Telescopic cylinder stage calculator
Enter the number of stages and their diameters to see the force of each stage, the total stroke, and the oil volume. Ideal for checking the final stage in dump truck and vehicle-mounted applications.
In a single-acting telescopic cylinder the stages extend from largest to smallest; effective area and force drop as it extends. Stage diameters are the effective (piston / plunger) diameters.
Formulas used
Stage force: Fi = p × π × Di² / 4 · Total stroke: ΣS = n × S · Oil volume: V = Σ (π × Di² / 4 × S)
If the load must be carried over the full stroke, the last stage force is decisive. In tipper applications the required force varies along the stroke due to the load's centre of gravity and tipping angle.
How does force change in a telescopic cylinder?
In a single-acting telescopic cylinder, the stages extend from the largest to the smallest. Because the force of each stage is proportional to its own effective area, at the same pressure the lowest force is at the last (smallest) stage. If the load is to be carried over the entire stroke, the design is based on the last stage.
In dump truck and trailer applications, the load's center of gravity shifts as the body rises, so the required force changes throughout the stroke; for this reason, the geometry is also taken into account in the final design. For more information about telescopic cylinders, see our article on types of hydraulic cylinders.
Frequently asked questions
What is a telescopic cylinder?
Which stage of a telescopic cylinder is the weakest?
How is the oil volume of a telescopic cylinder calculated?
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