Obsolete and Alternative Pneumatic Cylinders

Pneumatic cylinder ranges are regularly replaced, redesigned or discontinued by manufacturers. In some cases, remaining factory or distributor stock is still available. In others, a suitable alternative becomes the only commercially available replacement route.

Cylinder Warehouse combines access to multiple pneumatic manufacturers with part-number, dimensional and application-based replacement support.

Searching for the original cylinder

• Current manufacturer stock
• UK distributor stock
• Overseas factory or distribution-centre stock
• Superseding manufacturer references
• Build-to-order or configured versions

When an alternative is the only option

If the original cylinder is obsolete, discontinued or no longer commercially available, another manufacturer may provide the only practical route to restoring the machine.

• A direct replacement intended to fit without machine modification
• A dimensionally similar cylinder with minor differences
• A functional replacement requiring different mountings, fittings or accessories
• An application replacement selected around the required movement and operating duty

What is compared

• Cylinder standard and construction
• Bore and available force
• Stroke
• Retracted and extended dimensions
• Front and rear mountings
• Piston rod diameter and thread
• Air port size, thread and position
• Single acting or double acting operation
• Cushioning
• Magnetic piston and sensor compatibility
• Seal materials and temperature range
• Corrosion resistance
• Operating speed and cycle frequency

How alternatives are described

An alternative product will be identified by its actual manufacturer and part number. It will not be presented as though it were the original manufacturer’s item.

Known dimensional, technical or accessory differences will be explained before the order proceeds.

Alternative authorisation for business customers

Where a business customer has already authorised Cylinder Warehouse to proceed with a confirmed like-for-like alternative, Cylinder Warehouse will send written notification identifying the proposed alternative manufacturer and part number.

The customer will have 24 hours from the time of notification to raise a written objection. If no objection is received within that period, Cylinder Warehouse may proceed with the notified alternative under the customer’s prior authorisation.

Where no prior authorisation has been provided, the order will be held until the customer confirms acceptance of the proposed alternative.

Consumer orders will not use the 24-hour no-objection process unless the customer has given an appropriate express instruction that is lawful and applicable to the order.

Meaning of like-for-like

For this process, a like-for-like alternative means a cylinder selected to provide substantially equivalent function and key operating characteristics based on the technical information available.

Differences may still exist in manufacturer, appearance, materials, overall dimensions, mounting accessories, port positions, sensors or ancillary components. Where installation changes or additional components are known to be required, these will be identified before the order proceeds.

Customer-selected part numbers

Where the customer provides the manufacturer and exact part number without asking Cylinder Warehouse to verify suitability, the order will be processed against the part number supplied.

If Cylinder Warehouse supplies the exact product ordered, an incorrect customer selection is not an incorrect supply by Cylinder Warehouse.

Return eligibility will depend on the product’s supply status and the Returns Policy.

Request replacement support

Provide the original manufacturer, complete part number, photographs, bore, stroke, mountings, piston rod details, air ports and required delivery date.

Request an obsolete or alternative cylinder quotation.