AIR CYLINDER

550 053 87 CYLINDER, AIR This pneumatic cylinder provides the necessary force to operate auxiliary systems on the drill rig. Using the machine's compressed air supply, it extends and retracts a piston rod to move linkages or arms. A common application is actuating the centralizer on the feed beam, which clamps the drill steel to provide stability when starting, or collaring, a new hole.

Proper function of this cylinder is directly linked to drilling accuracy and component life. When this cylinder weakens, the centralizer arms may not grip the drill steel firmly, leading to poor collaring and crooked holes. This also puts unnecessary stress on the drill string and the drifter's front end. Air leaks from worn seals also waste energy and can reduce the performance of other pneumatic systems on the rig.

Listen for hissing sounds around the cylinder body and fittings, which indicate air leaks. If the cylinder's movement becomes slow, jerky, or fails completely, it's time for a replacement. Keeping the exposed piston rod clean helps extend the life of the internal seals.