dealers offer for hydraulic cylinders and rods?

Cat dealers provide expert support including maintenance planning, same-day parts availability, flexible financing, and certified technicians. They ensure your Cat hydraulic cylinders and rods are serviced with OEM parts and best practices.

Are there tools to help monitor cylinder performance?

Yes. The Cat Inspect app allows you to capture and access inspection data from your mobile device. It integrates with other Cat systems to provide full visibility into your fleet’s hydraulic health.

Where can I get more information or services for Cat hydraulic cylinders?

Visit your local Cat dealer or explore www.cat.com for detailed product information, service options, and support for Cat hydraulic cylinders and rods.

 

 

An Easy decision
For peace of mind

The 12-month Caterpillar Limited Warranty covers resultant damaged Cat parts in the event of an applicable failure.*

*Warranty can vary by model and application; limitations may apply. For complete details about the applicable Caterpillar Limited Warranty, contact an authorized Cat dealer.

Learn More
Pumps & Motors
Pumps & Motors

Customer Value Agreements (CVA)

Keep your Cat machines and engines ready to work with a flexible, hassle-free plan for parts delivery, service, data access and more. CVAs are available for your new, and not-so-new Cat machines and engines.

View Options
Customer Value Agreements
Customer Value Agreements

Save Time and Money on Your Next Repair

Need a cost-effective part replacement? Get Cat® Reman parts fast, for a fraction of the cost of new when you return an acceptable core. Head to the Cat Reman web experience for more details.

Discover Cat Reman
Cat Reman
Cat Reman

 

 

Parts Now. Pay Later.

Put your next hydraulic purchase on the Cat® Card account. Easy expense tracking, no annual fee and financing up to 24 months with rates as low as 0% for 6 or 12 months.*

See Offer Details
Construction worker looking straight ahead
Construction worker looking straight ahead



* Terms and conditions apply.

 

DISCUSS CYLINDER AND RODS WITH YOUR CAT DEALER

CONNECT WITH YOUR DEALER

 

 

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