Typical Problems and Potential Solutions

1. Counterbalance valves should not normally be used in closed loop hydrostatic transmission circuits as they will cause excessive heat and often instability.

2. Always use standard counterbalance valves rather than vented counterbalance valves where possible because they are fundamentally more stable. The spring chamber of the standard valve is always full of oil so will have some natural viscous damping.

3. Counterbalance valves are not good relief valves so if pressure protection is also required it is advisable to add additional direct acting relief valves.

4. On high flow circuits there may be large volumes of compressed oil between the actuator and the counterbalance valve. When the valve is piloted open decompression shocks could occur causing damage to the valve. It might be advisable on such applications to incorporate a restrictor between the actuator and the counterbalance valve to help prevent shock damage.

5. Counterbalance valves are load control valves and do not