Flow Control Question

[LouieJunior]

I wish to apply flow control to a dual action cylinder on my landscape rake which changes the angle. Right now it lunges when activated.
I have some flow controllers but I am not sure if I need one for each hose - or just one?
If I change the hoses from 3/8 diam. to 1/4 inch, will this achieve the same result?

 

[ptsg]

Going from 3/8" to 1/4", might reduce the speed of the cylinder a little bit but most likely not enough.

Some flow control valve with provide flow control on both directions, that means you would only need 1 valve on one of the hoses. Example: 3/8 NPT 8 GPM Prince WNV-6 Needle Valve | Flow Control Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

Other valves provide flow control for one direction, while the other direction gets full flow. Which means you would need to of these. Example: 3/8 NPT 8 GPM Prince WFC-6 In-Line Flow Control | Prince Mfg | Brands | www.surpluscenter.com

It's a matter of reading the description of the valves.

With the needle valve, that controls flow on both directions, when retracting, the speed will still be faster than extending. This may or may not be an issue for you.

With the in line flow control valve, you can individually adjust the speed for retracting and extending, since you have a flow control valve for each port.

 

[RNeumann]

They also make orifice fittings. The hole can be drilled to the desired results. Reducing one fitting size won’t make a difference. My SWAG is a hole in the 1/16” or so......very small compared to what you currently are thinking. The post above would be a nice way to go if you want the adjustment.

 

[ruffdog]

My grapple uses a 2" cyl and I bought orifice fittings for it. I started with a 1/32" hole but it was too small. I went up to 1/16" which is where I'm at now. I might go slightly bigger or just switch it to the rod end of the cyl.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I use a .035 (1/32') fixed orifice restrictor on the swing cylinder of my 8' York Rake. Swing speed is moderate with no "jerking". Only one is required.

Apache Restrictor Hydraulic Adapter