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IC20 Hydraulic Rotary Actuator FAQs

IC20 offers higher torque than IC10 for 180º applications.

If you only need 180º of rotation, but more torque, the IC20 would be your preferred model. It has a higher maximum drive torque of up to 4,200 Nm (37,170 Ibs-in) versus the IC10’s 2,700 Nm (23,890 in-lbs). However, the IC20 is limited to 180º, rather than the IC10’s 180º and 360º. 

IC20 supports 180º of rotation and utilizes common foot and flange mounting patterns.

The series is offered with 180º rotation, well-suited for many steering, positioning, and tipping applications. Mounting configurations include common foot and flange styles for both new and replacement use cases. 

Yes, the IC20 is intended to function as a drop-in replacement to major OEM models. 

Torque, rotation, and mounting options are comparable with other helical spline actuators, so the IC20 can often be used as an interchangeable model with minimal or no mechanical changes, including the Helac L20 series. 

Pressure, torque, rotation, external loads, and environment OR your existing Helac L20 part number.

For correct sizing, you should specify system pressure, required torque (including peak/holding), desired rotation, expected radial and axial loads and moments, and environmental conditions. With these specs, our engineering team or the IC20 technical data can highlight the most appropriate configuration and size.

Alternatively, if you already have an existing Helac L20 part number, you can use our widget or charts to find a compatible IC Series actuator. For other popular brands such as SJH and HKS, please reach out to our engineering team.

IC-Fluid Power, Inc. logo International Hydraulic Components.

Rotary Actuators – IC20 Series

The IC20 is the mid-size model in the IC Series of helical-spline hydraulic rotary actuators, with drive torque from 4,420 to 37,170 in-lb (500 to 4,200 Nm) at 3,045 psi (210 bar) and standard rotation in 180°. Compared to the IC10, the IC20 delivers more torque in 180° applications, and supports both cantilever and straddle mounting on a foot-mount body. It’s a direct drop-in replacement for the Helac L20 series and ships in 20–26 weeks standard or 10–14 weeks via expedited airfreight.

Given its high bearings and precision accuracy, it is a solution for many applications that involve positioning, rotating devices, steering, and more. Additionally, the IC Series was designed with high shock absorption to preserve the product’s life.

Hydraulic Rotary-Linear Actuator Standard Features:

  • Standard Rotation: 180°
  • Max Drive Torque: 4,420 – 37,170 in-lbs at 3,045 psi
    (500 – 4,200 Nm at 210 bar)
  • Max Holding Torque: 11,500 – 92,930 in-lbs at 3,045 psi
    (1,300 – 10,500 Nm at 210 bar)
  • Max Straddle Moment: 22,120 – 279,680 in-lbs (2,500 – 31,600 Nm)
  • Max Cantilever Moment: 12,030 – 139,840 in-lbs (1,360 – 15,800 Nm)
  • Mounting: Foot
Model59162742
Drive Torque
in-lbs (Nm)
4,420 (500)7,960 (900)14,160 (1,600)23,710 (2,680)37,170 (4,200)
Holding Torque
in-lbs (Nm)
11,500 (1,300)21,240 (2,400)38,940 (4,400)62,840 (7,100)92,930 (10,500)
Max Straddle Moment *
in-lbs (Nm)
22,120 (2,500)39,820 (4,500)90,270 (10,200)145,150 (16,400)279,680 (31,600)
Max Cantilever Moment *
in-lbs (Nm)
12,030 (1,360)21,940 (2,480)47,970 (5,420)100,010 (11,300)139,840 (15,800)
Radial Capacity
lbs (kg)
3,040 (1,380)4,690 (2,130)9,230 (4,190)12,300 (5,580)21,010 (9,530)
Axial Capacity
lbs (kg)
1,100 (500)1,490 (680)2,200 (1,000)3,080 (1,400)3,900 (1,770)
* in-lbs at 3,045 psi (Nm at 210 bar)

Cantilever Mounting

The load is securely bolted to the shaft flange. Cantilever mounting is ideal for loads needing support at only one end of the shaft, and is not advised for aerial work platforms or other critical safety-related applications. 

Straddle Mounting

Straddle mounting is ideal for loads needing support at both ends of the shaft. Similar to cantilever mounting, the top of the load is bolted to the shaft flange. The bottom can be secured by a tie rod passed through the shaft bore (IC20 Series only) or bolted to the end cap flange. 

Counterbalance Valve

Actuators can be configured with a counterbalance, or load holding valve, to provide load stability and prevent the actuator from reaching excessive torque outputs. Producing back pressure in a hydraulic line gives control over the suspended load to stop unintended motion of the actuator. Valve blocks are available in steel and aluminum, and may be purchased separately if required at a later time. 

Helical Spline Hydraulic Rotary Actuators

Our rotary actuators are the helical spline design. This means, a piston and a helix, or sliding spline, work together to convert the linear motion of the piston into rotational motion. Composed of two moving parts and some form of housing, the sliding helical splined gear concept within the actuator is used in many applications where a rotary movement is required. Helical Spline Actuators function when the piston is axially displaced using hydraulic pressure causing simultaneous rotation of the piston. Standard amounts of rotation is 180°. The primary benefit to this type product compared to alternative designs such as linkages using hydraulic cylinders (linear actuators) is its compact design.

Code Guide:

1SeriesIC20 Series
2Torque (output Torque/100) in Nm 5, 9, 16, 27, 72
3Angle (other angles available)180°
4OutputQ front flange
S double flange
5MountD foot flange
M straddle
6Counterbalance ValveY with valve
W without valve
7Thread PatternBLANK metric
E imperial

IC-Fluid Power, Inc. supports many applications including energy, marine & offshore, mining, packaging, plastic & injection molding, and more. 


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