Steering Units
A steering unit is the central control element of hydraulic steering systems in mobile machines and commercial vehicles. It ensures precise, safe and smooth transmission of the steering movement from the steering wheel to the hydraulic cylinders – regardless of load, ground conditions or vehicle weight. Steering units are extremely robust, low-maintenance and designed for high pressures and changing operating conditions. In the LöSi® web shop, you will find steering orbitrols in various sizes, displacements and connection variants – ideal for agricultural machinery, construction machinery, municipal technology and special-purpose vehicles.
What is a Steering Orbitrol?
A steering orbitrol (technically also called hydrostatic steering unit or metering pump) is the heart of fully hydraulic steering systems. It replaces the classic mechanical connection (steering linkage) between steering wheel and axle.
Instead, the orbitrol directs the oil flow proportionally to the steering wheel rotation into the steering cylinders. The result: Even the heaviest agricultural machinery can be steered with a little finger. A decisive safety feature is the integrated emergency steering capability: If the engine (and thus the hydraulic pump) fails, the orbitrol functions as a hand pump so that the vehicle remains steerable.
Advantages of Our Orbitrol Steering Units
Our steering units are high-quality alternatives to well-known original equipment manufacturers (e.g., interchangeable with Sauer Danfoss OSPC or ZF Servostat). We guarantee accuracy of fit for brands like Fendt, John Deere, Case, or New Holland.
Technical strengths at a glance:
- Jerk-free Control: Precise metering of the oil flow for a driving feel like in a passenger car.
- Versatility: We cover all common systems – from simple "Open Center" to complex "Load Sensing".
- Safety: Integrated shock valves protect the system from pressure peaks (e.g., when driving over obstacles).
- Longevity: Robust construction against dirt, dust, and vibrations in hard field use.
Typical Areas of Application
Steering orbitrols are the standard in almost all "off-highway" vehicles where high axle loads must be moved:
- Agriculture: Tractors, combine harvesters, and self-propelled field sprayers.
- Construction Machinery: Wheel loaders, dumpers, and excavators.
- Industrial Trucks: Forklifts and telehandlers.
- Boat Building: Hydraulic rudder systems.
Selection Criteria & Technical Data (System Explanation)
Choosing the wrong type (e.g., Open Center instead of Closed Center) leads to the steering not working or the oil overheating.
Mandatorily pay attention to the system code:
- OC / ON (Open Center, Non-Reaction): For fixed displacement pumps. The oil flows pressureless into the tank in neutral position. The steering wheel does not turn back by itself.
- OR (Open Center, Reaction): Like OC, but the steering wheel feels road forces and turns back (reaction behavior).
- CC / CN (Closed Center): For variable displacement pumps or pressure accumulators. The oil flow is blocked in neutral position (pressure is applied).
- LS (Load Sensing): For modern tractors with LS pump. The orbitrol reports the load requirement via a control line to the pump.
- Displacement (cm³/rev): Determines how many turns you need for a full steering lock.
Select & Order Steering Orbitrol Now
Put an end to stiff steering. Find the matching replacement for your vehicle in our huge stock.
Unsure about the circuit diagram (ON, CN, LS)? Our expert team helps with identification based on your old part. Select matching orbitrol now and order directly online!
