Hydraulic cylinders in agriculture and maintenance

Every season brings new challenges to farms. Heavy soil in spring, long harvest shifts in autumn, or equipment that needs servicing in the depths of winter, and through it all, hydraulic cylinders provide the muscle that keeps agriculture moving. They power implements big and small, handle repetitive heavy loads, and make equipment maintenance safer and faster. For OEMs and operators alike, investing in the right cylinder technology means building machinery that is not only stronger, but also more reliable year after year.

🦾 Built for the toughest conditions

Farming is a demanding environment for machinery. Dust, mud, moisture, and chemical exposure create constant challenges. Cylinders must not only generate the power needed for heavy implements but also withstand the elements day after day. To achieve this, manufacturers are turning to improved seals that block contamination, honed and roller-burnished tubes that extend service life, and coatings that protect against corrosion. These advances give OEMs confidence in the longevity of their equipment and allow operators to depend on their machines when every hour counts.

🛞 Maintenance that supports circularity

Agricultural machinery cannot afford long downtimes during planting or harvest. That is why cylinders designed for serviceability are gaining importance. Instead of scrapping entire units, worn parts can be resealed, re-rodded, or re-tubed, extending the lifespan of the component and reducing waste. This approach fits naturally with circular economy practices, which are increasingly valued in agriculture.

Maintenance itself is becoming more predictive, supported by sensors that provide real-time data on stroke, pressure, or rod alignment. This gives operators new ways to avoid breakdowns and helps OEMs deliver smarter aftersales support.

Some of the biggest benefits of predictive maintenance include:

• Planned servicing rather than emergency repairs, saving both time and money.
• Fewer unexpected failures during critical harvest periods, when downtime is most costly.
• Longer equipment life, as small issues are fixed before they cause permanent damage.

❇️ Sustainability in the field

Because farming works so closely with the land, sustainability in machinery design is especially important. Hydraulic cylinders can make a significant difference here. Biodegradable hydraulic fluids protect soil and groundwater in case of leaks, while advanced coatings reduce reliance on environmentally harmful processes like traditional chrome plating. Longer-lasting components mean fewer replacements and less energy consumed in manufacturing new parts.

To highlight a few examples:

• Biodegradable fluids with compatible seals reduce contamination risks.
• Thermal spray and ceramic coatings provide alternatives to chrome, extending durability with a smaller footprint.
• Remanufacturing programs allow cylinders to be refurbished and reused rather than discarded.

For OEMs, these sustainable choices are not just about compliance. They represent real value for customers, who increasingly expect equipment that is both productive and environmentally responsible.

⚡ EMA solutions and the road ahead

While hydraulics remain the backbone of heavy-duty agricultural machinery, electro-mechanical actuation (EMA) solutions are beginning to find their place in the sector. They offer precise motion control and integrate well with electric drivetrains, making them suitable for lighter-duty implements and highly automated equipment. Hydraulics, with their unmatched force density, will continue to dominate the toughest tasks, but EMA technologies can complement them where finesse, accuracy, and digital connectivity are key.

For OEMs, this means the future will not be “either-or” but rather a combination. Machines will use hydraulics where strength and durability are non-negotiable, and EMAs where precision and full electrification bring advantages. The winners will be those who find the right balance, ensuring machinery is powerful, efficient, and sustainable in equal measure.

Agriculture has always been about adapting to changing conditions, and machinery is no different. Hydraulic cylinders are evolving with the times—becoming smarter, more sustainable, and more service-friendly—while continuing to provide the power farmers depend on. For OEMs, embracing these innovations is an opportunity to deliver equipment that is not only stronger and more reliable but also aligned with the growing demands of environmental responsibility.

As farms become more connected and machinery more electrified, hydraulic cylinders will remain central to agricultural productivity. They are the muscles of farming equipment, and with every innovation in design and sustainability, they are ensuring that agriculture continues to thrive for generations to come.