Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder assembly includes a transducer having a wand and a wiper assembly, wherein the wiper assembly is positioned a predetermined distance from an end of the wand for providing a desired startup resistance. A tube includes a piston contained therein for actuation between the first end of the tube and the second end of the tube. A rod is operatively attached to the piston. The piston and the rod are movable together between the first and second ends of the tube. The second end of the tube includes the transducer for monitoring the position of the piston with respect to the second cap member. The wand extends into the piston, and the transducer senses the position of the wiper assembly with respect to the wand for monitoring the position of the piston with respect to the second cap member.