3
ADVANTAGES OF FIRESTONE
AIRSTROKE
®
ACTUATORS
Why use an Airstroke actuator (rather than air or hydraulic cylinder)
for actuation?
LOW COST
Generally, initial cost is one-half or less than conventional pneumatic or hydraulic cylin-
ders of the same force capabilities. This initial cost advantage is many times greater in
the larger sizes.
WIDE SIZE RANGE
Airstroke actuators are available in sizes ranging from 2.2 inches to 37 inches in diameter.
The force capability is 100,000 pounds. Strokes of up to 14 inches are possible.
DURABLE FOR LONG LIFE
Airstroke actuators are a further application of Firestone’s time proven Airide springs for
truck and bus suspensions. The long life and durability necessary for millions of miles of
heavy duty suspension use under adverse environmental conditions are also important
factors in machine design.
NO MAINTENANCE OR LUBRICATION REQUIRED
NO INTERNAL ROD OR PISTON
Airstroke actuators have no internal rod, piston, or sliding seals as do conventional
cylinders. This allows for the design of Airstroke actuators into applications where dirt or
grit would destroy the seals on conventional cylinders.
FRICTION FREE FOR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE
Since Airstroke actuators have no sliding seals, there is no breakaway friction as with
conventional cylinders
FLEXIBLE MEDIA
An Airstroke actuator can do its work with either a liquid or gas (Please see page 14 for
acceptable media choices.)
ANGULAR CAPABILITY
An Airstroke possesses the unique capability of stroking through an arc without a clevis.
Angular motion of up to 30 degrees is possible, along with the design advantage of
generally less complex linkages.
SIDE LOADING CAPABILITY
Airstroke actuators, within certain limits, are not
affected by side loads as are conventional cylin-
ders. This misalignment capability eliminates
potential rod bending, scoring, and excessive seal
wear common to conventional cylinders.
COMPACT STARTING HEIGHT
Airstroke actuators have a low profile compared to
conventional cylinders. Our smallest Airstroke
actuator (2.2 inch/dia.) collapses to just 1.1 inches
in height, while our largest triple convoluted
Airstroke (37 inch/dia.) will collapse to a very com-
pact 5.5 inches.
FACTORY SEALED AND TESTED
Most Airstroke actuators feature Firestone’s proven
concept of crimped end plates. The crimped design
allows for preshipment testing and quicker installa-
tion on equipment.
PLEASE REFER TO PAGE
15
FOR A THOROUGH
DISCUSSION OF ACTUATION.
