Hydraulic Control Valves

Norman Equipment has been a leading supplier of hydraulic equipment including hydraulic control valves since 1946. Full-line authorized stocking distributor of quality hydraulic components and systems from top manufacturers renowned for performance and reliability — making us one of the trusted hydraulic valve manufacturers' representatives and distributors in the Midwest.

Our experienced staff, in-house technical expertise, exceptional customer service and proven products provide you a single source for all your hydraulic valve needs.

We carry a large selection of directional control, flow control and pressure control valves, proportional valves, cartridge valves, hydraulic pilot valves, plus valve accessories, parts and kits — engineered to handle everything from basic on/off flow switching to precise, pilot-operated and proportional control in demanding industrial and mobile equipment applications.

DIRECTIONAL CONTROL VALVES

Directional control valves route hydraulic fluid to control the start, stop, and direction of actuator movement. We stock direct-operated, pilot-operated, and lever-operated configurations, including air-piloted and solenoid-actuated designs, to match your circuit's response and control requirements.

• Direct Operated 
• Air Pilot Controlled (air-operated hydraulic valve)
• Pilot Operated, Oil Pilot Operated, Air Pilot Operated (hydraulic pilor valve/hydraulic pilot control valve)
• Lever Operated
• Hydraulic Solenoid Valves

PROPORTIONAL DIRECTIONAL CONTROL VALVES

Proportional directional control valves allow variable, infinitely adjustable flow and direction control rather than simple on/off switching — ideal for applications requiring smooth acceleration, deceleration, or precise positioning.

• Direct Operated
• Pilot Operated  
• Solenoid Operated

SANDWICH ▪ MODULAR ▪ STACK VALVES

These space-saving valves mount between existing valve sections to add pressure, flow, or sequencing functions without redesigning your manifold — a cost-effective way to expand circuit capability.

• Pressure Reducing
• Pressure Relief
• Throttle with Check
• Check Valves, Direct Operated
• Check Valves, Pilot Operated
• Sequence Valves
• Counterbalance Valves
• Pressure Switch Modular Valve
• Flow Regulator Modular Valve
• Flow Control Modular Valve, Pressure & Temperature Compensated

CHECK VALVES

Check valves allow flow in one direction only, preventing backflow that can damage pumps, actuators, or system components.

• Pilot Operated, SAE Flange or Subplate Mounted
• Direct Operated, SAE Flange or Subplate Mounted
• Modular Check Valves

FLOW CONTROL VALVES

Flow control valves regulate the rate of fluid flow to control actuator speed, independent of pressure or load changes.

• Pressure Compensated Flow Control Valves
• High Response Proportional Flow & Directional Control Valves
• Electro-hydraulic Proportional Flow Control Valve

PRESSURE CONTROL VALVES

Pressure control valves limit, reduce, or regulate system pressure to protect components and maintain safe, efficient operation.

• Pressure Relief, Subplate Mounted (with or without vent)
• Unloading, Subplate Mounted (with/without vent)
• Unloading, Pilot Operated, SAE Flange

We are authorized sales and service reps for Parker, Delta, Denison, Deltrol Fluid Products, Dynaquip, Dynamic FC, Nachi, Lexair, Rotork, and Northman.

Hydraulic Valve Applications

Our hydraulic control valves are built into industrial machinery, mobile and off-highway equipment, and custom-engineered power units and fluid power systems. Whether you need a simple direct-operated check valve or a fully proportional, electro-hydraulic flow control valve, our team can help you specify the right valve for OEM production, equipment retrofits, or field replacement. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Hydraulic Control Valves

1. What is a hydraulic control valve?

A hydraulic control valve directs, regulates, or stops the flow of hydraulic fluid within a system, controlling the speed, direction, and force of actuators like cylinders and motors. Common types include directional, pressure, and flow control valves, each managing a different aspect of fluid power performance.

2. What is the difference between a hydraulic pilot valve and a hydraulic pilot control valve?

A hydraulic pilot valve uses a small pilot signal (oil or air) to shift a larger main valve, reducing the force needed for actuation. A hydraulic pilot control valve refers more broadly to any valve whose main spool is indirectly actuated via this pilot pressure rather than direct manual or solenoid operation.

3. What is an air operated hydraulic valve used for?

An air operated hydraulic valve uses compressed air, instead of electrical solenoids, to shift a hydraulic valve's spool. It's commonly used in environments where electrical actuation is impractical or hazardous, offering reliable remote or automated control of directional valves in industrial and mobile hydraulic systems.

4. Who manufactures hydraulic control valves?

Hydraulic control valves are produced by manufacturers such as Parker, Denison, Nachi, Rotork, and Dynaquip, among others. Authorized distributors like Norman Equipment stock and support these brands, offering technical selection guidance, genuine replacement parts, and cross-referencing services for hydraulic valve users.

5. What's the difference between directional, flow, and pressure control valves?

Directional control valves route fluid to control actuator movement direction; flow control valves regulate the speed of that movement by managing flow rate; pressure control valves protect the system by limiting or relieving excess pressure. Most hydraulic circuits use a combination of all three valve types.