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How to Use a Counterbalance Valve for Speed Control

Counterbalance valves are regulating devices found on valve-powered cylinders like those found on hydraulic lifts. These valves are safety devices that regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid and stabilize pressure cylinders. This prevents the lift from suddenly plunging downward and getting damaged, or injuring the person on the lift. The counterbalance valve is also sometimes used to control the speed of the hydraulic lift. Using it for speed control is a straightforward process.

Things You'll Need

Adjustable wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Grab the directional valve controller, the lever which lowers and raises the lift, and pull it downward to completely lower the lift.
- 2
  Place an adjustable wrench over the adjustment nut on the counterbalance valve, and turn the nut slightly clockwise to release the load.
- 3
  Locate the flow control meter on the lift. It is commonly mounted just below the counterbalance valve. To increase speed on the counterbalance valve, turn the adjustment bolt on the flow control meter one-third of a turn to the left, or counterclockwise. To decrease the speed, turn it one-third of the way to the right.
- 4
  Use the wrench to return the adjustment nut on the counterbalance valve to its original position, if you want to reset it to the previous speed.

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