Proper mounting is one of the most important factors in getting the most out of heavy duty gas struts from Schutts Industrial. Even the highest quality gas strut can underperform or fail prematurely if it’s mounted wrong. Correct alignment, fitting hardware, and securing the mounting points properly ensure that your struts perform safely, smoothly, and reliably. For Schutts Industrial, who builds these struts for tough environments, proper mounting is part of what makes them trusted and durable in real-world use.
1.Alignment and Load Distribution
When you mount a Schutts Industrialheavy duty gas strut incorrectly—say with the mounts misaligned or with side loads—the rod can bind, seals may be stressed, and wear accelerates. Aligning the mounting brackets so that the strut’s piston rod and cylinder are in line reduces lateral forces. Proper load distribution keeps the force centered through the component, which preserves smooth motion and full extension/compression cycles.
2. Mounting Orientation Matters
One of the basic rules of mounting is that the gas strut’s rod end (the thin part) should generally face downward when installed. This orientation helps keep internal lubrication where it should be, reducing friction and wear of the seals. Schutts Industrialheavy duty gas struts, when installed with the correct orientation, tend to last longer and perform more consistently because the dampening and gas seal systems are properly used. If mounted upside-down or at improper angles, performance degrades, and risk of leakage or premature failure increases.
3. Bracket Strength and Secure Hardware
Even a well-designed gas strut can be let down by weak brackets or loose bolts. Schutts Industrial struts are made for load-bearing duties, but if the mounting hardware is undersized or fasteners become loose, the strut may move under load in unwanted ways, causing wobble, noise, or misalignment. Using strong brackets, correct fittings, and properly torqued bolts will allow the heavy duty gas struts to act as designed—supplying force without stress elsewhere in the assembly.
4. Correct Mounting Points Relative to Pivot
Where you attach the gas strut relative to the hinge or pivot point makes a big difference. Mounting closer or further from the pivot changes leverage, affects required force, and influence stroke behavior. For Schutts Industrial struts, installing mounting points that follow the recommended geometry ensures you don’t overwork the strut at certain angles or leave it underutilized. This has both performance and safety impact.
5. Preventing Over-extension and Over-compression
Mounting must allow the strut to operate within its designed limits. A strut extended too far or compressed beyond its intended compressed length may suffer damage: over-extension can damage the internal structure; over-compression can collapse components. Proper mounting includes providing physical stops or ensuring the strut does not exceed its mechanical travel. This protection ensures heavy duty gas struts last longer, remain safe, and deliver consistent force.
6. Maintenance Access
Finally, good mounting considers accessibility. Schutts Industrial struts are designed for durability, but accessibility to check the fittings, inspect for leaks, and ensure correct alignment is crucial. Mounting that blocks access or requires disassembly just to inspect can mean delays or neglect. If mounts allow easy maintenance, the lifespan and reliability of the heavy duty gas struts are improved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, proper mounting matters hugely for getting full performance from Schutts Industrialheavy duty gas struts. From alignment and correct orientation, to strong brackets, proper mounting points, respecting travel limits, and ensuring serviceability, every detail in mounting contributes to better force delivery, longer life, and safer operation. Choosing Schutts Industrial gas struts is only part of the equation—the way you mount them completes it. Install them correctly, maintain them well, and you’ll get reliable, smooth, and durable performance in every application.
