Sequence and Unloading Valves

Controlled Hydraulic Flow Management

Sequence and unloading valves are specialised hydraulic components used to control the order of operations and manage excess flow in hydraulic systems. By responding to pressure rises, either directly or via remote signals, these valves ensure that actuators operate in the correct sequence and that fluid is diverted or unloaded when not required. This improves both safety and efficiency in hydraulic circuits.

At Hydraulics Online, we supply sequence and unloading valves from a wide range of global manufacturers – including Atlantic Fluid Tech, Eaton Vickers, Hydraforce, Parker, Wandfluh, and many others – with expert advice to help you select the right valve for your application.

Our website shows only a selection of what we supply. For impartial advice and access to our full range of hydraulic components, contact our expert team.

Sequence and unloading valves - eaton vickers systemstak image. product category headerFor impartial advice and access to our full range of hydraulic components, contact our expert team.

Sequence valves – ensure that hydraulic functions occur in a specific order. For example, one actuator may only operate after another has completed its movement, triggered by a pressure rise.
Unloading valves – divert fluid back to the reservoir when demand is low, reducing energy consumption and preventing unnecessary system loading.

Together, these valves provide precise control over hydraulic circuits, especially in multi-actuator systems.

Controlled operation – ensures actuators move in the correct order
Energy efficiency – unloads fluid when not needed, reducing pump demand
Safety assurance – prevents unintended actuator movement or overload
Versatile functionality – available in direct-acting, pilot-operated, and subplate-mounted designs
Compact integration – easily installed in hydraulic manifolds or line-mounted systems

These valves are widely used in:

Mobile machinery (construction, agriculture, forestry)
Industrial automation and process control
Marine and offshore hydraulic systems
Energy and utility installations
Material handling and lifting equipment

They are particularly valuable in systems requiring multiple actuators to operate in a controlled sequence or where energy efficiency is a priority.

How do sequence valves work? They open when system pressure reaches a set level, allowing fluid to flow to the next actuator in sequence.

What’s the purpose of unloading valves? They divert fluid back to the reservoir when demand is low, reducing energy use and pump wear.

Can these valves be combined with other hydraulic functions? Yes, combination valves in manifolds can integrate sequence and unloading functions with additional features.