Which type of cylinder is used in a hydraulic jack?

A ram cylinder is specifically designed for applications that require high force output with a compact design, which is essential for the functionality of hydraulic jacks. The design of a ram cylinder allows it to effectively amplify force through hydraulic pressure, making it ideal for lifting heavy loads. In this type of cylinder, the piston is often larger, allowing the hydraulic fluid to exert a significant force on the ram, facilitating the lifting mechanism.

This makes ram cylinders particularly suited for hydraulic jacks used in automotive repair and construction, where they must support heavy weights in a controlled manner. The action of the hydraulic fluid pushing against the piston in the ram cylinder translates to a substantial lift, which is critical to the operation of jacks.

Other types of cylinders, like ordinary cylinders and double-acting cylinders, may not be optimized for the specific requirements of lifting heavy loads in a compact form like a ram cylinder does. Similarly, while a piston cylinder could perform similar tasks, it does not possess the unique design features that make ram cylinders the standard choice for hydraulic jacks.