Counterbalance Valve on a blue and white background

Often referred to as "over-center" or "load-holding" valves, counterbalance valves from Parker Hannifin play a vital role in ensuring the safety, precision, and longevity of your hydraulic equipment. At their core, counterbalance valves are a pressure control device that creates back pressure on an actuator. This pressure helps with controlling a load's movement, especially when gravity is working against you.

 

Imagine a vertical cylinder lifting a heavy weight. When you need to lower that weight, gravity will try to pull it down faster than the hydraulic pump can supply fluid, leading to a "runaway load" scenario. This can cause cavitation, damage to the system, and significant safety risks. A counterbalance valve offers controlled resistance, ensuring your load descends smoothly at a speed dictated by the pump flow, not by gravity.

 

Counterbalance valves offer several key benefits, including:

Load Holding: A counterbalance valve prevents a hydraulic cylinder from drifting or dropping when a directional valve is in its neutral position, similar to a pilot-operated check valve.

Load Control: It provides smooth, precise control of overrunning loads. This is critical for applications like boom lifts, cranes, and hoists where gravity can cause a load to descend faster than the pump can supply fluid.

Safety Against Hose Failures: In the event of a hose or line break, the valve's design ensures a controlled, slow movement of the actuator, rather than a rapid, dangerous descent.

Overload and Thermal Relief: The valve can also act as a secondary relief valve, protecting the system from over-pressurization and thermal expansion of the hydraulic fluid.

 

Parker Hannifin designs and manufactures counterbalance valves to the highest standards. As you Premier Parker distributor, Triad provides access to a comprehensive range of these valves, including the versatile E2*1 Series. By partnering with Triad, you get more than just a component; you get the expertise to select the right Parker valve for your specific application. Contact us today and let our team help you identify the ideal valve for your application.