Home » Hydraulics Shop » Hydraulic Valves » Steering Valve

Steering Valve

Looking for help or a discount?

Call (800) 823-4937

Smooth, responsive hydraulic steering for any vehicle. Steering valves give you fingertip control over heavy equipment, making tons of machinery turn as easily as your car.

Hydraulic Steering Valves for Equipment Control

Hydraulic steering valves turn the small movements of your steering wheel into powerful hydraulic force. Just like power steering in your car but built for tractors, loaders, and heavy equipment. Turn the wheel and the valve meters precise amounts of fluid to your steering cylinder, making even the biggest machines easy to steer. No more wrestling with mechanical linkages or fighting heavy steering – just smooth, effortless control.

Our steering valves work with both open-center and closed-center hydraulic systems. Orbital valves (also called gerotor valves) give you that smooth automotive feel with built-in feedback. Load-sensing models automatically adjust to steering resistance. We stock valves from 50cc to 1000cc displacement – smaller units for compact tractors and utility vehicles, larger ones for heavy construction equipment. Every valve includes the control valve and metering section in one compact unit.

Choose from standard steering valves for basic applications, priority valves that ensure steering gets fluid first, or full hydraulic units with built-in relief protection. Common sizes fit existing pump systems from 4 to 20 GPM. Standard SAE ports connect directly to your hydraulic hoses without adapters.

No products were found matching your selection.

Why Hydraulic Steering Makes Equipment Safer

Manual steering works until you need it most – in tough conditions where mechanical systems bind or require excessive force. Hydraulic steering valves eliminate these problems. The hydraulic boost means you can steer with one hand even in thick mud or on steep slopes. If your engine stalls, most valves include manual override so you can still steer to safety. The smooth operation reduces driver fatigue on long work days. This combination of power and control makes hydraulic steering essential for modern equipment.

Different steering valve types match different equipment needs. Open-center valves work with gear pumps that constantly flow fluid – perfect for adding power steering to older tractors. Closed-center (load-sensing) valves work with variable displacement pumps, using fluid only when you turn the wheel. This saves fuel and reduces heat. Priority steering valves ensure steering always gets fluid first, even if other hydraulic functions demand flow. For vehicles with articulated steering, special valves control dual cylinders that bend the machine in the middle.

The key specification for steering valves is displacement – measured in cubic centimeters (cc) per revolution. This determines how much fluid moves with each turn of the wheel. Small 100cc valves work for utility vehicles where quick steering response matters. Medium 200-400cc valves suit most tractors and loaders. Large 500cc+ valves handle massive equipment but require more wheel turns lock-to-lock. Match the displacement to your steering cylinder volume for proper steering ratio. Too small means excessive wheel turning. Too large makes steering too quick and twitchy.

We help customers upgrade to hydraulic steering every week. Whether you’re converting an old tractor or building custom equipment, we have the right valve. Most applications need just the valve, cylinder, and connecting hoses. Add a reservoir tank and filter for complete systems. We stock mounting brackets, steering columns, and wheel adapters to complete your installation. Tell us your vehicle type and steering cylinder size – we’ll recommend the perfect valve for smooth, reliable steering. Most ship same day with detailed installation diagrams.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a steering valve and how does it work?

A steering valve is a hydraulic control that converts steering wheel rotation into hydraulic flow. Inside, a gerotor or spool valve meters fluid to your steering cylinder based on how far and fast you turn the wheel. It provides power assist while maintaining steering feel and control.

2. What are steering valves used for?

Steering valves provide hydraulic power steering for tractors, loaders, forklifts, and custom vehicles. They make heavy equipment easy to steer, reduce driver fatigue, and improve safety. Essential for any vehicle where manual steering would be too difficult or dangerous.

3. How do I know which steering valve to choose?

Calculate your steering cylinder volume and desired wheel turns lock-to-lock. Divide cylinder volume by turns to get valve displacement in cc. Check your pump flow rate – most valves need 4-20 GPM. Choose open-center for constant flow systems or closed-center for load-sensing pumps.

4. What’s the difference between orbital and conventional steering valves?

Orbital (gerotor) valves have a star-shaped rotor that provides smooth metering and natural feedback feel – most common for vehicles. Conventional spool valves use sliding spools for simple on/off control – better for very slow precise positioning but less road feel.

5. Can I add hydraulic steering to equipment with manual steering?

Yes! Most equipment can be converted to hydraulic steering. You’ll need a steering valve, cylinder, pump, and hoses. Remove mechanical linkages and mount the cylinder to turn your wheels or axle. The steering valve replaces your steering box. Many older tractors and loaders are perfect candidates for conversion.

Steering Valve

Hydraulic Steering Valves for Equipment Control

Quick Buy

Explore This Page

Why Hydraulic Steering Makes Equipment Safer

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a steering valve and how does it work?

2. What are steering valves used for?

3. How do I know which steering valve to choose?

4. What’s the difference between orbital and conventional steering valves?

5. Can I add hydraulic steering to equipment with manual steering?

Quick Buy

Explore This Page

Steering Valve

Hydraulic Steering Valves for Equipment Control

Quick Buy

Explore This Page

Why Hydraulic Steering Makes Equipment Safer

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a steering valve and how does it work?

2. What are steering valves used for?

3. How do I know which steering valve to choose?

4. What’s the difference between orbital and conventional steering valves?

5. Can I add hydraulic steering to equipment with manual steering?

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

Common Valve Questions & Answers

Practical Valve Use in Hydraulics: Flow Control & Safety Guide

Quick Buy

Explore This Page