That's already part of the design, but I'm still concerned about the extended length. I just downloaded the NFPA T3.6.37 R1-2010 (Method for Determining the Buckling Load), so I'll experiment with that. The standard does take into account the stop tube length, by the way.
I've got an unusual design issue where I need to use a spherical eye to spherical eye single-stage hydraulic cylinder operating primarily under compressive loads. I cannot mount it with trunnions or spherical cap at the gland, but I can support it against buckling (vertical installation...
