Common Uses for Load Sensing

Priority Valves

While there are many uses for L.S. priority valves, typically they are used to provide priority
flow and/or pressure to certain components or functions depending on need. One of the most
common uses is to apply them with L.S. steering orbitals.
The two most common types of L.S. steering orbitals (Static and Dynamic) are shown below.
We use a static L.S. priority valve (ECxx-42) with a static steering orbital and a dynamic L.S.
priority valve (ECxx-43) with a dynamic steering orbital. Notice the direction of the sense
flow.
Static Steering Unit

Dynamic Steering Unit

In a static steering system, the sense flow

goes from the steering orbital to the EC valve.
The faster you turn the steering wheel, the
more flow comes out the work ports.

In a dynamic steering system, the sense flow

goes from the EC valve to the steering orbital
and back to tank through the variable bleed
orifice in the steering orbital.

There are several variable orifices in the

steering orbital, which open and close
proportionally based on how fast you spin the
wheel. In neutral, the sense pressure vents to
tank through the steering unit.

Turning the steering wheel opens the work

ports and closes the bleed-off orifice, thus
building pressure in the sense line pushing on
the EC spool. This directs more oil to the
orbital the faster you spin the wheel.

Most Steering Circuits Utilizing Orbitals Use a Dynamic Setup

Since the steering unit is really just a rotary style variable orifice, using a pre-compensator in
conjunction with it makes the steering function compensated. With a given steering RPM, the
flow will remain constant regardless of varying load pressure.
The boost orifice needs to be located in the shown position to prevent slow movement of the
EC spool when the RV opens, thus preventing a pressure spike.
The objective is for the steering to work perfectly with as little pressure drop as possible,
however sometimes we need to fine tune the responsiveness or the maximun steering flow by
tweaking a few things.

Ways to Fine-Tune the Circuit to Optimize Steering Performance

The pressure differential between the EC valve and the L.S. port of the steering unit is called
the margin pressure. This pressure differential controls the responsiveness and the maximum
steering flow. This is determined by a combination of the bias spring of the EC and boost
orifice.
The dynamic L.S. priority valves have two orifices in the spool, one for damping (PP), and the
other for feeding (DS) oil to the orbital. The pilot flow to the L.S. port of the steering unit is
determined by the spring value and the feed orifice. The spring value is typically either 80 psi
or 100 psi, while the orifice is typically between 0.020" and 0.031" Dia., depending on which
size EC valve you are using.
You can create any margin pressure you want by simply increasing or decreasing the size of
the boost orifice. The smaller the orifice, the higher the margin pressure.
Pressure drop data from a steering unit catalog will help determine what is required to achieve
the flow you need. However, the responsiveness or optimum feel is typically determined by an
expert operator. By increasing or decreasing the boost orifice, you will be able to fine-tune the
responsiveness or feel of the steering wheel.
An increase or decrease of as little as 0.002" Dia. can make a huge difference in the steering

feel. Margin pressure that is too low will result in steering that is slow and sluggish. Margin
pressure too high will result in jerky steering.

There are many other uses for L.S. Priority Valves as shown below:

Proportional Steering
and On/Off Lift Circuit

It is common to use proportional valves instead of steering orbitals to steer many types of
equipment. This circuit simply gives priority to steering while allowing the excess flow to lift
and lower a cylinder. The EC valve not only gives priority to steering, it also compensates the
proportional valve so the same current value will achieve the same flow regardless of load.

Priority Valve Working

with Manual Valve

It is becoming more common to use an EC valve mounted to the inlet of a manual valve to
give priority to certain functions while also limiting the maximum flow and pressure to those
functions.

Typical Priority-on-Demand
Flow Control Circuit

Pressure Control

Many people don't realize you can use an

ECxx-42 or ECxx-43 to create a pressure
Most uses of the L.S. Priority Valves are for
control. Think of this as a pressure reducing
flow control. By sensing downstream of a
fixed or variable orifice, you can compensate valve with an excess flow port. The valve will
modulate to maintain the spring value in the
the circuit. The needle valve shown above
could be any one of a number of components priority (CF) leg regardless of flow and/or the
such as a ball valve, proportional valve, on/off downstream pressure and flow in the bypass
leg. Higher spring pressures can be achieved
valve or a simple orifice.
by using an ECxx-43 and boosting the sense
line with an orifice or relief valve.