tiny hydro cylinders

[ddmckee54]

The small cylinders won't be too much of a problem, as long as you don't exceed the pressure rating of the seals you might even get by using a pneumatic cylinder in a hydro set-up. Most pneumatic cylinders intended for long term continuous use will have oilers added to keep the seals lubricated.

That being said, MOST of the pneumatic stuff that I have worked around is used at less than 100PSI - usually 60-80PSI max. At that pressure you're not going to get much actual work out of the small cylinder. If I've done my back of the napkin calculations correctly, a 5/16" cylinder (approximately 8mm) at 80PSI will give you about 6 pounds of push.

Physics doesn't always scale well, sometimes she's your friend, sometimes she's not - plan on electric winches.

Don