Find the Right Tractor Hydraulic Cylinder

Adding a hydraulic cylinder is one of the easiest ways to boost your tractor’s power and efficiency. With the right cylinder, you can tilt a plow, level a mower, or adjust a blade — all with the simple push of a lever.

If you’re new to this, don’t worry. Choosing the right cylinder is easier than it looks. Just follow these four simple steps.

Step 1: Know Your Tractor’s Hitch Category

Your tractor’s 3‑point hitch determines what size cylinder you need.

• Category 1 (CAT 1): Compact tractors (20 – 45 HP)
• Category 2 (CAT 2): Utility tractors (40 – 100 HP)
• Category 3 (CAT 3): Large tractors (80 HP +)

Why it matters: The category sets the pin size for attachments. A CAT 2 cylinder won’t fit a CAT 1 tractor. Check your manual or model specs to confirm.

Step 2: Choose the Cylinder Type

Think about the job you need it for:

• Top Link Cylinder: Controls the forward/backward tilt of your implement. Great for adjusting plow depth or box‑blade angle.
• Side Link Cylinder: Controls the side‑to‑side level. Perfect for keeping wide implements even on uneven ground.

Step 3: Decide How Much Movement You Need

The stroke is how far the rod moves from closed to open.

• More strokes = greater range of tilt or lift.
• Less stroke = faster precision adjustments.

Match the stroke length to the motion you actually need for your implement.

Step 4: Check if It Fits

The retracted length is the distance between mounting holes when the cylinder is fully closed.

Measure the space on your tractor — the cylinder should fit easily when closed and still give full movement when open.

Get the Right Cylinder at FridayParts!

Now that you know what to look for, FridayParts makes finding the right match simple. We stock durable, heavy‑duty hydraulic cylinders made for real farm work — all at budget‑friendly prices and shipped worldwide.

Stop wrestling with manual adjustments. Browse our hydraulic cylinders today and put smooth, precise control in your hands.