The Single Flow Hydraulic Spreader Valve from Buyers Products is compact and easy to install, with a durable aluminum body. It features a built-in on/off control lever, system relief, and pressure compensation. Flow is easy to adjust with a detent knob featuring 11 positive positions. It's rated at 20 GPM and 2000 PSI. The relief cartridge has a standard setting of 1500 PSI. Valve comes complete with handle.
Specifications
| Auger/Chain Flow Rate Max (GPM) | 20 |
|---|---|
| Auger/Chain Flow Rate Max (LPM) | 77 |
| Auger/Chain Port | 3/4 NPT |
| Flow (GPM) | 20 |
| Flow (LPM) | 76 |
| Functions Supported | Auger |
| GPS Capable? | No |
| GPS Included? | No |
| Included Control Type | Manual |
| Inlet Port | 3/4 NPT |
| Load Sensing Port | - |
| Main Relief Setting | 1500 |
| Mount Type | Base |
| Number of Ports | 3 |
| Pre-Wet Supported? | No |
| Pressure | 2000 |
| Pressure (Bar) | 140 |
| Relief Cartridge Setting | 1500 |
| Single or Dual Flow | single |
| Spinner Flow Rate Max (GPM) | - |
| Spinner Flow Rate Max (LPM) | - |
| Spinner Port | - |
| Tank Port | 3/4 NPT |
| Type | Fixed Displacement |
| What's Included | Valve Only |
The Single Flow Hydraulic Spreader Valve from Buyers Products represents a culmination of precision engineering and robust design, specifically tailored for demanding material spreading applications. Engineered to provide reliable and consistent control over a single hydraulic circuit, this valve is an indispensable component in auger-driven spreading systems, widely utilized in industries such as municipal snow and ice management, road maintenance, agriculture, and general landscaping. Its design prioritizes operational efficiency, user-friendliness, and long-term durability, making it a superior choice for professional-grade equipment.
Core Functionality and Application
At its essence, a hydraulic spreader valve manages the flow of hydraulic fluid to an actuator, typically a hydraulic motor driving an auger or conveyor system in a material spreader. The "Single Flow" designation of this valve indicates its dedicated capacity for controlling one such circuit, making it ideal for applications where a single variable-speed function is required, such as regulating the flow of salt, sand, gravel, or fertilizer. This focused functionality simplifies the hydraulic system architecture while ensuring optimized performance for its intended purpose. By precisely controlling the hydraulic fluid flow, operators can accurately adjust the speed of the auger, directly influencing the discharge rate and uniformity of the spread material. This level of control is paramount for achieving desired coverage, minimizing material waste, and complying with environmental regulations regarding material application.
Engineered for Durability: The Aluminum Body
The structural integrity of any hydraulic component is critical, especially in environments characterized by harsh weather, corrosive materials, and demanding operational cycles. The Single Flow Hydraulic Spreader Valve addresses these challenges through its durable aluminum body construction. Aluminum, particularly high-grade alloys used in hydraulic components, offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This reduces the overall weight of the spreader system without compromising structural rigidity. Furthermore, aluminum exhibits inherent resistance to corrosion, a vital attribute when exposed to de-icing salts, brines, fertilizers, and other corrosive agents commonly handled by spreaders. The robust nature of the aluminum body ensures extended service life, reduced susceptibility to impact damage, and consistent performance over countless operational hours, thereby lowering maintenance costs and increasing equipment uptime. The compact design further contributes to its durability by minimizing the valve's footprint and potential for external damage, while also simplifying integration into existing hydraulic systems where space may be at a premium.
Precision Flow Management and Control
A defining feature of this hydraulic spreader valve is its advanced yet intuitive flow adjustment mechanism. The valve incorporates a detent knob with 11 distinct positive positions, allowing operators to achieve highly precise and repeatable flow rates. Each detent provides a tangible, audible, and tactile click, ensuring that the selected flow setting is firm and resistant to accidental changes due to vibration or movement during operation. This granular control over the auger's speed directly translates into superior control over the spreading pattern and density, which is crucial for uniform material distribution and avoiding overspray or underspray. The integrated on/off control lever provides immediate and reliable activation or deactivation of the hydraulic flow to the auger, offering operators quick response capabilities for efficient job site management and safety. This manual control system is inherently robust, less susceptible to electronic failures, and provides direct mechanical feedback, preferred by many operators for its reliability in challenging conditions.
Advanced Hydraulic Safeguards: System Relief and Pressure Compensation
The inclusion of system relief and pressure compensation mechanisms elevates the performance and reliability of this hydraulic spreader valve significantly.
