Priority Valves
A priority valve is a central hydraulic component in steering and control systems that ensures that the steering flow always takes priority over other hydraulic consumers. Particularly in mobile machines – such as tractors, farm loaders, telescopic loaders or municipal equipment – a priority valve ensures steering capability at all times, even when other consumers such as lifting arms, auxiliary hydraulics or attachments are operated simultaneously. Priority valves are robustly constructed, operate in a pressure- and flow-controlled manner and ensure a stable, safe steering system. In the LöSi® web shop, you will find high-quality priority valves for different flow rates and pressure ranges.
What is a Priority Valve?
A priority valve (often called a preference valve) is the "traffic cop" in complex hydraulic systems. It is usually connected directly to the hydraulic pump and has a decisive safety task: It splits the oil flow and guarantees that the primary consumer – usually the steering – is always supplied first.
Only when the demand of the steering (Load-Sensing signal) is covered, is the excess oil forwarded to the secondary consumers (working hydraulics, lifting cylinders, etc.). This prevents dangerous situations where the vehicle would suddenly no longer be steerable during simultaneous operation of working hydraulics and steering.
Advantages of Our Priority Valves
Without a priority valve, you would have to install two separate pumps. With a valve, you save costs and energy. Our valves are precisely matched to common Orbitrol steering systems.
Technical added value for your safety:
- Safety First: The steering function remains fully preserved even with full load on the working hydraulics or low engine speed.
- Energy Efficiency: In conjunction with Load-Sensing systems (LS), only as much pressure and oil are provided as actually needed. This lowers fuel consumption.
- Compact Design: Often mountable directly to the steering orbitrol or as an "inline" solution, which saves piping.
- Protective Function: Integrated pressure relief valves protect the steering circuit from overload.
Typical Areas of Application
Wherever multiple consumers share one pump, this component is indispensable. It is standard in:
- Tractors: Supply of steering and rear linkage via a common pump.
- Forklifts: Prioritization of steering over the lift mast (safety when maneuvering with load).
- Wheel Loaders: Ensuring that the articulated joint remains steerable even when shoveling.
- Forestry Machines: Harvesters and forwarders in difficult terrain.
Selection Criteria & Technical Data
A priority valve must hydraulically fit the steering orbitrol exactly. Wrong values lead to jerking or "hard" steering.
Pay attention to these parameters:
- Nominal Flow Rate: How many liters per minute does your steering require maximally? The valve must let this flow (e.g., 40 l/min, 80 l/min) pass with priority.
- LS Signal: Is your system static or dynamic (Dyna-Signal)? The valve must match the signal type of the orbitrol.
- Connections: Check the ports: P (Pump), EF (Excess Flow/Working Hydraulics), CF (Controlled Flow/Steering), LS (Load Sensing).
- Pressure Setting: To what pressure is the internal LS pressure relief valve set?
Select & Order Priority Valve Now
Play it safe. Equip your machine with high-quality priority valves for stable steering characteristics.
Use our technical advice for coordination with your orbitrol. Select flow rate and LS type now and order directly online!
