When you need linear motion, the first branch in the road is the media: compressed air or hydraulic fluid. That choice drives force, speed, and compatibility, and it shows up in the price range you'll find in hydraulics and pneumatics. Here, four cylinders span from a mini air unit to a heavy liftgate assembly. Some are compact air units that fit in tight spaces; others are heavy hydraulic replacements built for vehicle liftgates. The right pick depends on your bore, stroke, mounting, and media-not just the sticker price. Before you look at brand or price, measure your available space and decide whether compressed air or hydraulic fluid is available at the machine.
Quick take
If you're replacing a liftgate cylinder on a Morgan Maxon GPT-25 or GPT-3, the 266037-01 assembly is the direct match, with a 2.75-inch bore, 10-inch stroke, and rear-vehicle placement. For light pneumatic actuation where space is tight, the SWZHAI 16mm bore, 50mm stroke mini air cylinder is the low-cost entry point. Need a tie-rod pneumatic cylinder with standard ports? The Parker 1-inch bore, 2-inch stroke Series 2A unit runs on 250 PSI and uses 1/4-inch NPT ports. For heavier hydraulic tie-rod work, the AMRAP Co 2.5-inch bore, 6-inch stroke cylinder handles up to 2500 PSI.
Price comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| 266037-01 Cylinder Assembly for Morgan Maxon GPT-25 GPT-3 | $259.99 | |
| 2.5x6 Hydraulic Cylinder (AMRAP Co) | $126.34 | |
| Parker 1" Bore X 2" Stroke Pneumatic Cylinder | $29.95 | |
| SWZHAI 16mm Bore 50mm Stroke Air Cylinder | $24.37 |
How to choose
- Liftgate replacement? The 266037-01 is built specifically for Morgan Maxon GPT-25/GPT-3 rear liftgates.
- Hydraulic tie-rod? The AMRAP Co 2.5x6 is a tie-rod design with a high-pressure rating and 3/8-inch NPT ports.
- Pneumatic tie-rod? The Parker 1x2 Series 2A offers a steel tie-rod cylinder with standard pneumatic ports.
- Mini air cylinder? The SWZHAI 16x50 is the most compact option, and it includes Y connectors and quick fittings.
Product notes
266037-01 Cylinder Assembly for Morgan Maxon GPT-25 GPT-3
This hydraulic cylinder assembly is made to replace the 287201-01 on Morgan Maxon GPT-25 and GPT-3 liftgates. It uses a 2.75-inch bore, a 10-inch stroke, and a retracted length of 17 3/4 inches, so it is a substantial component. The steel construction is designed for rear vehicle placement, moving the liftgate smoothly while reducing operator effort. The reason to choose it is simple: it is the only option here with a stated compatibility for those liftgate models. The limitation is the other side: its purpose-built design makes it a poor fit for general hydraulic tasks, and you should confirm your liftgate model before buying.
SWZHAI 16mm Bore 50mm Stroke Air Cylinder
The SWZHAI mini air cylinder is built around a 16mm bore and 50mm stroke, with a red finish and a compact size. The bidirectional sealing structure is meant to reduce air leakage while keeping the piston moving in both directions. It ships with one cylinder, Y connectors, and four pneumatic quick fittings, so the package includes the small accessories you need for a basic air circuit. Those fittings are useful when you are building a small air circuit from scratch. Its strength is the combination of small footprint and included accessories. The tradeoff is that a 16mm bore generates modest force, so this is best for light pneumatic duty rather than heavy lifting or large automation tasks.
PARKER 1" Bore X 2" Stroke Pneumatic Cylinder Series 2A 250 PSI
This Parker tie-rod pneumatic cylinder has a 1-inch bore, a 2-inch stroke, and a maximum pressure of 250 PSI. The Series 2A construction uses steel, with tie rods that are extra long on the rod end, and the rod threads are 5/16''-24. Ports are 1/4-inch NPT. It is listed as new-old stock, and the condition is marked new-open box. The longer tie rods give you some flexibility for mounting. The standard 1/4-inch NPT ports and steel construction make it easy to plumb into many pneumatic systems. The limitation is the small size: a 1-inch by 2-inch cylinder will not deliver the force or travel of the larger hydraulic units, so keep it to lighter air-powered pushes and pulls.
2.5x6 Hydraulic Cylinder 2.5" Bore 6" Stroke Double Acting Tie-Rod Cylinder
The AMRAP Co hydraulic cylinder combines a 2.5-inch bore, a 6-inch stroke, and a tie-rod design. It is rated to 2500 PSI and has a column load of 12,270 pounds, with a 1.125-inch rod and 3/8-inch NPT ports. Retracted length is 16 1/4 inches and extended length is 22 1/4 inches, which gives you a clear travel envelope. The 1.125-inch rod helps with side-load resistance. The reason to pick it is the high-pressure rating in a tie-rod format. The tradeoff is the fixed 6-inch stroke, which may not be enough for applications that need longer reach.
Final recommendation
Start with the media: air for light, compact tasks; hydraulic fluid for heavy force. For a direct liftgate replacement, choose the 266037-01 assembly despite the $259.99 price. For a compact pneumatic cylinder, the SWZHAI at $24.37 is the easiest buy. For a tie-rod pneumatic cylinder with standard ports, the Parker at $29.95 is a solid choice. For a high-pressure hydraulic tie-rod cylinder, the AMRAP Co at $126.34 offers a practical combination of bore, stroke, and pressure rating.
