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Purpose This paper aims to study the nonlinear supporting performance of hydrostatic ram under the impact of cutting force and search for an optimal solution to improve its stiffness.Design/methodology/approach The Reynolds equation was applied to resolve the carrying capability of a single oil pad numerically, and an iteration method was used to analyze the nonlinear supporting force and stiffness of a pair of oil pads placed face-to-face. The total offset of ram could be obtained after the displacement of aspectant oil pads was solved by the bisection method. From the comparison of the offset values of ram evaluated under different support conditions, the optimal solution was determined.Findings In this study, an optimized oil supply allocation, concluded as 1.16:0.84, is proposed to improve the performance of hydrostatic ram supporting structure.Originality/value The supporting performance of hydrostatic ram could be improved by appropriate allocation of oil supply without extra energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]