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Load holding valves

Load holding valves

Sun Hydraulics offer a wide range of corrosion resistant load holding valves such as pilot operated check valves, counterbalance valves and balanced load holding valves. Stainless steel cartridge valves are the optimal choice for corrosion-prone environments, such as marine applications, where the risk of rust and material degradation is high. The valves are available either in stainless steel or in standard steel with a zinc-nickel surface treatment that provides effective corrosion protection. SUN Hydraulics stainless steel valves have been salt spray tested for a minimum of 1,000 hours in accordance with quality standards ASTM B117-03 and ISO 9227.

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Pilot operated check valve

3 ports, pilot-to-open, standard pilot, steel seat

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-163A
30 lpm (7.5 gpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
3:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-19A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
3:1
PDF
STP
Pilot operated check valve

3 ports, pilot-to-open, sealed pilot, steel seat

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-163A
30 lpm (7.5 gpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-163A insert
30 lpm (7.5 gpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
3:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-19A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
3:1
PDF
STP
Pilot operated check valve

3 ports, pilot-to-open, sealed pilot, steel seat, vent to air

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
3:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-19A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
3:1
PDF
STP
Pilot operated check valve

4 ports, pilot-to-open, sealed pilot, steel seat, vented

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-21A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
3:1
PDF
STP
T-22A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-23A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-24A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
3:1
PDF
STP
Counterbalance valve

3 ports, non vented, standard

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
1,5:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
2:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
2,3:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
3:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
4,5:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
10:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
1:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
1,5:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
2:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
2,3:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
4,5:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
10:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
1,5:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
2:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
2,3:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
4,5:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
10:1
PDF
STP
T-19A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
1,5:1
PDF
STP
T-19A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
2:1
PDF
STP
T-19A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
2,3:1
PDF
STP
T-19A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
3:1
PDF
STP
T-19A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
4,5:1
PDF
STP
T-19A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
10:1
PDF
STP
Counterbalance valve

3 ports, non vented, semi-restrictive

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-11A
40 lpm (10 gpm)
1,5:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
40 lpm (10 gpm)
2,3:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
40 lpm (10 gpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
40 lpm (10 gpm)
4,5:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
80 lpm (20 gpm)
1,5:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
80 lpm (20 gpm)
2,3:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
80 lpm (20 gpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
80 lpm (20 gpm)
4,5:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
40 gpm (160 lpm)
1,5:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
40 gpm (160 lpm)
2,3:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
40 gpm (160 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
40 gpm (160 lpm)
4,5:1
PDF
STP
Counterbalance valve

3 ports, non vented, restrictive

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-11A
20 lpm (5 gpm)
2:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
20 lpm (5 gpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
20 lpm (5 gpm)
4,5:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 lpm (8 gpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 lpm (8 gpm)
4,5:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
3:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
4,5:1
PDF
STP
T-19A
80 lpm (20 gpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-19A
80 lpm (20 gpm)
4,5:1
PDF
STP
Counterbalance valve

3 ports, non vented, ultra-restrictive

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-11A
2,55 gpm (10 lpm)
1,5:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
2,55 gpm (10 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
2,55 gpm (10 lpm)
4,5:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
2,55 gpm (10 lpm)
10:1
PDF
STP
Counterbalance valve

3 ports, non vented, fixed setting, standard

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
2,3:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
3:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
4,5:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
10:1
PDF
STP
Counterbalance valve

3 ports, non vented, fixed setting, semi-restrictive

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-11A
40 lpm (10 gpm)
2,3:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
40 lpm (10 gpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
40 lpm (10 gpm)
4,5:1
PDF
STP
Counterbalance valve

3 ports, non vented, fixed setting, restrictive

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-11A
20 lpm (5 gpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
20 lpm (5 gpm)
4,5:1
PDF
STP
Counterbalance valve

