What is a diverter valve?

A hydraulic diverter valve allows you to individually control two double or single acting cylinders from a single control valve by diverting fluid from one cylinder to another when activated, giving you a simple way to add auxiliary components to your system. Another way of thinking about diverter valves is this: Imagine you want to add a grapple, but you don’t have any hydraulic lines connected to your grapple yet. You could Disconnect the lines from you tilt function, and plug them into your grapple every time you wanted to use the grapple, but that would get old really quick. So instead you install a diverter valve, which allows you to electrically “switch hoses” from your tilt to your grapple and back again with a push of a button. 

If more than two cylinders need to be controlled, diverter valves can be stacked together to allow control of up to four circuits in total. Read More About Diverters Here

As an example of the function of a diverter valve, our DV Kits are often used on compact tractors to add a grapple. Our kit is designed to be plumbed in line with your loaders tilt function, Fluid is allowed to pass through Ports P1/P2 to C/D, when the trigger is pulled on the included joystick handle, the flow of fluid will then switch from the tilt cylinder to the new auxiliary circuit (A/B). To open and close the auxiliary circuit, press and hold the trigger and move the joystick side to side to open and close the auxiliary cylinder. As soon as the trigger is released, flow will automatically switch back to allow use of the tilt function.

 

At Summit Hydraulics we have a range of options for diverter valves and what’s included with them. First, you need to determine what flow rate is ideal for you. We currently have valves with max flow ratings of 13 GPM (DV50), 24 GPM (DV90-08), and 30 GPM (DV90-10). A good resource to find the flow of your machine is tractordata.com. Simply find your tractor there, and find the “Pump Flow”. Next, decide if quick disconnect couplers should be included, and if so what type of couplers (Flat face or Ag style). If you’re unsure about coupler styles and sizes, please view our Coupler FAQ Page. Finally, decide on the type of switch you’d like included with your kit. Momentary, Momentary lever, Maintained, or Joystick Handle. For more information on types of switches see the FAQ that specifically addresses them. To see all of our Diverter Selector Valve Kits Click Here. 

 

Joystick Handle (Diverter Valves, J1): Joystick Handle Momentary switch controls is designed to work with Summit DV50 double acting control valves. When the trigger is pulled on the included joystick handle, the flow of fluid will switch from the main cylinder to the new auxiliary circuit. To open and close the auxiliary circuit, press and hold the trigger and move the joystick side to side to open and close the auxiliary cylinder. As soon as the trigger is released, flow will automatically switch back to allow use of the main cylinder.
Momentary Switch: The momentary switch for diverter valves works in the same way as the trigger of the joystick handle. Once the button is pressed the flow of fluid will switch from the main cylinder to the new auxiliary circuit, and then will revert back to the main cylinder when released.
Maintained Switch (rocker switch): This is a two-position switch that can select either the first or second circuit. When a particular circuit is selected fluid constantly flow through that circuit until deselected, causing fluid to flow constantly through the other circuit.

YES! You can stack up to 3 valves in-line, controlling up to 4 different implements! For all DV50 valve kits check out our DV50 Valve Stacking Kit, and for all DV90 Valve kits check out our DV90 Valve Stacking Kit.Â