What are the closed length and extended length of the largest extension rams?

• A. 3 - 5 ft
• B. 2 - 4 ft
• C. 4 - 6 ft
• D. 5 - 7 ft

Answer: (A)

When a ram (a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator) is retracted, its length is the closed length; when it’s fully extended, that length is the extended length. The difference between those two numbers is the ram’s stroke, i.e., how far it can reach.

The largest extension ram in this context extends to 5 ft from a retracted position of 3 ft. That means its closed length is 3 ft and its extended length is 5 ft, giving a 2 ft stroke. This pair defines the maximum reach available for that ram model in the given setting. If more reach were needed, you’d look for a ram with a longer extended length.