A self-tuning control scheme, incorporated with the simplified 1st-order ARMAX(Auto-Regressive Moving Average eXogenous) model, for single rod hydraulic cylinder which has varying dynamic characteristics is presented here. An adaptive controller is developed for the system that uses feedforward and optimal feedback control for simultaneous parameter identification and tracking control. Through experimental results, the performance comparison of the self-tuning controller with a fixed gain proportional controller clearly shows its superior ability in handling load changes in quiescent states.