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- Lids
- Bottoms
- Compactor Parts
- Commercial Dumpster Parts
- Roll-Off Container Parts
- Refuse Body Truck/Roll-off Hoist Parts
- Lids
- Bottoms
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Compactor Parts
Power UnitsElectrical PartsLimit/Safety/Photo/Press. SwitchesButtons/Switches/Keys/LegendsHydraulic PartsCylindersOther Compactor Parts30 MMPanels And ControlsMotorsMotor Starters / Transformers / FusesAccessories Electrical30 MM Key Switch30 MM Selector Switch30 MM Push Only Switch30 MM Legends30 MM Contacts And Replacement Keys22.5 MM
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Refuse Body Truck/Roll-off Hoist Parts
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Compactor Hydraulic Cylinders & Ram Cylinders
Replacement hydraulic cylinders for industrial trash compactors — ram cylinders, tailgate cylinders, and accessory cylinders. The most stressed component in a compactor's hydraulic system. OEM-compatible with Marathon, PTR, Wastequip, Harmony, and SP Industries.
What this page covers
The ram cylinder is the workhorse of the compactor — it converts hydraulic pressure into the linear force that crushes waste. Every cycle puts the cylinder under full system pressure (typically 2,000-2,500 PSI) for the full stroke length. Over thousands of cycles, the seals wear, the rod chrome plating develops nicks, and eventually the cylinder leaks or loses force.
PRT stocks complete replacement cylinders and rebuild kits for the most common compactor ram, tailgate, and accessory cylinders. We also stock specialty cylinders for self-contained compactors, container compactors, and custom applications.
How to choose
Identify the cylinder by bore diameter, rod diameter, stroke length, mounting style (clevis, flange, trunnion, cross-tube), and port size and orientation. The OEM part number translates directly to a PRT replacement.
If you're rebuilding a cylinder instead of replacing it, inspect the rod for chrome plating damage and the bore for scoring. Rebuild only if both surfaces are clean — otherwise the new seals fail immediately.
Cylinder types in stock
- Ram CylindersThe main compaction cylinders — heavy-duty hydraulic cylinders rated for repeated full-pressure cycling.
- Tailgate CylindersOpen and close the compactor's tailgate or door.
- Accessory CylindersSweep cylinders, packing-plate cylinders, and other compactor-specific actuators.
- Custom-fabricated cylindersFor specialty applications or discontinued OEM cylinders.
- Cylinder Rebuild KitsPiston seals, rod seals, wiper seals, and O-rings — when the cylinder body is reusable.
- Cylinder repair servicesBore re-machining and rod re-chroming for high-value cylinders.
- Marathon CylindersMarathon-spec replacement ram cylinders.
- WQ-Galbreath CylindersWastequip-Galbreath replacement cylinders.
- PTR CylindersPTR-spec replacement ram cylinders.
- JV Cram-A-Lot CylindersJV Cram-A-Lot replacement cylinders.
- Other MFG CylindersFor Harmony, SP Industries, and other compactor brands.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a compactor ram cylinder last?
Typically 50,000-100,000 cycles in standard commercial service before seal failure. Heavy-duty industrial applications (food-service compactor receivers, multi-shift manufacturing) can shorten that to 25,000 cycles.
Should I rebuild or replace my compactor's ram cylinder?
Rebuild if the rod chrome is intact and the bore is unscored — typically 30-50% of new cylinder cost. Replace if you see rod scoring, bore damage, or any structural cracking on the cylinder body. Re-chroming worn rods is possible but rarely cost-effective unless the cylinder is unusual or expensive.
Are PRT compactor cylinders OEM-spec for Marathon, PTR, and Wastequip?
Yes. PRT cylinders match OEM bore, rod, stroke, mounting, and port specifications. They drop into the existing mounting location with no modification.
Can PRT fabricate custom hydraulic cylinders for non-standard compactor applications?
Yes. PRT manufactures custom hydraulic cylinders to spec — provide bore, rod, stroke, mounting style, port size, and pressure rating. Typical lead time is 2-4 weeks for custom fabrication.
How do I diagnose a leaking compactor ram cylinder?
Two test methods: visual inspection (look for oil around the rod seal during operation) and pressure-hold test (apply pressure, isolate the cylinder, watch for pressure drop). A leaking rod seal is usually visible; a leaking piston seal isn't, but shows up as ram drift under load.