What is a characteristic of telescoping cylinders?

Telescoping cylinders are designed with multiple nested sleeves that allow them to extend and retract in a compact form. This characteristic enables them to achieve significant extension with minimal retraction length, making them ideal for applications where space is limited. The nested design also provides increased load capabilities, as the inner sleeves can support substantial weight while remaining stable.

While other options describe certain attributes or requirements of hydraulic systems, they do not specifically pertain to the defined nature of telescoping cylinders. For instance, a constant diameter is not a defining trait of telescoping cylinders; rather, their diameter changes with the extension of each nested sleeve. Similarly, the notion that they require more fluid is not exclusive or typical of telescoping cylinders, as their design allows for efficient fluid use within the context of their varying lengths. Lastly, the idea that they are single acting is misleading; telescoping cylinders can function as both single and double-acting depending on the system design. Thus, the defining feature of telescoping cylinders is indeed the presence of multiple nested sleeves, which facilitates their unique operational abilities.