Which part of a hydraulic system is primarily responsible for converting hydraulic energy into mechanical energy?

The hydraulic cylinders are the components in a hydraulic system that convert hydraulic energy into mechanical energy. When pressurized hydraulic fluid flows into a hydraulic cylinder, it forces the piston inside to move. This movement translates hydraulic energy (the energy associated with the fluid under pressure) into mechanical energy (the movement of the piston), which can then be used to perform work, such as lifting a load or pushing an object.

In contrast, hydraulic pumps are responsible for generating the fluid flow and pressure necessary for the system to operate, rather than converting that energy into mechanical work. Hydraulic filters serve to clean the hydraulic fluid, removing contaminants that could damage the system, and hydraulic valves control the flow and direction of the fluid within the system but do not directly produce movement or work.