By Bruno Russo, Product Sales Manager, Mobile Valves for Bosch Rexroth
Off-highway construction machinery can exponentially benefit from a simple system upgrade to improve efficiency and overall operations.
Advanced hydraulic load sensing control valves with electro proportional actuation are a specific enhancement that have been shown to improve operations for on- and off-highway equipment due to the valves’ independent load-sensing elements, which better manage fluid flow.
Within the off-highway industry, these valves are commonly used in skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, cranes and forestry and agriculture machinery. These job-specific, heavy machines require flexibility and have high performance standards, which the valves’ pre-compensated load-sensing design help achieve. Compared to other valve types, operators that use advanced control valves will experience immediate improvements in machine manoeuvrability, precision and efficiency.
Off-highway adaptability
The modular design of sectional valves allows them to be reconfigured and adapted for enhanced suitability across many off-highway applications and their diverse set of needs. Traditional hydraulic approaches can vary, as machines have varying sizes and requirements. The modularity of advanced hydraulic control valves solves this complex, expensive roadblock, ultimately reducing machines’ weight, enabling greater control and precision.
At Bosch Rexroth, cutting-edge engineering of advanced valves (our RM medium pressure platform) reduces leakage over the main spool to only 10 cc per minute at 100 bar, meaning no counterbalance valves are needed on the main control block due to the reduction in component size and parts.
The valve serves as a space-saving mechanism, reducing hydraulic fluid leakage and improving efficiency, ultimately allowing for a more streamlined and profitable machine across a multitude of applications. In fact, the resulting operational efficiency significantly impacts the total cost of ownership (TCO) of machines, with both OEMs and operators experiencing advantages. Control valve-enhanced off-highway machines also see a considerable reduction in energy requirements resulting from a decrease in diesel fuel consumption and reduced TCO.
Electronic control
Operator simplicity is another benefit of implementing load-sensing advanced hydraulic control valves.
Closed-loop electronic control allows for software and sensor integration, giving machine diagnoses, providing information for maintenance (such as pressure loss) and the ability to spot concerns before they become problems. While it is not required for every application, the integrated component can enhance electronification of mobile machines, with precision being one tangible result.
The software integration with the advanced hydraulic load-sensing control valve ensures overall improved operations and the possibility of several control modes via the on-board electronics (OBE).
OEMs can greatly benefit from simpler OBE setup for the control block, and operators experience more defined movements from closed-loop electronic control. The load-sensing technology also reduces the skill level required for physical operation, saving money on personnel on top of the reduced time and costs of maintenance.
Operational enhancements
Advanced control valves maximize operations of off-highway machines in many ways. The work of off-highway machines is inherently intermittent with frequent start-stops, dealing with more extreme temperatures.
Swapping components can benefit operators by simplifying and streamlining operations, with integrated electronics delivering more efficient outcomes. Advanced control valves will likely continue to be adopted as more OEMs embrace electronification, allowing for more machine integration.
