Hydraulic control valves control the pressure, direction and flow rate of the fluid used in a hydraulic control system. If a system’s hydraulic controls aren’t functioning properly, chances are the entire system will break down. Types of hydraulic controls include hydraulic directional control valves, flow control valves, sequence valves, selector valves and relief valves. Because hydraulic control systems operate at high pressures, hydraulic control valves experience a significant amount of wear and tear and, therefore, need to be maintained properly and regularly replaced.

Your hydraulic equipment is only as good as your hydraulic controls, so when you see a hydraulic hose begin to malfunction, it’s time for a repair or replacement. When exploring your options for hydraulic controls:

1. Purchase hydraulic controls from a local hydraulic valve supplier or online.

2. Buy a hydraulic control system from leading distributors.

3. Seek out a service professional for hydraulic control repairs or replacement.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase hydraulic controls from a distributor

Hydraulic controls come in a wide variety of sizes and for a wide variety of uses, so be sure to find hydraulic control suppliers that offer the exact replacement hydraulic control you're looking for. The wrong fit on hydraulic equipment may only compound the problem.

I recommend: Find deals on Dyna-Flo hydraulic control valves at CVI Solutions. Grainger is another great source, offering hydraulic controllers and other hydraulic components. Cross hydraulic controls can be purchased from several distributors nationwide, including Northern Hydraulics.

Replace your hydraulic control system

Many times it's not just a hydraulic control valve or other component that's causing the problem but rather the entire hydraulic control system needs to be replaced.

I recommend: Advanced Fluid Power Inc. provides a wide selection of custom-built hydraulic control systems to suit your company’s needs. Click on a state from the map of HydraForce distributors across the United States to find a supplier of this manufacturer’s hydraulic control systems.

Hire a hydraulic control repair professional to tackle the job

In all business decisions, it's important to know your limitations. This can be said for hydraulic control repair as well. If you're not comfortable making the repair yourself, hire a professional who can do it right the first time.

I recommend: Akron Hydraulic can rebuild hydraulic control valves that have become sluggish due to oil contamination or everyday wear and tear. What’s more, the company offers a six-month warranty on all repair parts and labor. Progressive Power and Control can repair all varieties of hydraulic components, including industrial hydraulic controls.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you decide to take on a hydraulic control repair yourself, be sure to clean all hydraulic controls and other components before reassembling to ensure none of the debris ends up in the hydraulic system.