Used Steering Orbitrol

Operation and diagram of a steering orbitrol

The orbitrol is the hydrostatic steering unit, a hydraulic power steering system that replaces the traditional rack and mechanical linkage: mounted at the base of the steering column, it controls the oil flow sent to the steering cylinders according to the steering wheel rotation. Thus, there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels. Powered by the hydraulic pump, it amplifies the operator's effort; in case of pump failure, it operates as a manual backup pump, making the steering wheel much harder to turn.

Diagram: Ports P, T, L, and R

On the hydraulic diagram of an orbitrol, port P receives oil from the pump, port T returns it to the reservoir, and ports L and R supply the cylinder to turn left or right. Steering wheel movement drives a rotary spool and a metering device that sends an oil volume proportional to the rotation angle. Depending on the machine, the orbitrol is open center (ON), closed center (CN), or load sensing (LS), combined with a priority valve, also called a priority valve, which feeds the steering first. It comes in a reaction version, where the wheel senses the tire forces and tends to return to center, or non-reaction, common on articulated loaders. The Danfoss OSPB and OSPC ranges are among the most widespread on loaders, forklifts, and handling machines.

Used steering orbitrol: brands and models

• Volvo: L110F and L120E loaders
• Komatsu, Caterpillar, and JCB: loaders, wheeled excavators, and backhoe loaders depending on stock
• New Holland and Case: depending on machines dismantled
• Steering orbitrols and steering controls identified by cylinder and connection type

Diagnosis: signs of a failing steering orbitrol

A stiff steering wheel while the pump and oil level are fine, significant play in the steering wheel, steering that does not return to center or "drifts" on its own often indicate a worn orbitrol. A leak at the input shaft signals worn seals. Have the pressure, priority valve, and steering cylinders checked first before concluding.

Steering orbitrol by tractor brand: Renault, Massey Ferguson

Codimatra specializes in public works machinery. For a tractor or agricultural machinery steering orbitrol from Renault, Massey Ferguson or other brands, please refer to the used hydraulic range from TMC Bejenne, a Dubreuil group company specializing in tractor parts.

Reference, cylinder, splines: important details

• The reference engraved on the orbitrol body
• The cylinder size, number and type of connections
• The spline on the input shaft side column
• The circuit type: open center, closed center, or load sensing with priority valve
• The model and serial number of the machine

Have your orbitrol identified

Provide the orbitrol's reference, brand, model, and serial number of your machine. Our advisors verify compatibility among our around 17,000 references and respond at 05 18 23 21 34. Also check out the hydraulic distributors and the full range of used hydraulics.