Technical Foundation
What Is a Yoke End?
A yoke end (also called a clevis or rod eye) is a forked or eyed fitting attached to the end of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder rod, allowing the cylinder to pivot on a pin as it extends and retracts rather than requiring a rigidly fixed connection — this accommodates the slight angular misalignment that occurs in most linkage and lever applications. Threaded yoke ends screw directly onto a matching threaded rod end and are secured with a jam nut, while weld-on yoke ends are welded to a plain rod end, used where the rod wasn't threaded or a permanent connection is preferred.
Sizing has two independent dimensions that both must match the application: the thread size (or bore, for weld-on styles) matching the cylinder rod, and the pin bore diameter matching the clevis pin and mating bracket. Single lug (one ear) versus double lug (two-ear, U-shaped) configuration is chosen based on the mating bracket design and the side-loading the joint will see — double lug yokes support the pin from both sides, handling higher side loads than a single lug design.
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| Spec | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Thread Size | Matched to cylinder rod thread (e.g. 3/4-16 UNF) | Wrong thread pitch or diameter won't engage properly with the rod's threaded end |
| Pin Bore Diameter | Matched to clevis pin and mating bracket bore | Pin bore must match both the yoke and the bracket for proper pivot fit without excess play |
| Mounting Style | Threaded (with jam nut) vs. weld-on | Threaded allows length adjustment and removal; weld-on is permanent but doesn't rely on thread engagement |
| Lug Configuration | Single lug (one ear) vs. double lug (clevis/U-shape) | Double lug supports the pin from both sides, tolerating higher side loads than single lug |
| Material/Load Rating | Steel, rated tensile/shear load capacity | Must exceed the maximum force the cylinder and linkage will transmit through the joint |
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Applications
Where Yoke Ends Get Used
Yoke ends are specified anywhere a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder rod needs to pivot at its connection point to accommodate linkage movement.
Hydraulic Cylinder Assemblies
Threaded yoke ends connecting cylinder rods to pivoting linkage points on mobile and industrial hydraulic equipment.
Pneumatic Actuator Linkages
Rod eye yokes accommodating angular movement in pneumatic cylinder-driven mechanisms.
Agricultural Equipment
Weld-on and threaded yokes on hydraulic cylinders operating implement lift arms and steering linkages.
Material Handling Equipment
Clevis yoke ends on lift and tilt cylinders in forklifts, lifts, and material handling machinery.
Construction & Off-Road Equipment
Heavy-duty double lug yokes on cylinders subject to significant side loading in earthmoving equipment.
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Yoke Ends Brands in the Catalogue
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FAQ
Yoke Ends Questions, Answered
How do I determine what thread size yoke end I need?
Match the yoke end's internal thread to the exact thread size and pitch on your cylinder's rod end, which is specified on the cylinder's data sheet or can be measured directly with a thread gauge — a close but mismatched thread pitch may start to engage but will not seat properly or hold load safely.
What's the difference between a single lug and double lug yoke end?
A single lug yoke has one mounting ear and pivots against a single-sided bracket, while a double lug (clevis-style) yoke has two parallel ears forming a U-shape that straddles the mating bracket, supporting the pin from both sides. Double lug configurations handle higher side loading and are the more common choice for heavier-duty linkage applications.
Should I choose a threaded or weld-on yoke end?
Threaded yoke ends are the right choice when the cylinder rod already has a matching thread and you want the option to adjust effective rod length or remove the yoke later. Weld-on yoke ends are used when the rod end is plain (unthreaded) or when a permanent, non-adjustable connection is preferred — welding requires proper preparation and technique to ensure the joint can handle the transmitted load.
What clevis pin size should I use with a yoke end?
The clevis pin diameter must match both the yoke end's pin bore and the mating bracket's bore precisely — too loose a fit introduces play and accelerated wear at the pivot point, while a pin that's too tight won't allow free pivoting. Always check both the yoke's and the bracket's bore specifications, since they must agree even if you're sourcing them from different suppliers.
How do I know if a yoke end is rated for my application's load?
Check the manufacturer's published load rating (tensile and shear capacity) against the maximum force your cylinder can generate at its rated pressure, with an appropriate safety margin — don't size a yoke end based solely on matching the cylinder's rod thread, since the yoke's structural rating is a separate spec from thread fitment.
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