System Relief: Overpressure Protection
The system relief feature is a critical safety and protective measure within any hydraulic circuit. Specifically, this valve is equipped with a relief cartridge preset at a standard setting of 1500 PSI. A relief valve functions as an automatic pressure-limiting device, opening to bypass hydraulic fluid back to the tank whenever the system pressure exceeds the preset limit. This prevents damage to the hydraulic pump, motor, hoses, and other components that could occur from excessive pressure spikes, load shocks, or blockages in the system. For auger applications, intermittent resistance from dense material or foreign objects can cause sudden pressure increases. The 1500 PSI setting is meticulously calibrated to provide ample operating pressure for efficient auger rotation while safeguarding the entire hydraulic system from potentially catastrophic overloads. This protective mechanism ensures the longevity of the hydraulic system and enhances operational safety.
Pressure Compensation: Consistent Flow Under Varying Loads
Perhaps one of the most significant technical features of this valve is its pressure compensation capability. In hydraulic systems, the flow rate to an actuator can fluctuate depending on changes in the load pressure (e.g., how much resistance the auger encounters). Without pressure compensation, an increase in load pressure would typically lead to a decrease in flow, resulting in an inconsistent auger speed and an uneven spread pattern. The pressure compensation feature actively senses downstream load pressure and automatically adjusts internal orifices to maintain a constant, pre-selected flow rate to the auger motor, irrespective of variations in load pressure or system supply pressure. This means that whether the spreader is traversing flat terrain or climbing an incline, whether it's spreading light salt or heavy sand, the auger will maintain its set speed, guaranteeing a remarkably uniform and consistent material distribution. This capability is paramount for achieving precise coverage, maximizing material effectiveness, and reducing operational costs associated with inefficient spreading. It ensures that the operator's chosen flow setting is accurately delivered, enhancing productivity and the quality of the work.
Performance Specifications: Flow and Pressure Dynamics
The Single Flow Hydraulic Spreader Valve is rated for robust performance, supporting a maximum flow rate of 20 GPM (gallons per minute), equivalent to approximately 76-77 LPM (liters per minute) for the auger/chain circuit. This flow capacity is well-suited for a wide range of medium-duty and heavy-duty auger-driven spreaders, ensuring sufficient hydraulic power to rotate the auger at desired speeds for various material types and application rates. The valve is designed to operate effectively within a maximum system pressure of 2000 PSI (pounds per square inch), which translates to approximately 140 Bar. This pressure rating indicates the valve's capability to withstand substantial hydraulic forces, reflecting its durable construction and suitability for demanding industrial and commercial applications. The combination of its 20 GPM flow capacity and 2000 PSI pressure rating allows it to seamlessly integrate into standard hydraulic power units commonly found on trucks and other work vehicles, providing a robust and reliable solution for controlling material spreaders.
Connectivity and Installation Attributes
Connectivity is streamlined through the use of 3/4 NPT (National Pipe Taper) ports for the inlet, auger/chain, and tank connections. NPT threading is a widely recognized and utilized standard in hydraulic systems, providing robust, leak-resistant connections when properly sealed. The 3/4 inch size ensures adequate fluid transfer for the 20 GPM flow rate, minimizing pressure drops across the valve. The 3-port configuration is standard for a single-acting hydraulic motor control, simplifying plumbing and reducing potential points of failure. The "base mount" type simplifies installation by providing a secure and stable platform for attachment to the vehicle chassis or spreader frame. This design facilitates straightforward integration and minimizes installation time and complexity for maintenance personnel. The "Valve Only" inclusion underscores that this product is a core hydraulic component, ready to be integrated into a broader hydraulic system, providing flexibility for system builders and operators.
Operational Efficiency and Reliability
The manual control type, while foregoing the complexities of electronic or GPS integration, offers a distinct advantage in terms of simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness for many applications. Without the need for intricate wiring harnesses, sensors, or software, the potential for electronic malfunction is eliminated, making it a highly dependable choice in harsh operating environments where moisture, dust, and vibration are prevalent. The "Fixed Displacement" type further reinforces its reliable mechanical operation, ensuring a consistent volumetric output from the valve for a given input, which directly supports the goal of uniform material spreading. While not supporting "Pre-Wet" capabilities or "Spinner" functions (as indicated by the specific auger-focused design), this valve excels in its dedicated function: precise control of a single auger system. This specialization allows for optimized performance within its intended scope, preventing unnecessary complexity and cost for users who do not require multi-functionality.
Conclusion
The Single Flow Hydraulic Spreader Valve from Buyers Products stands as a testament to engineering excellence, offering a robust, precise, and reliable solution for single-circuit hydraulic spreading applications. Its durable aluminum construction, intuitive detent knob with 11 positive positions, integrated on/off control, and crucial hydraulic safeguards like system relief (1500 PSI) and pressure compensation ensure unparalleled performance. With a rating of 20 GPM and 2000 PSI, coupled with user-friendly 3/4 NPT ports and a base mount design, this valve is ideally suited for controlling auger systems in diverse professional settings. It delivers consistent material flow, enhances operational efficiency, and provides long-term durability, making it an invaluable asset for any fleet requiring dependable hydraulic spreading control.
