Valves keep hydraulic legs in check

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 1, 2005

Smooth, quiet retraction of hydraulically operated stabiliser legs can be achieved conveniently and inexpensively with the new purpose-designed D02B2.589 check valves.

Smooth, quiet retraction of hydraulically operated stabiliser legs can be achieved conveniently and inexpensively with the new purpose-designed D02B2.589 check valves from UK-based hydraulics expert, Sterling Hydraulics.

When hydraulic stabiliser legs - which are widely used in backhoes, lorry loaders, cranes and similar mobile equipment - are fully extended, full relief valve pressure can be trapped behind the check valve.

If this pressure is released rapidly when retracting the leg, the resulting decompression shock produces an initial sudden movement, accompanied by a loud noise.

To eliminate these problems, which are of major concern to the users of mobile equipment, Sterling Hydraulics has developed a new version of its proven D02B2 check valve.

This has been specifically engineered to provide a heavily restricted initial opening phase, which ensures controlled pressure release.

In stabiliser leg applications, noise and shock are, therefore, completely eliminated.

Physically interchangeable with other D02B2 check valves in the Sterling range, the new D02B2.589 is easily incorporated in both new and existing designs, offering a solution which is simple and convenient, as well as dependable and inexpensive.

In common with other check valves in the range, the new D02B2.589 types feature cost-effective ball-type construction, and are suitable for use with a pilot piston to create pilot-to-open check assemblies.

In addition to supplying the valves separately, Sterling Hydraulics also offers assemblies, complete with pilot piston, ready for immediate installation.

D02B2 check valves can handle flow rates up to 80 litre/min, and pressures up to 420bar.

Available with cracking pressures from 0 to 25bar, they are offered with a choice of nitrile or Viton seals.

All valves in the range feature low leakage of 3 drops per minute or better, but for particularly demanding applications, ultra-low-leakage versions - 1 drop per minute or better - are optionally available.