The HYDAC Company Nordhydraulic continues to strengthen its offering of mobile directional valves with the load-sensing LX-3, LX-6, and LCX-6 series. These valves are designed for machine control applications where precision, energy efficiency, and compact construction are crucial. The series targets manufacturers of cranes, combine harvesters, excavators, wheel loaders, and other mobile work machines that require precise and simultaneous control of multiple functions.
Load-Sensing Technology Focused on Fine Control and Energy Efficiency
Both the LX-3 and LX-6 are load-sensing, pre-compensated valves developed for systems with fixed or variable displacement pumps. The LX-3 delivers a nominal flow of 80 l/min at the work port, while the LX-6 is rated for 160 l/min. In both cases, up to ten functions can be controlled independently, as long as the available pump flow exceeds the total required work flow.
The valves operate according to the load-sensing principle, meaning they continuously detect the load pressures in active functions. The pressure compensators then adjust the flow so that each function receives exactly the flow required — no more, no less. The result is stable, repeatable, and energy-efficient performance, even when multiple functions are used simultaneously.
LX-6 – A Modular Valve Offering High Performance and Flexibility
HYDAC’s LX-6 stands out as a proportional, pre-compensated load-sensing valve with a nominal work-port flow of 160 l/min and a pump capacity of up to approximately 250 l/min, depending on configuration. It is designed for operating pressures up to 350 bar at the pump port and up to 420 bar at the work ports.
Its modular architecture enables up to eight working sections and supports manual, hydraulic, or electro-hydraulic actuation. The valve is equipped with features such as shock valves and anti-cavitation valves, as well as optimized flow channels that reduce pressure losses and thereby improve overall energy efficiency.
HYDAC highlights the LX-6 as an ideal choice for machines requiring high precision and fast response, such as construction machinery, forestry equipment, and specialized mobile systems.
LCX-6 – A Compact and Cost-Effective Derivative
The LCX-6 complements the LX range as a more compact and cost-effective variant of the LX-6. It is engineered to deliver essential load-sensing functionality in a space- and weight-optimized monoblock design. In this layout, the first and last sections act as combined inlet and outlet ports, reducing installation space and simplifying integration in machines where room is limited.
The LCX-6 is particularly well suited for applications requiring additional functions or a compact secondary valve package, such as smaller excavators and wheel loaders.
A Broad Application Range for Modern Machine Control
Together, the LX-3, LX-6, and LCX-6 cover a wide segment of the mobile hydraulics market. The combination of load-sensing technology, modular construction, energy-efficient performance, and compact design makes these valve series attractive to machine manufacturers seeking to optimize both performance and fuel efficiency.
With these product lines, HYDAC continues to be a significant player in the field of load-sensing valve systems — an area where accuracy, controllability, and sustainable energy usage are becoming increasingly important.
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a side-by-side comparison table of LX-3, LX-6 and LCX-6,
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