The compact Electric Sectional Valve from Buyers Products features a compact design. Its electrical controls allow you to mount a switch in the cab and control the valve remotely. It's great for smaller trucks and plow trucks. The 12V valve is rated to a max flow of 11 GPM. It features a simple on/off (non-proportional) flow. It can handle a maximum rating of 4300 PSI when the main relief is set at a higher pressure. The main relief is adjustable from 1300 to 3000 PSI (factory preset at 2150 PSI ). Two additional adjustable port reliefs -- angle and dump -- are available to provide protection for the specific job. The valve has cylinder spools, and features load hold check in the neutral position, precision-machined and ground spools, and easily replaceable spool end seals. Additional configurations are available. Please contact Customer Service for further information.
Specifications
| Amps per Coil | 2.500 |
|---|---|
| Coil Voltage | 12 |
| Electrically Operated (y/n) | Yes |
| Inlet Port Size | 1/2 SAE ORB (-8) |
| Main Relief Setting | 1300-3000 (Set at 2150) |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 11 |
| Maximum Pressure | 3600 |
| Number of spools | 2 |
| Out Port Size | #8 |
| Outlet Port Size | 1/2 SAE ORB (-8) |
| Port Relief Angle | 1900-4300 (Set at 2150) |
| Port Relief Dump | 400-1900 (Set at 600) |
| Port reliefs ( Y/N) | No |
| Port Type | SAE |
| Power Beyond (y/n) | Yes |
| Relief (Y/N) | Yes |
| Spool Action 1 | Power Up/Power Down |
| Spool Action 2 | Power Up/Power Down |
| Work Port Size | 1/2 SAE ORB (-8) |
The Electric Sectional Valve, featuring a sophisticated 4-Way/4-Way configuration with Power Beyond (PB) capability, represents a state-of-the-art solution for mobile hydraulic control systems. Engineered for precision and reliability, this compact valve is an indispensable component for optimizing the performance of smaller trucks, specifically excelling in applications such as snowplow operations and various utility vehicle functions requiring robust and responsive hydraulic actuation. Its design prioritizes operational efficiency and durability, making it a professional-grade selection for demanding environments.
At its core, this hydraulic valve is designed for modularity and integration within complex systems. The term "sectional" signifies its construction from individual valve sections, allowing for customization and efficient packaging. The compact form factor is a critical attribute, facilitating installation in space-constrained vehicle chassis where traditional, larger valve blocks may not be feasible. This design ethos ensures that high-performance hydraulic control does not necessitate extensive vehicle modifications or compromise other essential vehicle systems. The valve's external housing is engineered for resilience against environmental stressors common in mobile applications, including moisture, road salts, and temperature fluctuations, ensuring consistent operation and extended service life.
The operational paradigm of this valve is intrinsically linked to its electrical control system. Utilizing a 12V DC power supply, which is standard in most automotive and commercial vehicles, the valve integrates seamlessly into existing electrical architectures. The electrical controls enable remote actuation, a significant advantage for operator safety and convenience. By locating a control switch within the vehicle's cab, operators can manage hydraulic functions without direct interaction with the valve, enhancing ergonomics and reducing exposure to operational hazards. Each solenoid coil draws a modest 2.5 amps, minimizing the electrical load on the vehicle's power system and contributing to overall energy efficiency. This electrically operated design underpins its suitability for modern vehicle platforms that increasingly rely on electronic interfaces for system management.
Central to the valve's functionality is its non-proportional flow characteristic, often described as "on/off" control. This means that when a spool is actuated, hydraulic fluid is directed to the work ports at the maximum available flow rate (up to 11 GPM) or fully stopped. While not offering the fine-tuned speed control of proportional valves, this discrete switching mechanism is highly effective and reliable for applications where precise speed modulation is less critical than immediate, decisive action. For tasks such as lifting or lowering a snowplow, angling a blade, or actuating a dump bed, the on/off nature provides robust and predictable operation, simplifying the control interface for the operator. The absence of complex proportional control elements also contributes to the valve's overall reliability and cost-effectiveness in its intended applications.
The hydraulic configuration is specified as "4-Way/4-Way," indicating the presence of two independent 4-way spool sections. A 4-way spool typically features four ports: a pressure inlet (P), a tank outlet (T), and two work ports (A and B). This arrangement allows for the bidirectional control of a double-acting hydraulic cylinder or reversible hydraulic motor. For instance, in a snowplow application, one 4-way spool might control the lift/lower function of the blade, while the second 4-way spool manages the angling (left/right) function. Both spools are designed for "Power Up/Power Down" action, providing active hydraulic force in both extension and retraction, which is crucial for handling heavy loads and maintaining positive control in demanding conditions. These cylinder spools are manufactured with precision-machined and ground surfaces, ensuring minimal internal leakage, smooth operation, and extended lifespan by reducing friction and wear. Furthermore, the inclusion of easily replaceable spool end seals simplifies maintenance and extends the overall serviceability of the valve, minimizing downtime.
