There are four types of hydraulic cylinders. Single-acting hydraulic cylinders operate in one direction, while double-acting hydraulic cylinders can push and pull. Telescopic hydraulic cylinders can be single acting or double acting and feature a series of rods, called sleeves, that can extend and telescope when needed. A tandem hydraulic cylinder is two interconnected cylinders that create a greater force when working together.

Also known as a hydraulic jack, the ram is the flat, platelike part of a hydraulic press that applies force onto the material being worked on. A hydraulic press is a machine that consists of two cylinders and uses hydraulic pressure to compress or shape materials. When pressure is applied to the hydraulic fluid in the larger cylinder, it compresses the piston into the smaller cylinder.

Mechanical jacks most commonly use a screw mechanism to lift, while hydraulic jacks use oil pressure. Hydraulic jacks can usually lift heavier loads with less effort than mechanical jacks but require constant pressure to do so, whereas a mechanical jack locks in place at a given height. Another differentiation is maintenance, as hydraulic jacks work faster but need more maintenance, while mechanical jacks are slower but require less upkeep.