Counterbalance valves with pilot assist are meant to control an overrunning load. The check valve allows free flow from the directional valve (port 2) to the load (port 1) while a direct-acting, pilot-assisted relief valve controls flow from port 1 to port 2. Pilot assist at port 3 lowers the effective setting of the relief valve at a rate determined by the pilot ratio.

Other names for this valve include motion control valve and over-center valve.

• Counterbalance valves should be set at least 1.3 times the maximum load induced pressure.
• Turn adjustment clockwise to decrease setting and release load.
• Full clockwise setting is less than 200 psi (14 bar).
• Backpressure at port 2 adds to the effective relief setting at a ratio of 1 plus the pilot ratio times the backpressure.