Abstract: A member that is driven by a hydraulic actuator tends oscillate when fluid flow to the hydraulic actuator is terminated. A pressure relief device reduces that oscillation by connecting first and second first relief valves to the hydraulic actuator. The first relief valve provides a relatively large first relief passage as long as pressure in the hydraulic actuator remains above a threshold. A second relief valve opens a second relief passage at substantially the same threshold pressure and thereafter remains open as long as the pressure remains above another lower threshold. A timer causes the second relief valve to close a given interval of time, if the pressure does not drop below the other lower threshold.

Abstract: In a hydraulic system that has first and second pumps, a pressure compensation circuit is provided to unload the output of the second pump when its operation is not required. The unloading reduces the power demanded of the engine that drives the pumps thus conserving energy. The first pump is directly connected to a supply line and a back flow check valve couples the second pump to the supply line. When pressure in the supply line is significantly greater than the load pressure of the actuators powered by the hydraulic fluid a bypass compensator valve opens to provide a path between the outlet of the second pump and the tank line. This action unloads the second pump and reduces its demand for engine power.