--- title: Sheffer Pneumatic & Hydraulic Blog (4) description: The Sheffer Pneumatic & Hydraulic Blog covers cylinder engineering and usage -- application, specifying, configuring, maintenance, failure analysis, troubleshooting and innovation. (4) --- [![logo](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/hs-fs/file-445633034-png/Image/logo.png)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/) Search this site on Google Search Google - [Application](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/application) - [Specifying](http://sheffercorp.wordpress.com/category/specifying/) - [Seal Solutions](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/seal-solutions) - [Configuring](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/configuring) - [Troubleshooting](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/troubleshooting) - [Maintenance](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/maintenance) - [Innovation](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/innovation) - [Failure Analysis](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/failure-analysis) ## [Two Steps to Fine Tune Your Oil Change Maintenance Schedule](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/oil-change) Mar 31, 2016 8:00:00 AM [LEAVE A COMMENT](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/oil-change#comments) [![](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/hubfs/photo-1429772011165-0c2e054367b8.jpeg)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/oil-change) As you crawl out from under your car after loosening and removing the oil drain plug, watching the black oil start to run out into the drain pan you think to yourself, *I wonder how many people change the oil when it doesn’t need changing?*   You inspect the oil drain plug, it has a magnet on it to attract metal in the oil, as you wipe it on a paper towel you don’t see anything unusual... [Read more of this post](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/oil-change) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) FILED UNDER: [Maintenance](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/maintenance) ## [Mayberry Vs. New York City](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/mayberry-vs.-new-york-city) Feb 24, 2016 7:00:00 AM [LEAVE A COMMENT](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/mayberry-vs.-new-york-city#comments) [![](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/hubfs/Main_Street_Bldg_Chesterton_IN_2012.jpg)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/mayberry-vs.-new-york-city)   *Today's post is written by Randy Logsdon,* *COO and Vice President of Sales and Marketing of the Sheffer Corporation. Randy is a husband, father, son and a life long fan of THE Ohio State Buckeyes. Tweets [@rlogsdon19](https://twitter.com/rlogsdon19).* I remember the very first time I visited New York City. I vividly recall the sights, the sounds, the lights, the people, and yes even the distinctive smells.   The first day in the city was incredible. The promise of new adventure, the excitement of new experiences and the feeling that I had knowing I was now standing in one of the most recognizable cities in the entire world. It gave me a sense of importance and pride to be standing in New York City.  [Read more of this post](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/mayberry-vs.-new-york-city) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) FILED UNDER: [Quality](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/quality) ## [Enhancing N.F.P.A. Fixed Non-Centerline Cylinder Mounts](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/enhancing-n.f.p.a.-fixed-non-centerline-cylinder-mounts) Jan 27, 2016 8:00:00 AM [LEAVE A COMMENT](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/enhancing-n.f.p.a.-fixed-non-centerline-cylinder-mounts#comments) [![](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/hubfs/hh_large-1.jpg)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/enhancing-n.f.p.a.-fixed-non-centerline-cylinder-mounts)                   [As mentioned in an earlier article](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/2013/09/09/the-key-to-some-types-of-mounting-2), one of the three N.F.P.A. cylinder mounting classes is fixed non-centerline mounts. These mounts include side lug (MS2), end lug (MS7), side flush (MS4), and foot bracket (MS1). In applications where a fixed non-centerline mount is required, Sheffer strongly recommends employing a thrust key plate or dowel pinning the cylinder depending upon the specific mount. This is done to minimize shear loads on the mounting bolts as well as providing a means of cylinder alignment. [Read more of this post](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/enhancing-n.f.p.a.-fixed-non-centerline-cylinder-mounts) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) FILED UNDER: [Application](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/application) ## [Seek Help Choosing Fluid Power Cylinder Seals and Materials](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/seek-help-choosing-fluid-power-cylinder-seals-and-materials) Nov 24, 2015 7:00:00 AM [LEAVE A COMMENT](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/seek-help-choosing-fluid-power-cylinder-seals-and-materials#comments) [![](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/hubfs/sheffer_33.jpg)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/seek-help-choosing-fluid-power-cylinder-seals-and-materials) --- In 1962, E.F. Houghton Co. published A Handbook On Hydraulic and Pneumatic Packings for the fluid power industry. In the opening chapter there is an illustration of a “typical animal hide” which depicted the best parts of the hide that could be fabricated into leather “U” cups, “V” rings, and gaskets to seal fluid power cylinders. [Read more of this post](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/seek-help-choosing-fluid-power-cylinder-seals-and-materials) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) FILED UNDER: [Seal Solutions](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/seal-solutions), [Troubleshooting](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/troubleshooting), [Application](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/application) ## [Things You Never Knew Halloween Could Teach You About Hydraulic Cylinder Maintenance](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/things-you-never-knew-halloween-could-teach-you-about-hydraulic-cylinder-maintenance) Sep 30, 2015 10:30:00 AM [LEAVE A COMMENT](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/things-you-never-knew-halloween-could-teach-you-about-hydraulic-cylinder-maintenance#comments) [![](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/hubfs/3bf70da8.jpeg)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/things-you-never-knew-halloween-could-teach-you-about-hydraulic-cylinder-maintenance) *It is Halloween night and the goblins are out begging for candy, I hear the door bell and head towards the door to see what is going to be greeting me this time.  After they leave I check my display outside where I have fake blood pumping down a fake corpse lying in a coffin.  The pump spatters a little because some of the fake blood evaporated. As I am adding more 'blood' to my pump I start thinking about work and how a hydraulic cylinder will act if not properly set up...