Counterbalance valves

Counterbalance (overcentre) valves hold suspended loads and control the lowering of cylinders and motors subject to overrunning loads, such as cranes and booms. They are used on cranes, loader booms, platforms, winches and forestry heads. Arranged into CETOP…

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  • In-line counterbalance valves
    In-line counterbalance valves

    In-line counterbalance valves with threaded ports: Oleodinamica Marchesini VBCD single-acting (SE) and double-acting (DE), and a counterbalance valve for Danfoss motors.

    There are standard SE and DE versions, A and CC versions, flanged versions for mounting on the cylinder (FL) and a 3-way DE. The SE controls lowering on one side of the cylinder; the DE controls both directions, for example on a slewing motor or a boom cylinder loaded both ways. The Danfoss motor version mounts directly on the motor.

    Choose by thread, flow, setting pressure and pilot ratio, and fit the valve as close as possible to the cylinder or motor. See also Counterbalance valves.

    Technical guide: How to choose a hydraulic valve

  • CETOP counterbalance valves
    CETOP counterbalance valves

    CETOP (ISO 4401) subplate-mounted counterbalance valves, including modular (sandwich) types: VBCD CETOP and Eurofluid EOVM NG6 sandwich.

    The sandwich fits between the subplate and the solenoid valve and controls the lowering of the load at the power unit manifold, with no valves in the line. Choose by NG size, the line it acts on, the setting pressure and the pilot ratio. For more information, see Counterbalance valves.

    Technical guide: How to choose a hydraulic valve

  • Cartridge counterbalance valves
    Cartridge counterbalance valves

    Cartridge counterbalance valves for fitting in manifolds: NEM counterbalance valve and Argo-Hytos counterbalance and pilot-operated check valve. Choose by cavity.

    A counterbalance cartridge does in the manifold what the in-line valve does: it holds the load and lets it down in a controlled way, according to the pilot pressure. Choose by cavity, flow, setting pressure and pilot ratio. See also Counterbalance valves and cartridge bodies under Manifolds and subplates.

    Technical guide: How to choose a hydraulic valve

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Counterbalance (overcentre) valves hold suspended loads and control the lowering of cylinders and motors subject to overrunning loads, such as cranes and booms.

They are used on cranes, loader booms, platforms, winches and forestry heads. Arranged into CETOP counterbalance valves, in-line counterbalance valves and cartridge counterbalance valves, from Oleodinamica Marchesini (VBCD), NEM, Argo-Hytos and Eurofluid.

Unlike a pilot-operated check valve, a counterbalance valve does not let the load drop: it opens gradually according to the pilot pressure and brakes the lowering smoothly. It also protects against overpressure caused by the load.

  • Single-acting (SE): holds one side of the cylinder;
  • Double-acting (DE): holds both sides, for cylinders and motors loaded in both directions;
  • Versions for mounting directly on the cylinder (flanged) or on the motor, which stop the load falling if a hose bursts.

How to choose: the flow, the setting pressure (normally above the pressure caused by the load), the pilot ratio (for example 3:1 or 4.25:1; lower gives more stability, higher opens more easily) and the thread or mounting. Fit the valve as close as possible to the cylinder.

Technical guide: How to choose a hydraulic valve

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