The rotary kiln thrust device controls the axial movement of the rotary kiln using a hydraulic cylinder. It keeps the kiln within ±5mm of the centerline, and will alarm at ±10mm. If the microswitches fail, an additional limit switch will trip the kiln at ±15mm. The thrust device uses oil pumps and directional valves to push the cylinder in the upward or downward direction as needed to return the kiln to the centerline based on signals from microswitches along the kiln's path.