* [Read more of this post](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/things-you-never-knew-halloween-could-teach-you-about-hydraulic-cylinder-maintenance) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) FILED UNDER: [Maintenance](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/maintenance) ## [What Spaghetti Noodles Can Teach Us About Cylinder Design](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/what-spaghetti-noodles-can-teach-us-about-cylinder-design) Jul 28, 2014 8:00:00 AM [LEAVE A COMMENT](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/what-spaghetti-noodles-can-teach-us-about-cylinder-design#comments) [![](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/hs-fs/hub/339121/file-1327911448.jpg)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/what-spaghetti-noodles-can-teach-us-about-cylinder-design) ## Cylinder Mounting & Column Loading *“I need 100,000 pounds of force on a 120” stroke with a 2” diameter piston rod and clevis mount.” A click and then there is no one on the other end of the phone. * [Read more of this post](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/what-spaghetti-noodles-can-teach-us-about-cylinder-design) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) FILED UNDER: [Application](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/application) ## [Things You Never Knew Cylinders Could Teach You About Star Wars (or Maybe Just the "Force")](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/things-you-never-knew-cylinders-could-teach-you-about-star-wars-or-maybe-just-the-force) May 7, 2014 7:18:00 AM [LEAVE A COMMENT](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/things-you-never-knew-cylinders-could-teach-you-about-star-wars-or-maybe-just-the-force#comments) [![](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/hs-fs/hub/339121/file-747764475.png)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/things-you-never-knew-cylinders-could-teach-you-about-star-wars-or-maybe-just-the-force) Cylinders convert a fluid pressure into a mechanical force.  The input fluid pressure acts on the surface area of the cylinders piston displacing it to create a linear movement of the piston rod. [Read more of this post](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/things-you-never-knew-cylinders-could-teach-you-about-star-wars-or-maybe-just-the-force) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) FILED UNDER: [Application](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/application) ## [How To Avoid Cylinder Side Loading: 4 Ways to Compensate for Less Than Proper Cylinder Alignment](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/How-To-Avoid-Cylinder-Side-Loading-4-Ways-to-Compensate-for-Less-Than-Proper-Cylinder-Alignment) Apr 8, 2014 8:00:00 AM [LEAVE A COMMENT](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/How-To-Avoid-Cylinder-Side-Loading-4-Ways-to-Compensate-for-Less-Than-Proper-Cylinder-Alignment#comments) [![](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/hs-fs/hub/339121/file-644614048.jpg)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/How-To-Avoid-Cylinder-Side-Loading-4-Ways-to-Compensate-for-Less-Than-Proper-Cylinder-Alignment) When installed with proper alignment, fluid power cylinders will provide the smooth trouble free performance for which they were intended.  Unfortunately, perfect alignment is extremely difficult, if not next to impossible to achieve. During cylinder operation, any misalignment can impose an eccentric force on the piston rod known as “side loading”. [Read more of this post](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/How-To-Avoid-Cylinder-Side-Loading-4-Ways-to-Compensate-for-Less-Than-Proper-Cylinder-Alignment) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) FILED UNDER: [Troubleshooting](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/troubleshooting), [Sideloading](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/sideloading) ## [Just How Fast Can You Get a Cylinder to Move?](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/just-how-fast-can-you-get-a-cylinder-to-move) Mar 24, 2014 2:19:32 PM [LEAVE A COMMENT](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/just-how-fast-can-you-get-a-cylinder-to-move#comments) [![](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/hs-fs/hub/339121/file-604127828.jpg)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/just-how-fast-can-you-get-a-cylinder-to-move) Well, if that isn't a loaded question. Over the years more people than you would expect have proposed this puzzle and while there may be no single answer to this complex query, there are many variables to consider in attempting to answer it -- so let's start there. [Read more of this post](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/just-how-fast-can-you-get-a-cylinder-to-move) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) FILED UNDER: [Application](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/application), [Innovation](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/innovation) ## [Checks and a Flood: Issues With a New Installation Cylinder](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/blog/Checks-and-a-Flood-Issues-With-a-New-Installation-Cylinder) Mar 10, 2014 3:30:36 PM [LEAVE A COMMENT](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/blog/Checks-and-a-Flood-Issues-With-a-New-Installation-Cylinder#comments) [![](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/hs-fs/hub/339121/file-575056367.jpg)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/blog/Checks-and-a-Flood-Issues-With-a-New-Installation-Cylinder) You know that sinking feeling when you take the first bite of a much needed lunch, the phone rings and you answer to hear the words "We have a problem; it’s a new installation and the tube seals have blown!" With thoughts of catching a snack later in the day, you attend the scene of the crime... [Read more of this post](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/blog/Checks-and-a-Flood-Issues-With-a-New-Installation-Cylinder) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) FILED UNDER: [Seal Solutions](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/seal-solutions), [Troubleshooting](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/troubleshooting), [Maintenance](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/maintenance), [Failure Analysis](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/failure-analysis) [Previous](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/page/3) [All posts](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/all) [Next](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/page/5) ### Stay Connected ### Popular Posts ### Browse Topics - [Application (35)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/application) - [Maintenance (16)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/maintenance) - [Quality (14)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/quality) - [Troubleshooting (14)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/troubleshooting) - [Innovation (13)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/innovation) - [Failure Analysis (10)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/failure-analysis) - [Customer Solutions (7)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/customer-solutions) - [Seal Solutions (7)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/seal-solutions) - [Sideloading (3)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/sideloading) - [test (1)](https://blog.sheffercorp.com/topic/test) ### Connect with us - [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com/sheffercorp) - [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/sheffercorp) - [YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/sheffercorporation) - [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/company/sheffer-corporation) ### Community - [Pneumatics & Hydraulics on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Pneumatics-Hydraulics-Engineering-Professionals-4838192?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr)