Pneumatic Cylinders. Built to Perform.
Sheffer’s pneumatic actuators and cylinder series cover a wide range of applications, from custom tie-rod cylinders to NFPA cylinders. Bores from 3/4″ through 14″ as catalog standards — larger available custom — with pressure ratings up to 250 PSI. Five series, one standard of Sheffer performance.
One Category, Five Ways to Get the Job Done
Every job has a different definition of “heavy duty.” That’s why Sheffer builds five distinct pneumatic cylinder series instead of one compromise. Whether you need tie-rod ruggedness, a cast-iron workhorse, a lightweight aluminum body, or a compact clamp cylinder for tooling, there’s a cataloged series engineered for it — and an engineering team ready to go custom when the catalog isn’t enough.
Not sure which series fits? Jump to the comparison table below, or skip straight to the Cylinder Configurator and let the tool narrow it down for you.
Five Series. Every Duty Cycle Covered.
Each series is a complete cataloged line — not a stripped-down version of another. Pick the one built for your application, then dial in bore, stroke, and mounting from there.
A Series
Sheffer’s flagship heavy duty tie-rod cylinder — built for demanding industrial cycling, high side loads, and long service life where failure isn’t an option.
Tie-Rod High Cycle Explore A Series →
MA Series
The versatile middle ground — reliable tie-rod construction sized for general industrial automation without paying for heavy duty capacity you don’t need.
General Purpose Versatile Explore MA Series →
C20 Series
Rugged cast-iron construction for harsh environments, high shock loads, and applications where an aluminum body just won’t hold up.
Cast Iron Rugged Explore C20 Series →
AA Series
Lightweight aluminum construction at an economical price point — ideal for high-volume OEM builds where cost per unit drives the spec.
Lightweight Economical Explore AA Series →
CL Series
A compact heavy duty clamp cylinder purpose-built for clamping and tooling — cataloged in pneumatic (CLA) and pneumatic/hydraulic (CLH) versions.
Clamping Tooling Explore CL Series →Series Comparison at a Glance
A quick side-by-side to point you toward the right cataloged line. Full specifications, bore charts, and mounting options are on each series page.
| Series | Construction | Duty Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Series | Heavy duty tie-rod | Heavy | Demanding industrial cycling, high side loads |
| MA Series | Medium duty tie-rod | Medium | General automation, versatile applications |
| C20 Series | Cast iron | Heavy | Harsh environments, high shock loads |
| AA Series | Low-cost aluminum | Light–Medium | High-volume OEM builds, cost-driven specs |
| CL Series | Compact clamp body | Heavy (compact) | Clamping & tooling, fixture work |
Note: Bore range, stroke, mounting, and pressure rating vary by series. Confirm your full specification against the individual series page or with the factory before finalizing an order.
Choosing the Right Series for Your Application
Have these on hand before you contact the factory or run the configurator — they’ll get you to the right series faster.
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Duty CycleHow often, how hard, and how long the cylinder will run
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Bore & StrokeForce and travel distance your application requires
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EnvironmentCorrosive, high-shock, washdown, or general indoor use
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Construction MaterialAluminum, cast iron, or tie-rod steel
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Application TypeAutomation, material handling, or clamping/tooling
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Budget TargetCataloged economy vs. heavy duty capacity
Beyond Pneumatic: The Full Sheffer Lineup
As the industry’s leading cylinder manufacturer, our expertise also extends well past the pneumatic line.
Hydraulic Cylinders
High-force, high-pressure cylinders built for the toughest hydraulic applications.
Explore Hydraulic Cylinders →Custom Cylinders
When the catalog isn’t enough, our engineers design a cylinder around your exact specification.
Explore Custom Cylinders →Competitive Replacements
Drop-in replacements for Parker pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, built to Sheffer standards.
Explore Replacements →Cylinder Configurator
Answer a few questions and let the configurator point you to the ideal cylinder for your application.
Launch the Configurator →Get Started on Your Pneumatic Cylinder
High-performance, high-quality cylinders for every application — including yours. Use the Cylinder Configurator to find the ideal fit, or send us your specifications directly for a custom quote.
Not Sure Which Series Fits Your Application?
Run it through the Cylinder Configurator, or contact us directly with questions on bore, duty cycle, or mounting.
Already have specifications ready for your custom cylinder? Contact us directly, or let us send you an Express Quote for your unique product.