Every cylinder has a part number by which it can be identified. That number contains technical information regarding the type, the production date, the application etc. In 95% of the cases, that part number is engraved on the cylinder shell.

Look for oil stains or puddles around the cylinder, as well as wet or discolored areas on the surface. Additionally, you should check for damaged seals or piston rods, as these are potential sources of leakage. Another frequently encountered problem is cylinder drift, where the cylinder fails to maintain its position.

Stroke is the distance that the piston travels through the cylinder. Hydraulic cylinders can have a variety of stroke lengths, from fractions of an inch to many feet. The maximum operating pressure is the maximum working pressure the cylinder can sustain. The bore diameter refers to the diameter at the cylinder bore.

The cylinder is attached to the hydraulic lines of one of the H&R hydraulic pressure test stands. The rod is fully extended and held at full pressure for a short period of time. Seals are inspected to ensure hydraulic oil doesn't leak out. The holding pressure is measured to ensure it remains steady at full pressure.