Valve Detent
A detent is the spring-loaded ball or pawl mechanism that mechanically holds the valve lever in a certain position. When the operator releases the lever the position is maintained; it is used on attachments requiring continuous flow and in float position. It deliberately prevents the lever from returning to neutral against the spring.
Detents are set up in two different ways. On some valves the detent exists only in the float position and holds the lever in the last step. On others one of the working positions is detented; an attachment with a hydraulic motor keeps turning when the lever is released. Releasing the detent requires forcing the lever somewhat in the opposite direction, and this force is noticeably above normal lever force.
- Safety aspect: releasing the lever in a detented position does not stop the motion; the operator must deliberately end the job.
- Wear: when the spring fatigues, the detent may release on its own or fail to hold at all.
This detail matters in electronic conversion. When driving a detented lever remotely, the extra force needed to break out of the detent increases the mechanical load. HCT400 applies about 15 kgf to the lever and HCT402 about 20 kgf; on detented levers, assessing the lever's real breakout force by hand before installation makes it easier to choose the right model.
Where this term is used: How Are Manual Hydraulic Levers Controlled Remotely? A Comparison of 6 Methods