Hydraulic Cylinders for Dump Trucks
A tipper body must be lifted from flat to a steep angle with the full payload on board — and the force needed is highest at the very start, when the geometry is least favourable. That is why most tipper hoists are multi-stage telescopic cylinders.
Fenitsa builds telescopic cylinders for dump trucks, tipping trailers and refuse bodies, sized per project for the payload, body length and tipping angle.

Tipper Hoist Types
| Arrangement | Where the cylinder sits | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Front-end telescopic | Between cab and body front | Longest stroke, best leverage, most common on trucks |
| Underbody telescopic | Under the body | Shorter, protected position; needs more force |
| Underbody scissor / direct | Under the body with linkage | Compact, used on light tippers and trailers |
How Stage Force Changes
Illustration for a 4-stage single-acting cylinder at 180 bar.
| Stage | Force kN | Force t |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 (Ø159 mm) | 357 | 36.4 |
| Stage 2 (Ø139 mm) | 273 | 27.9 |
| Stage 3 (Ø119 mm) | 200 | 20.4 |
| Stage 4 (Ø99 mm) | 139 | 14.1 |
The largest stage lifts first, when the load is heaviest; as the body rises and the load shifts toward the hinge, the smaller stages need less force. Sizing therefore starts from the start-of-lift force and the smallest stage’s capacity at the end of the stroke. See the telescopic hydraulic cylinder page.
Selection and Safety Points
- Payload and body lengthDetermine the start-of-lift force and required stroke.
- Tipping angleSets the total stroke and number of stages.
- Side stabilityTipping on uneven ground loads the extended stages sideways — keep ground level and use stabilisers where available.
- Single-acting returnMost tippers return under body weight; control the lowering speed with the valve.
Which Fenitsa Cylinder Fits Which Function?
| Function | Series | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Front-end tipper hoist | Telescopic | Multi-stage stroke from a short closed length |
| Underbody hoist | Telescopic / Custom | Protected position, more force |
| Tailgate and auxiliary functions | THS | Compact welded cylinders |
Inspection Routine
What to check, and how often, in this application.
- DailyCheck stages for oil film and damage before tipping.
- WeeklyGrease top and bottom mountings.
- MonthlyInspect stage wipers and look for scoring on each stage.
- YearlyCheck for drift with the body raised and chocked; reseal if needed.
Hydraulic Cylinders for Dump Trucks – FAQ
Why are tipper cylinders telescopic?
They deliver a long stroke from a short closed length that fits between cab and body.
How many stages does a tipper cylinder need?
It depends on body length, tipping angle and mounting space — typically 3 to 5 stages on trucks.
Is a tipper cylinder single or double acting?
Most are single-acting and lower under the body’s weight; double-acting versions give powered return.
Can you replace an existing tipper cylinder?
Yes — send closed length, stroke, number of stages, stage diameters and mountings, or the old cylinder.
Send Your Application Data
Bore, rod, stroke, pressure, mountings and quantity — or a drawing or photo of the existing cylinder. We reply with a technical proposal and quotation from our plant in Konya, Türkiye.