Optimize Your Machine Control with HYDAC Load-Sensing Control Blocks
HYDAC Load-Sensing Valves Deliver Precision and Efficiency for Your Mobile Applications
Precision-engineered components in a modular sectional design that offers maximum flexibility – HYDAC load-sensing valves deliver precise and repeatable work functions. Learn more about our modular load-sensing control blocks.
Boost Your Productivity with Our Load-Sensing Valves
Precise movements and repeatable work functions: learn more about the load-compensated HYDAC valve solutions for main controllers in our brochure.
Precision and Accuracy Simple Machine Operation with Increased Productivity
Mobile machines typically run many different actuators in parallel. Beyond the challenge of controlling movement speeds, undesirable speed variations often occur, causing work precision and accuracy to suffer. With our load-sensing main control valves, we deliver simplified machine operation while simultaneously boosting productivity.
Flexibility and Modularity Custom Solutions Cut Development Times
Mobile machines are incredibly diverse – and the wide variety of machine types and possible configurations creates demand for countless valve variations. That is why standardized modular valve systems that can easily adapt to different machine requirements are so valuable. With HYDAC load-sensing control blocks, our experts provide a custom platform and modular solutions that help you to shorten your development times.
Space Savings and Energy Efficiency
Compact Design Saves Installation Space and Conserves Resources
New regulations are driving demand for energy-efficient, simple, and space-saving solutions. With HYDAC, you get exceptional performance density without compromising on energy efficiency. Our compact valve block design saves valuable installation space and reduces your resource consumption.
Our Solution: HYDAC Load-Sensing Valves for Your Machine ControlDiscover our load-sensing control blocks in the HYDAC LX-3, LX-6, LCX-6, and LCX-8 valve series
What Is the Benefit of Load Sensing?
“Load sensing” does exactly what the name suggests. The load pressure of actuators in mobile machines is monitored. Pressure compensators use this information to ensure that the proper flow rate is provided. This way, every actuator receives exactly the flow rate it needs to perform its work functions without restriction. The result: precise and repeatable work functions – for maximum performance.
HYDAC LX-3 and LX-6 Load-Compensated Valves
LX-3 (80 l/min nominal flow rate at the work port) and LX-6 (160 l/min nominal flow rate at the work port) are load-compensated valves with upstream pressure compensators for systems with fixed or variable displacement pumps. Up to ten functions can be controlled independently of one another as long as the maximum pump flow rate exceeds the required flow rate. These load-sensing valve systems were designed with an emphasis on high precision, fine control, and energy efficiency. Whether for cranes, harvesters, tracked vehicles, or other mobile machines, the flexible architecture and compact design make them suitable for a wide range of applications.
HYDAC LCX-6 and LCX-8 Compact, Cost-Effective Valves
The LCX-6 expands our range as a more compact and cost-efficient version of the LX-6 valve, focusing on the core functions of load-sensing valves. The first and last working section combine inlet plate functions and end plate functions in a space-optimized and weight-optimized design. The LCX-6 monoblock offers a flexible solution for additional functions in mobile machines such as excavators and wheel loaders.
With the new LCX-8, we offer a valve with the same external dimensions as the LCX-6 that enables high flow rates up to 240 liters/minute at the work port.
Lars Schlicker (Product Management for LX Valves)
Our load-sensing valves in the LX series are more than just components – they are the key to precise machine operation. They deliver superior control, efficient processes, and an outstanding user experience.
A Comparison of Our LX Valve SeriesSimilarities and Differences at a Glance
| Fixed displacement pump | Variable displacement pump | Qmax work port |
LX-3 | x | x | 90 |
LX-6 | x | x | 180 |
LCX-6 | - | x | 180 |
LCX-8 | - | x | 240 |
The Smart Add-On for Automating Mobile Machines: HYDAC Intelligent Control Unit (ICU)
With the ICU control unit specifically developed for load-sensing valves, HYDAC offers a futureproof complete solution for automated or electrified mobile machines and off-highway vehicles. This combination enables maximum precision, TÜV-certified safety, and reliability, even under extreme conditions, and provides the ideal foundation for automation and assistance systems.
The Advantages for Your Machine Control at a Glance
Exceptional Fine ControlPrecise movements and simple execution of work functions
Using a loader crane as an example
Loader cranes have to meet demanding requirements. Beyond precise load positioning, repeatable controllability with widely fluctuating loads is critical. Compared to conventional solutions, the resolution of HYDAC components is nearly twice as high, enabling an excellent fine control range. This results in smooth cylinder and motor movements – which in turn delivers much more precise machine movements and simpler work function execution.
Parallel OperationOperate multiple machine functions at the same time
Using a loader crane as an example
Let’s continue with the loader crane example – the complex work involves different actuators operating at the same time. The flow-optimized sectional pressure compensator uses the respective load pressure and safely adjusts the flow rate for individual actuators in parallel operation. This is clearly demonstrated in the following example: regardless of actuator 2 being switched on, the flow rate at actuator 1 remains constant at the set flow rate of 1 l/min with exceptional precision. This holds true even though actuator 2 requires considerably higher pump pressure. This aspect dramatically increases work process productivity.
More Products Relating to This Topic
HYDAC Software for Electrohydraulic Controls
For Controlling Mobile Valves with Our HYDAC Controllers: EHC (Electrohydraulic Control) is a machine application software for controlling hydraulic mobile valves that can be proportionally controlled or switched on/off.
HYDAC Crane Control Systems for Forestry Applications
We offer a control kit for intuitive human-machine interaction designed specifically for forestry cranes. xCrane provides quick response times and smooth, customizable controls for every operator.
FAQs
What exactly is load sensing?
Load sensing is a hydraulic control concept where the pump supplies only as much oil as the consumers actually need, based on the current load pressure.
How does the load-sensing principle work in detail?
A load-sensing system continuously monitors the consumer’s maximum load pressure and automatically regulates the pump to deliver only the required flow rate at a constant pressure margin (∆p). This conserves energy, since the pump doesn’t run continuously at maximum pressure.
What does “load-compensated” mean?
“Load-compensated” means that all consumers receive a constant flow rate regardless of the current load pressure. This is achieved through pressure compensators that maintain a constant pressure drop across the control valve, keeping the flow rate constant too.
What is the difference between open-center and closed-center systems?
In open-center systems, oil continuously returns to the tank in neutral position – typical of classic OC valves operated by fixed displacement pumps with series-connected consumers. Load-sensing systems come in both open and closed-center versions. While open-center load-sensing systems circulate oil when idle, closed-center load-sensing systems stop the oil flow completely and operate only on demand – conserving energy.
Why should you choose our load-sensing systems?
Their extended spool stroke enables particularly fine resolution and precise control. The optimized upstream pressure compensator ensures stable performance when operating multiple consumers in parallel. The flexible modular system also allows valves to be customized for a wide range of applications.
What does it mean when a pressure compensator is described as upstream or downstream?
An upstream pressure compensator – as used in HYDAC load-sensing valves – is located upstream of the spool. It ensures a constant pressure drop and therefore a constant flow rate independent of the pump pressure – provided that the pump pressure exceeds the load pressure. This ensures precise control and predictable machine behavior, making it ideal for challenging applications.
A downstream pressure compensator is located downstream of the spool. It detects the system’s highest load pressure and reduces the pressure drop across all the individual sections as needed to prevent undersupply.