A critical safety and performance feature integrated into this sectional valve is the load hold check in the neutral position. When the spools are in their neutral position, these internal check valves effectively block hydraulic flow to and from the work ports, preventing the uncontrolled movement of attached actuators. For applications like holding a heavy snowplow blade aloft or maintaining the position of a dump body, this feature is paramount for preventing drift, ensuring safety, and preserving the integrity of the hydraulic system and the machinery it controls. This passive safety mechanism provides peace of mind and enhances the operational stability of the entire hydraulic circuit.
Comprehensive pressure management systems are integrated into the valve to protect both the component itself and the broader hydraulic circuit. The primary system safeguard is the adjustable main relief valve, with a factory preset of 2150 PSI, adjustable across a range of 1300 to 3000 PSI. This main relief valve is responsible for protecting the pump and the entire system from overpressure by diverting excess fluid back to the tank if the system pressure exceeds the set limit. It is important to note that while the system's maximum operational pressure is 3600 PSI, this valve can handle transient peaks or specific port relief settings up to 4300 PSI, indicating its robust construction and resilience under load. The distinction between the maximum system pressure and the maximum port relief setting allows for tailored protection at different points in the hydraulic circuit.
Beyond the main system protection, the valve incorporates two additional adjustable port relief valves, specifically designated for "angle" and "dump" functions. These port reliefs are crucial for localized protection of individual actuators and hydraulic lines against shock pressures or overloads that may occur during operation. The "angle" port relief, adjustable from 1900 to 4300 PSI (factory preset at 2150 PSI), is ideally suited for protecting the cylinders responsible for angling a plow blade. This high-pressure setting range allows it to absorb impact forces encountered when the plow strikes an immovable object, preventing damage to the cylinder or the valve. Similarly, the "dump" port relief, adjustable from 400 to 1900 PSI (factory preset at 600 PSI), is tailored for applications like controlling a dump body. This lower pressure range is suitable for protecting cylinders from overextension, sudden impacts during lowering, or unexpected loads, ensuring the longevity of the dump mechanism. The inclusion of these independently adjustable port reliefs underscores the valve's specialized design for demanding mobile equipment, providing granular protection where it is most needed.
The hydraulic flow characteristics of this valve are optimized for its target applications. With a maximum flow rate of 11 GPM, it delivers sufficient hydraulic power for the rapid and effective actuation of cylinders found in smaller trucks and plow systems. This flow rate ensures responsive operation, allowing operators to quickly react to changing conditions, such as adjusting plow angle or height. The efficiency of the hydraulic circuit is further enhanced by the use of SAE ORB (O-Ring Boss) porting. All inlet, outlet, and work ports are sized at 1/2 SAE ORB (-8), providing a standardized, leak-resistant connection method. SAE ORB fittings offer superior sealing capabilities compared to traditional NPT (National Pipe Taper) threads, reducing the likelihood of fluid leaks, improving system cleanliness, and simplifying installation and maintenance procedures. The consistent port sizing across the valve streamlines hose routing and component selection.
A distinctive and highly valuable feature of this sectional valve is its Power Beyond (PB) capability. Power Beyond allows the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump, after passing through the initial valve section, to be routed to an additional downstream hydraulic component or valve. Instead of returning directly to the tank, the fluid from the pressure port can be directed to a "power beyond" port, which then acts as the pressure inlet for subsequent valves in series. This feature is indispensable in multi-function hydraulic systems, enabling the operator to power multiple implements or actuators sequentially from a single pump and control valve setup. For example, after operating the plow, the Power Beyond circuit could feed another valve controlling a salt spreader or an auxiliary tool, without requiring a separate hydraulic pump or a complex parallel circuit. This significantly enhances the versatility and expandability of the vehicle's hydraulic system, providing a cost-effective and efficient method for powering a range of hydraulic functions from a single compact control unit.
Installation and maintenance considerations have been integrated into the valve's design. The compact footprint simplifies mounting in various vehicle configurations, while the standardized 1/2 SAE ORB (-8) ports ensure straightforward connection to hydraulic lines. The robust construction and precision-machined components contribute to a long operational life, even under harsh conditions. The easily replaceable spool end seals are a testament to its maintainability, allowing for quick and efficient servicing to prolong the valve's life and minimize downtime, ensuring maximum uptime for critical operations. Adherence to proper hydraulic fluid cleanliness standards and routine inspection of connections will further enhance the longevity and performance of the valve.
In summary, the Electric Sectional Valve 4-Way/4-Way/PB is a highly engineered, compact, and robust hydraulic control solution. Its electrical actuation, dual 4-way cylinder spools with load hold, comprehensive main and port relief protection, 11 GPM flow rate, and Power Beyond functionality make it uniquely suited for the demanding and diverse requirements of plow trucks, smaller utility vehicles, and other mobile hydraulic applications. This valve delivers reliable, efficient, and safe operation, ensuring superior performance for critical tasks. For specific requirements or additional configurations, our customer service team is available to provide detailed guidance and support.
