Cylinder mounting types foot flange clevis

Fixed or pivoting mount - which suits the motion?

Motion direction comes first. If the load acts strictly axial and in a straight line, a fixed mount such as foot or flange fits. If the driven part swings on an arc, the cylinder must pivot with it, so choose an articulated mount such as a clevis or trunnion. A wrong match puts side loads on the piston rod and destroys the seal and bearing.

Foot, flange or clevis - the three basic types compared

The foot mount bolts the cylinder sideways onto a base plate and handles forces across the axis well, but needs a rigid support. The flange sits at the front or rear end face and transfers high axial force on centre, ideal for feed and presses. The clevis (rod eye) allows swinging around a pin and suits levers and flaps.

• Foot needs a flat, torsionally stiff support surface.
• A front flange supports long piston rods better against buckling.
• Always fit a clevis with a matching counter-bearing and pin clearance.

How do I avoid side loads and buckling?

The piston rod takes only tension and compression, no side load. Long strokes raise the buckling risk, so check the bore against stroke length and load. An external guide absorbs side forces and keeps the rod straight. With a swinging load, fit a rod eye at the rod end so no bending moment reaches the rod.

Frequently asked questions