3 ports, atmospherically referenced, standard

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
1:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
2:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
3:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
5:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
1:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
2:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
5:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
1:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
2:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-17A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
5:1
PDF
STP
T-19A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
1:1
PDF
STP
T-19A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
2:1
PDF
STP
T-19A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
3:1
PDF
STP
T-19A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
5:1
PDF
STP
Counterbalance valve

3 ports, atmospherically referenced, semi-restrictive

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-11A
7.5 gpm (30 lpm)
1:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
7.5 gpm (30 lpm)
4,5:1
PDF
STP
T-11A
7.5 gpm (30 lpm)
7:1
PDF
STP
Counterbalance valve

3 ports, non vented without pilot assist, standard

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-11A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
No pilot
PDF
STP
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
No pilot
PDF
STP
T-17A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
No pilot
PDF
STP
T-19A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
No pilot
PDF
STP
Counterbalance valve

4 ports, vented, standard

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-21A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
1:1
PDF
STP
T-21A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
2:1
PDF
STP
T-21A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
3:1
PDF
STP
T-21A
15 gpm (60 lpm )
5:1
PDF
STP
T-22A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
1:1
PDF
STP
T-22A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
2:1
PDF
STP
T-22A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-22A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
5:1
PDF
STP
T-23A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
1:1
PDF
STP
T-23A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
2:1
PDF
STP
T-23A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
3:1
PDF
STP
T-23A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
5:1
PDF
STP
T-24A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
1:1
PDF
STP
T-24A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
2:1
PDF
STP
T-24A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
3:1
PDF
STP
T-24A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
5:1
PDF
STP
Counterbalance valve/motion valve

3 ports, load control valve, balanced cartridge, non vented

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-2A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
Pilot pressure, see leaflet
PDF
STP
T-17A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
Pilot pressure, see leaflet
PDF
STP
T-19A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
Pilot pressure, see leaflet
PDF
STP
Counterbalance valve/motion valve

4 ports, load control valve, balanced cartridge, vented

Model
Cavity
Nominal Capacity
Pilot Ratio
T-22A
30 gpm (120 lpm)
Pilot pressure, see leaflet
PDF
STP
T-23A
60 gpm ( 240 lpm)
Pilot pressure, see leaflet
PDF
STP
T-24A
120 gpm (480 lpm )
Pilot pressure, see leaflet
PDF
STP

How a load holding valve works

Load holding valves are used in applications where it is necessary to prevent a load from moving when the directional valve is in the closed position. Most spool-type directional valves have some internal leakage, which means they cannot hold a load in a fixed position over an extended period. A load holding valve can also serve as a safety valve in the event of, for example, a hose rupture. In such cases, it should be mounted directly on the cylinder or other actuator. This is preferably done using a banjo manifold, which enables a compact and secure installation with minimal pressure losses and a reduced risk of hose failure.

Selecting the right load holding valve

Load holding valves are among the more complex type of hydraulic valves, making it especially important to select the correct model. Choosing the wrong valve can pose serious safety risks—such as the inability to hold a load securely—but can also result in inefficient system performance. Common problems caused by incorrect sizing include inadequate operating speed, system instability (shaking or jerking) or overheating. To ensure that your hydraulic system operates safely and efficiently, we recommend contacting one of our sales engineers. We’ll be happy to help you find the right solution tailored to your application.

Load holding valves and back pressure

Be aware that any back pressure in port 2 is added to the valve’s set opening pressure. This is common in systems that include a downstream restriction, such as a throttle or a proportional valve. If back pressure is an issue in your application, we recommend using an externally drained valve, specifically designed to handle such conditions.

Selecting the right size

Unlike many other hydraulic components, load holding valves should not be oversized. An oversized valve can cause system instability and reduced performance, particularly at low flow rates. To ensure stable operation, versions with lower flow capacity—but with the same cavity—are available.

Professional hydraulic guidance

At Hydnet, we work daily to design smart and compact hydraulic systems tailored to each customer’s unique needs. Our goal is to deliver solutions that not only ensure optimal performance but also contribute to a safe working environment—where the right components minimize the risk of downtime and personal injury. Don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re here to help you design a system that is both efficient and safe.

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