Load-Sensitive Hydrostatic Steering-A New Approach

Load-sensitive hydraulic control systems have demonstrated new potential high efficiency levels. Mobile equipment designs which widely utilize open and closed center circuits are being adapted to total centralized load-responsive stand-by systems to curtail fuel consumption and operating costs.

This paper outlines previous art in steering systems and highlights the design concepts required to adapt the steering function to load sensitive variable flow-pressure circuitry. Since the steering function power demands are normally low for corrective maneuvers, it is ideally suited to the environment of a central load-sensitive system. The general concept of a load-sensing steering valve and its relative design role to the other system components will be developed, emphasizing standard meter-in load-sensing technology. The possible new “feathered” and “absolute” type systems are introduced.