When a hydraulic valve or position switch is withdrawn, the exact part number often leads nowhere — the series may be discontinued or the code revised. The faster route is cross-referencing: capture the pressure, flow and approval data that define the device and match them to a current alternative. This guide covers what to read and how to turn it into a replacement specification.
What defines interchangeability
A hydraulic valve is defined by the circuit it serves and the environment it works in. Capture these before looking for a substitute:
| Parameter | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Pressure rating | System working pressure, e.g. up to 600 bar for relief/yield valves |
| Flow rate | Volume the valve must pass at working speed |
| Ways and positions | 2/2, 3/2 or 4/3-way, spring- or pilot-operated |
| Port size and type | Thread, flange or cartridge mount |
| Media | Water, emulsion or oil — mining valves are water-hydraulic |
| Hazardous-area approval | ATEX/IECEx intrinsic safety for underground use |
| Coil voltage / control | Solenoid voltage, pilot pressure or proportional signal |
A photo of the nameplate with the code is usually enough for a specialist to propose a match.
Notes by component type
- Directional control valves (Tiefenbach 2/2, 3/2, 4/3-way and cartridge): match ways, positions, flow and coil voltage.
- Dump and yield valves (Tiefenbach longwall roof-support dump valves): match the setting range and flow at yield.
- Relief / reducing valves (Tiefenbach relief up to 600 bar, reducing up to 450 bar): match setting range and port size.
- Position switches (magnet, proximity, thermal — intrinsically safe): match switching function and mounting.
- Sensors (pressure, inclination, displacement; iProx personnel protection): match range, output and approval.
How a cross-reference is built
- Record the original code and capture a photo of the device.
- Note the system pressure, flow and media.
- Match the ways/positions and port size.
- Confirm the coil voltage and any hazardous-area approval.
- Test the unit at working pressure before production use.
Why use a sourcing specialist
The same hydraulic duty is met by several manufacturers with equivalent specs — Tiefenbach and others cover water-hydraulic valves, switches and sensors for mining and presses. A sourcing partner keeps multiple brands on file, checks the candidate against your code, supplies procurement documentation, and can often ship a stocked equivalent within a day or two instead of waiting on a long factory lead time.
Get a quote
If you have a valve or switch part number — current or obsolete — send it with a photo. We return a cross-reference suggestion, price and lead time, typically within one business day.
- Browse the Tiefenbach valve range we carry.
- Or go straight to the inquiry form.