A multiple-stage hydraulic cylinder for shifting loads by exerting different forces over different distances, in which a hollow-piston cylinder is provided with a hollow piston rod. The hollow piston rod accommodates at least one additional long-stroke cylinder. The hollow piston rod, moreover, comprising a cylinder tube surrounding the long-stroke cylinder. Connections are provided for hydraulic fluid to move the cylinders. These connections are provided on the hollow piston rod and the long-stroke cylinder for admitting fluid to move the hollow-piston cylinder and the long-stroke cylinder.