Common Valve Questions & Answers

HOW DO I HOOK UP THE VALVE?

The inlet and outlet are marked on the directional valves. Hook-up diagrams are shown at the bottom of the box for standard valves. A and B (C, D, E, and F) ports go to the cylinder ports if applicable. For the VS and SD series, see the box or call CROSS.

WHAT VALVE SHOULD I USE FOR LIFTING?

For safety, a valve with a load check (Series AD/SA, BA, or SS) is necessary so that the load does not drop before it begins to rise again when you shift out of the neutral position. The load check is a spring-loaded poppet, which prevents the oil from backflowing until enough pressure is created to raise the load.

WHAT VALVE DO I NEED FOR A LOADER?

The most popular models are the SAF2 and SBAF2, which have a float position on the first spool, allowing the oil to circulate to permit the bucket to ride the contours of the ground. The second spool is for a two-way cylinder and is spring-centered to neutral. The SA22 and SBA22 are spring-centered to neutral on both spools but feature no float. SS valves may also be used for loaders.

I HAVE A JOHN DEERE. (or any other closed center system). CAN I USE A STANDARD VALVE?

All SA and SBA valves are convertible to closed center by installing a closed center plug and no relief plug, as shown in the literature shipped with the valve. Valves may also be ordered and converted to a closed center. These valves feature a tighter spool to minimize creep.

HOW DO I HOOK UP SEVERAL VALVES IN THE SERIES?

Replace the conversion plug on the SA or SBA valve’s outlet side with power beyond the sleeve. Connect this line to the inlet of the second valve. Run a tank line from the first valve outlet (has priority) back to the reservoir.

HOW DO I CHANGE THE RELIEF OR BYPASS SETTING ON A VALVE?

Always use a pressure gauge in the inlet to ensure precise results. An SBA valve may be adjusted by turning the adjustment screw under the acorn nut on the handle end of the valve. Clockwise will increase pressure. The CONVERTA or CA relief is shim adjustable. The spring in older CONVERTA and CA valves is rated to 1750. To increase the pressure to 2000, a different spring (#1A0685) plus shims (1A0682) are necessary. Do not exceed the recommended psi for the valve.

WHAT IS THE #1V0294 DETENT KIT?

This manual detent fits the SBA or CONVERTA. The valve handle (and spool) stays wherever it is placed until moved by the operator.

CAN I PUT A FLOAT OPTION ON A STANDARD VALVE?

No, the end of the spool and the lands are different, so a standard valve will not accept a float detent. Spools are matched to the individual valve bodies, so changing a valve spool in the field is not feasible.

CAN I PUT A PRESSURE KICKOUT ON A STANDARD VALVE?

Pressure kick-out or automatic return to neutral requires special internal machining, which must be done at the factory when the valve is manufactured. (It is a standard SCD2E – log splitter valve feature.)

CAN I USE A STANDARD VALVE FOR A SINGLE-ACTING CYLINDER?

No. A standard double-acting (sometimes called 4-way) has no place for the pump oil to go as you are exhausting or lowering the cylinder. Consequently, the oil goes over the relief and overheats the system. Valves with spools for single-acting applications may be specially ordered from the factory. The CONVERTA is convertible to single-acting.

HOW DO I IDENTIFY A VALVE?

The CROSS computer stock number is stamped on the handle end of the valve body on all valves manufactured since 1989. On older valves, the “Z” casting number is on the back side of the valve.

HOW DO I INSTALL PIPE FITTINGS?

Never use Teflon tape… a pipe port is a tapered thread, and it is very easy to crack a casting if Teflon tape is used. The use of liquid pipe sealant is the only approved installation method. Torque values are 1/2″ NPTF – 32 to 40 ft. lbs.; 3/4″ NPTF – 40 to 48 ft. lbs.