🔍 Key Concepts

• Study how a counterbalance valve functions in hydraulic lifting circuits • Look at the piping around valve (5) and what happens when the load is being lowered versus raised • Consider how hydraulic systems prevent a suspended load from driving the motor or free-falling if pressure is lost

💭 Think About

• Trace the flow path from the directional control valve to the winch motor when lowering a load: what role does valve (5) play in that path? • Ask yourself: if a hose were to fail or the operator suddenly moved the control to neutral while lowering, what feature in this circuit would slow or stop the load? • Which option describes a function normally associated with load-holding or load-control in crane/winch hydraulics rather than simple flow direction or end-of-travel control?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which component in the drawing actually directs flow from the pump to the motor (compare that with choice A). • Identify which component is connected directly to any mechanical brake release line—does valve (5) appear in that part of the circuit (relates to choice B)? • Think about which description best matches a valve designed to control motion of a suspended load and prevent it from overrunning the system.