- Lids
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- Compactor Parts
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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 PartsCylinders30 MMPanels And ControlsMotorsMotor Starters / Transformers / FusesAccessories Electrical30 MM Key Switch30 MM Selector Switch30 MM Push Only Switch30 MM Legends30 MM Contact Blocks30 MM Replacement Keys22.5 MMMarathon CylindersWQ-Galbreath CylindersPTR cylindersJV Cram-A-Lot CylindersOther MFG CylindersCylinder AccessoriesOther Compactor Parts
- Commercial Dumpster Parts
- Roll-Off Container Parts
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Refuse Body Truck/Roll-off Hoist Parts
Heil Replacement PartsMcNeilus Replacement PartsTarp Systems & PartsRoll-Off Truck Hoist/Hook Hoist PartsRoll-off Truck / Hook Hoist PartsCarry Can Replacement PartsCables & StrapsRollers & AccessoriesSheave Pulleys & PinsHoist CylindersContainer Securement System & PartsOther Roll-off Truck / Hook Hoist PartsRoll Off Hydraulics,Filters,& PneumaticsRoll-Off ElectricalCarry Can Replacement CylindersCarry Can Body Replacement PartsCarry Can Grabber Beam PartsCarry Can Slide Assembly PartsCarry Can Hydraulics & PneumaticsCarry Can Hinge Replacement PartsOther Manufacturer Replacement Parts
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 for the most common compactor ram, tailgate, and accessory cylinders. We also stock specialty cylinders for self-contained compactors and container compactors.
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.
Seal kits for cylinders can be sourced upon request. Contact us with the cylinder's OEM part number.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.