System Components, Control Valves

Role of components in a hydraulic system

A complete hydraulic system is more than just pump and cylinder. Performance, safety and service life strongly depend on the connecting and control components between them:

• high-pressure hoses and rigid lines
• quick couplings, fittings and adapters
• directional control valves, pressure relief and check valves
• pressure gauges and test points for system monitoring
• manifolds, shut-off valves and other accessories

Typical functions of hydraulic system components

• Routing and connecting: hoses, tubes, couplings and fittings safely transfer the fluid between pump, valves and actuators.
• Controlling and switching: directional and shut-off valves define flow paths, movement direction and operating modes.
• Protecting: pressure control valves protect the system against overload; flow-control valves influence speed and movement.
• Measuring and monitoring: gauges and test points allow troubleshooting and condition monitoring.

Selecting the right system components

When choosing accessories for your hydraulic system, consider:

• maximum working pressure and required safety margin
• flow rate and connection sizes (threads, flanges, quick couplers)
• hydraulic fluid and ambient conditions (temperature, corrosion, dirt)
• required control functions – simple on/off, pressure limitation, fine flow control and so on.

Use the subcategories to go directly to hoses, valves, gauges, manifolds, adapters and other accessories for your hydraulic systems.