A range of hydraulic valves for use in mobile plant and machinery, has been extended with the introduction of the VO40 open-centre directional control valve from Parker Hannifin. The new VO40 valve is compact and has been designed to offer increased operating life, precise metering for accurate and repeatable system control movements, and the potential for both fuel saving and faster cycle times to improve equipment operating speeds.
Rated 40 l/m and 300 Bar, the new VO40 low-flow valve combines high performance within a sectional construction, which is stackable to ten sections to enable mobile plant to be easy modified by OEMs or aftermarket system builders. This brings cost-effectiveness, reliability, ease of maintenance, and enhanced controllability benefits to a wide range of construction, industrial and agricultural applications, ranging from machinery attachments and walk-behind loaders to cranes, aerial platforms and forklifts.
The new VO40 valve features a specially designed spool, with metering notches formed in the open centre, parallel path and tank sections of the spool to allow system operators to actuate multiple functions simultaneously; in addition, the spool design prevents a fall in load during simultaneous operation.
The net result is improved cycle-time efficiency, and secure operation, plus smooth and predictable operation with consistent, pinpoint controllability. By comparison with competing devices of a similar size, the VO40 typically has a cycle time that is 10% faster with a 10% improvement in pressure drop.
Internal leakage is decreased by the use of honing technology and spool overlap in the VO40's valve design. Reduced internal leakage also minimises function drift, simplifying the positioning of machine attachments. A unique lock-valve section option can be used in applications where no leakage or function drift is allowed.
The VO40’s small footprint reduces clutter in the operating area, while the internal valve components are protected from contamination by an enclosed handle assembly. Additionally, the entire unit is easy to install and service to minimise downtime.