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Ball Valves

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Hydraulic ball valves give you quarter-turn shutoff for isolating flow in a hydraulic circuit, with a through-bore ball that seats against the line for full open or full closed and little pressure drop. The defining specs are port size, port style (full vs. standard port), and the pressure rating that has to match your working PSI. Running an older or discontinued valve and need a match? send your specs for a cross-reference.

How to Choose a Hydraulic Ball Valve

Match the valve to the circuit it isolates. Confirm these specs against your line and pump before you order:

Flow (GPM): Size the bore so the valve does not choke your circuit at full open; a full-port valve typically passes more flow than a standard-port valve of the same body size.
Pressure (PSI): The valve's working-pressure rating should meet or exceed your system's maximum, including spikes; do not run a valve above its stated rating.
Port size: Match the inlet and outlet to your line; commonly specified in NPT or SAE thread sizes.
Function: Choose 2-way for simple on/off shutoff or 3-way for diverting or selecting between two ports.
Mount and handle: Confirm the body style, handle orientation, and any panel- or bracket-mount needs fit the location.

Which Ball Valve Is Right for the Job?

For straight isolation and shutoff, a ball valve is usually the right call. If you instead need to meter or regulate flow rate, look at Flow Control Valves. To prevent reverse flow and hold a load, see In Line Check Valves. To direct flow to cylinders or motors, a Directional Control Valve Monoblock Style handles spool-based control. For high-pressure workholding and tooling circuits, Enerpac Valves are rated for those applications. Browse the full range under Hydraulic Valves.

Complete the System

A ball valve isolates a line so the rest of the circuit can be serviced or sequenced. Pair it with the components it connects to: Hydraulic Pumps on the supply side, Hydraulic Cylinders on the actuator side, and the right Fittings and Hydraulic Hoses to make up the connections at matching thread and pressure ratings.

Cross-Referencing an Obsolete Ball Valve

If the valve on your machine is discontinued or the part number is no longer listed, we can usually identify an equivalent by port size, pressure rating, function, and mount. Northern Hydraulics has stocked hydraulic components since 1963, so send the old part number, a photo of the markings, or your line specs and we will match it. Request a cross-reference.

Ball Valves – Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure for the right hydraulic ball valve?

Measure the port thread size and type on the lines the valve connects to, then confirm your circuit's maximum working pressure and flow rate. Match the valve's port size to your line and choose a pressure rating at or above your system maximum.

What pressure are hydraulic ball valves rated to?

Working-pressure ratings vary by body size, port style, and construction, so check the rating listed on each valve. The general rule is to select a valve whose rated PSI meets or exceeds your system's maximum pressure, including pressure spikes.

What is the difference between full port and standard port?

A full-port ball valve has a bore roughly equal to the line size, so it passes more flow with less restriction. A standard-port valve has a smaller bore, which can reduce flow but typically allows a more compact body for the same connection size.

What is the difference between a ball valve and a flow control valve?

A ball valve is a quarter-turn on/off device for isolating or shutting off flow, not for fine adjustment. To meter or regulate the flow rate in a circuit, use a Flow Control Valve instead.

What is the difference between a 2-way and a 3-way ball valve?

A 2-way ball valve has one inlet and one outlet for simple on/off shutoff. A 3-way valve has three ports and can divert flow or select between two paths, depending on the bore pattern.

Can a hydraulic ball valve hold a load or prevent backflow?

A ball valve isolates flow when closed but is not designed to hold a load against pressure or stop reverse flow on its own. For backflow prevention, add an In Line Check Valve to the circuit.

Do you carry ball valves in all port sizes?

We stock hydraulic ball valves across a range of port sizes and full- and standard-port configurations. If you do not see your size listed, send your port thread and pressure specs and we can source a match.

Can you cross-reference an obsolete or discontinued ball valve?

Yes. Provide the old part number, the markings on the valve body, or your port size, pressure rating, and function, and we will identify a current equivalent. Request a quote.

Ball Valves

Stillwell 6?port Ball Valve

2-Way High Pressure Ball Valve with 1/2″ SAE Ports, GE2SAE8

2-Way High Pressure Ball Valve with 3/4″ SAE Ports, GE2SAE12

SW14 Med Handle (DE 3/4-1 1/2″) – Replacement Handle for Ball Valves

DE2-12-SAE Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

1/4″ Ball Valve

DE3L-114R-NPT Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

DE3L-14-NPT Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

DE2-12NPT Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

3-Way High Pressure Ball Valve, 1/2″ NPT Ports, GE3N1/2

DE2-08-SAE Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

3/8″ Ball Valve

3-Way High Pressure Ball Valve with 3/4″ SAE Ports, GE3SAE12

DLK-S LOCKING KIT “U” – Valve Locking Kit for DE Models

3-Way High Pressure Ball Valve with 3/8″ NPT Ports, GE3N3/8

DE2-14NPT Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

DE2-04-SAE Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

2-Way High Pressure Ball Valve with 3/8″ SAE Ports, GE2SAE6

DE2-06-SAE Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

DLK-L LOCKING KIT “U” – Valve Locking Kit for DB Models

DE3L-20R-SAE Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

DE3L-12-NPT Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

3-Way High Pressure Ball Valve with 1/4″ SAE Ports, GE3SAE4

3-Way High Pressure Ball Valve with 3/8″ SAE Ports, GE3SAE6

Dynamic Fluid Components DE2-1-NPT Ball Valve – Carbon Steel Construction

2-Way High Pressure Ball Valve with 1″ SAE Ports, GE2SAE16

DE2-114R-NPT Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

Dynamic Fluid Components DE2-16-SAE Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

DE3L-34-NPT Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

DE3L-04 SAE Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

DE2-112R-NPT Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

DE3L-06 SAE Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

DE3L-08 SAE Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

DE3L-12 SAE Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

DE3L-24R-SAE Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

DE2 / DB2 Series Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

DE3L-16 SAE Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

DB2-24-SAE Ball Valve – Rugged Carbon Steel Construction

Dynamic Fluid Components DB3L-24-SAE Ball Valve – Carbon Steel Construction

1″ Ball Valve

Dynamic Fluid Components SW17 Lg Handle – Replacement Handle for Ball Valves

1/2″ Ball Valve

3-Way High Pressure Ball Valve, 1″ NPT Ports, GE3N1

3-Way High Pressure Ball Valve with 1″ SAE Ports, GE3SAE16

3-Way High Pressure Ball Valve with 1/4″ NPT Ports, GE3N1/4

2-Way High Pressure Ball Valve with 1/4″ SAE Ports, GE2SAE4

3-Way High Pressure Ball Valve with 1/2″ SAE Ports, GE3SAE8

3-Way High Pressure Ball Valve, 3/4″ NPT Ports, GE3N3/4

How to Choose a Hydraulic Ball Valve

Which Ball Valve Is Right for the Job?

Complete the System

Cross-Referencing an Obsolete Ball Valve

Ball Valves – Frequently Asked Questions

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add a Hydraulic Valve to a Tractor for Enhanced Performance

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