Cat® Stop Tubes are simply metal collars that are placed around a hydraulic cylinder’s rod between the piston and head. They are designed for use only when a cylinder will have extra long strokes. Used primarily in horizontal applications, they help to prevent side loading and other column strength issues such as jackknifing or cylinder buckling. Their use removes the risk of a piston bottoming out and prevents the cylinder from extending too far. This, in turn, avoids piston bending. Additionally, cylinder stop tubes decrease the risk of bearing surface overloads.Application:Consult your owner's manual or contact your local Cat Dealer for more information.