What is a Hydraulic Control Valve?
A hydraulic control valve is a device used to start and stop the flow of fluid into hydraulic cylinders or motors. These valves can be operated manually or electronically through solenoids. The number of Automotive Lift Repair Florida cylinders or motors a valve can control depends on the number of spools it has. The flow rates indicate the maximum gallons per minute (GPM) that a valve can handle.
Why Do You Need a Control Valve?
– To add a new implement or function to the front or rear of a machine.
Types of Hydraulic Control Valves We Offer
1. Electric Directional Control Valve:
These valves control hydraulic cylinders (A Spool) or motors (D Spool) using electronic switch boxes. They handle flow rates of 15 GPM or 25 GPM and come with one inlet port and one high-pressure tank port.
2. Solenoid Monoblock Control Valve:
These valves also operate hydraulic cylinders (A Spool) or motors (D Spool) using electronic switch boxes. Available in flow rates of 13 GPM, 21 GPM, or 27 GPM, they feature one inlet port, one low-pressure tank port, and an optional power-beyond port. They can be converted for use in closed-center hydraulic systems with an adapter.
3. Automotive Lift Repair Florida Manual Monoblock Control Valve:
These valves are operated via levers or cables to control hydraulic cylinders (A Spool) or motors (D Spool). They support flow rates of 11 GPM, 21 GPM, or 31 GPM, and include one inlet port, one low-pressure tank port, and an optional power-beyond port. Like the solenoid version, they can be adapted for closed-center systems.
Identifying a Power Beyond Port on a Loader Control Valve
A typical loader valve has seven hoses or steel tubes. If there are only six, the valve likely lacks a Power Beyond Port. The first four hoses control the loader’s up, down, dump, and curl functions. The fifth hose connects the pump to the loader valve, and the sixth line goes directly to the reservoir. The seventh line connects to the Power Beyond Port to power additional valves.
The Power Beyond Port might be identified by a “PB” marking, green tape, or a sleeve that looks like an elongated nut. If unsure, refer to your owner’s manual for guidance.
What is a Power Beyond Conversion Plug?
A Power Beyond Conversion Plug is used in Monoblock valves to add another valve downstream. If you connect this valve to the Power Beyond Port on your loader valve, you do not need this plug. Make sure to check product listings for the correct adapter, as we also offer SAE thread options.
What is a Closed Center Conversion Plug?
A Closed Center Conversion Plug converts an open-center valve into a closed-center valve by installing it into the N port of Monoblocks. If your system requires a closed center setup, this plug is necessary. The plug is also available in G thread (British Pipe Thread Parallel) and SAE thread, so refer to product listings to ensure compatibility.
How to Identify the Ports on the Valve
– “P” Port: The pressure or inlet port, connects to the power beyond port on your loader valve, power beyond hose, or pump.
– “T” Port: The return or tank port, connects to your tank.
– “A” & “B” Ports: Work ports that connect to cylinders or hydraulic motors.
– “N” Port: Used for closed center plug or connecting multiple valves in sequence (power beyond plug required).
Detents allow a valve handle to either stay locked in a “work” position or return to neutral when released. We offer various detent options for P40 and P80 valves, including locking in all positions, only rear or forward positions, and float detents for use with float spools.
Automotive Lift Repair Florida Spools are cylindrical components in a directional control valve that slide within a close-fitting bore. We offer:
– A Spool: For double-acting cylinders with spring return to neutral position.
– D Spool: For hydraulic motors or non-load holding applications.
– K Spool: A float spool that allows fluid within a cylinder or motor to flow freely, often used in applications like mowing that require following land contours.
What is a Hydraulic Solenoid Valve?
A Automotive Lift Repair Florida hydraulic solenoid valve is a directional valve in a hydraulic system that controls the opening, closing, or redirection of fluid flow. It operates through a solenoid, which is an electric coil wrapped around a ferromagnetic core. The valve is composed of several chambers, or ports, and the solenoid moves the spool inside the valve, thereby opening or closing these ports. The spool, a cylindrical component, is responsible for either blocking or allowing fluid flow based on its position.
Automotive Lift Repair Florida Hydraulic solenoid valves are commonly used in industries like manufacturing, aerospace, and construction, where hydraulic systems are essential. Figure 1 illustrates an example of a hydraulic solenoid valve.
Directional control valves are designed to start, stop, or change the direction of fluid flow. They are most commonly used in hydraulic and pneumatic systems, though this discussion focuses solely on hydraulic applications.
A Automotive Lift Repair Florida hydraulic solenoid valve is a directional control valve used extensively in hydraulic systems to regulate or alter the flow of liquid. It uses solenoids (X and Y) on either side for actuation, as shown in the figure below. The valve’s spool (Z) has lands (wider sections) and grooves (narrower sections), where the lands block fluid flow and the grooves allow it.
The function of a directional valve is often denoted by the number of Automotive Lift Repair Florida ports and switching positions it has. For instance, in a 4/3-way valve, “4” indicates the number of ports, and “3” indicates the number of positions. The pressure port is labeled “P,” the working ports are “A” and “B,” and the return port is labeled “T.”
When solenoid X is energized, the spool shifts left due to the electromagnetic force. Conversely, when solenoid Y is energized, the spool moves right. This movement changes port connections, thereby controlling the fluid flow direction.

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