What does a hydraulic cylinder do?

A hydraulic cylinder is designed to convert hydraulic pressure into linear motion, which enables it to facilitate various mechanical tasks. When hydraulic fluid is injected into the cylinder, it exerts pressure on the piston inside. This pressure pushes the piston in a straight line, creating linear movement. This fundamental function is critical in numerous applications, such as construction machinery, industrial equipment, and automotive systems, where linear motion is required to perform work, such as lifting loads or pushing components.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of a hydraulic cylinder. For instance, while some hydraulic systems might involve converting motion types, that specific function is not inherent to hydraulic cylinders. Additionally, filtering hydraulic fluids and regulating system temperature are tasks performed by other components in a hydraulic system, such as filters and heat exchangers, rather than by the hydraulic cylinder itself.