When you need to add motion to a machine, the first fork in the road is often hydraulic or pneumatic. Both of these cylinders are double-acting-they can extend and retract under pressure-but they run on different fluids and behave differently. The 2.5x6 Hydraulic Cylinder from AMRAP Co is an oil-powered tie-rod unit, while the SC 100 x 450 Air Cylinder from TECHTONGDA is a compressed-air standard cylinder. Here's how they compare and which one deserves a spot on your build. Which one is right depends on whether your system is plumbed for oil or air, and how much force you actually need.
Quick verdict
If your priority is raw force with a 2500 PSI rating, choose the 2.5x6 Hydraulic Cylinder. If you want a long-stroke, air-powered solution, pick the SC 100 x 450 Air Cylinder. Both are double-acting, but they're built for different jobs.
Comparison
| Feature | 2.5x6 Hydraulic Cylinder | SC 100 x 450 Air Cylinder |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $126.34 | $64.17 |
| Bore | 2.5 in | 4 in (100 mm) |
| Stroke | 6 in | 18 in (450 mm) |
| Action | Double-acting | Double-acting |
| Cylinder type | Tie-rod hydraulic | Standard pneumatic |
| Media | Hydraulic fluid | Air |
| Distinct spec | 2500 PSI, 12,270 lb column load | Piston speed 50-800 mm/s, -20~80°C |
Where each product wins
Hydraulic wins for high-pressure, heavy-duty work
The 2.5x6 Hydraulic Cylinder wins when the job demands maximum force. Its 2500 PSI rating and 12,270-pound column load make it a heavy-lifting contender. Use it for pressing, clamping, or moving steel where you need controlled power and the ability to hold a load in place.
Pneumatic wins for long-stroke, air automation
The SC 100 x 450 Air Cylinder wins when you need long travel and fast cycling. Its piston speed range of 50-800 mm/s and long stroke make it a fit for rapid, repetitive actions like sorting, feeding, or opening and closing.
Product notes
2.5x6 Hydraulic Cylinder
This tie-rod hydraulic cylinder gives you a 2.5-inch bore with a 6-inch stroke, and it's rated for 2500 PSI with a column load of 12,270 pounds. The 1-inch pin hole and 3/8-inch NPT ports are ready for plumbing into a hydraulic system. Choose it when you need positive, high-force motion that holds its position under load. The trade-off is its travel: at 6 inches, it's only a third of the air cylinder's stroke, so it suits compact, powerful movements rather than long slides.
SC 100 x 450 Air Cylinder
For air-powered automation, this TECHTONGDA standard cylinder brings a 4-inch (100 mm) bore and an 18-inch (450 mm) stroke. Its piston speed range of 50-800 mm/s and operating temperature of -20~80°C give you a clear picture of its intended environment. The single-rod design works with compressed air, and the aluminum-alloy body is described as corrosion-resistant and high-temperature resistant. At $64.17, it costs $62.17 less than the hydraulic cylinder, making it an easy on-ramp for low-pressure motion projects. The limitation is that its listed capabilities focus on speed and temperature, not pressure or load capacity, so you'll want to keep it in air-driven applications.
Final choice by use case
- Choose the 2.5x6 Hydraulic Cylinder for heavy pressing, clamping, or lifting where you need high force and controlled power.
- Choose the SC 100 x 450 Air Cylinder for air-powered automation where fast cycling and longer travel matter more than muscle.
Think about your air supply or hydraulic pump first-that will often settle the question before you even compare the specs.
