Product Overview

The Sun Hydraulics CBCA-LHN, CBEA-LHN, CBGA-LHN, CBCG-LJN and CBEG-LJN are three-port, pilot-assisted counterbalance cartridge valves designed for load holding, controlled lowering and overrunning-load control.

Sun describes this valve family as counterbalance valves incorporating a check function for free flow from the directional valve toward the actuator, while a direct-acting pilot-assisted relief section controls reverse flow. Pilot pressure at Port 3 reduces the effective relief setting according to the selected pilot ratio.

The correct engineering application is therefore:

Load Holding + Controlled Actuator Motion + Overrunning Load Control + Pressure Limiting

These valves are also commonly referred to as motion control valves or over-center valves.

Technical Specifications

CBCA-LHN

• Manufacturer: Sun Hydraulics
• Product Type: 3-port pilot-assisted counterbalance cartridge valve
• Cavity: T-11A
• Nominal Capacity: 60 L/min / 15 GPM
• Pilot Ratio: 3:1
• Check Cracking Pressure: 1.7 bar / 25 psi
• Maximum Setting: 280 bar / 4000 psi
• Adjustment Range: 70–280 bar / 1000–4000 psi
• Typical Standard Setting: 210 bar / 3000 psi for the standard adjustment option
• Maximum Recommended Load Pressure at Maximum Setting: 215 bar
• Maximum Valve Leakage at Reseat: 0.4 cc/min
• Complete Adjustment: 3¾ turns
• Installation Torque: 40–50 Nm

CBEA-LHN

• Product Type: 3-port pilot-assisted counterbalance cartridge valve
• Cavity: T-2A
• Nominal Capacity: 120 L/min / 30 GPM
• Pilot Ratio: 3:1
• Check Cracking Pressure: 1.7 bar / 25 psi
• Maximum Setting: 280 bar / 4000 psi
• Adjustment Range: 70–280 bar / 1000–4000 psi
• Typical Standard Setting: 210 bar / 3000 psi
• Maximum Recommended Load Pressure at Maximum Setting: 215 bar
• Maximum Valve Leakage at Reseat: 0.4 cc/min
• Installation Torque: 60–70 Nm
• Cavity: T-2A

CBGA-LHN

• Product Type: 3-port pilot-assisted counterbalance cartridge valve
• Cavity: T-17A
• Nominal Capacity: 240 L/min / 60 GPM
• Pilot Ratio: 3:1
• Check Cracking Pressure: 1.7 bar / 25 psi
• Maximum Setting: 280 bar / 4000 psi
• Adjustment Range: 70–280 bar / 1000–4000 psi
• Typical Standard Setting: 210 bar / 3000 psi
• Maximum Recommended Load Pressure at Maximum Setting: 215 bar
• Maximum Valve Leakage at Reseat: 0.4 cc/min
• Installation Torque: 200–215 Nm
• Cavity: T-17A

CBCG-LJN

• Product Type: 3-port non-vented standard counterbalance cartridge valve
• Cavity: T-11A
• Nominal Capacity: 60 L/min / 15 GPM
• Pilot Ratio: 4.5:1
• Check Cracking Pressure: 0.3 bar / 5 psi for the relevant LJN configuration
• Maximum Setting: 350 bar / 5000 psi
• Available Adjustment Ranges: 140–350 bar or 70–175 bar, depending on option
• Typical Standard Settings: 210 bar or 140 bar depending on selected option
• Installation Torque: 40–50 Nm

CBEG-LJN

• Product Type: 3-port non-vented standard counterbalance cartridge valve
• Cavity: T-2A
• Nominal Capacity: 120 L/min / 30 GPM
• Pilot Ratio: 4.5:1
• Check Cracking Pressure: 0.3 bar / 5 psi for the relevant LJN configuration
• Maximum Setting: 350 bar / 5000 psi
• Available Adjustment Ranges: 140–350 bar or 70–175 bar
• Typical Standard Settings: 210 bar or 140 bar depending on option
• Installation Torque: 60–70 Nm

LHN vs. LJN Configuration

The LHN and LJN suffixes should not be treated as interchangeable options.

LHN Models

Typical examples:

• CBCA-LHN
• CBEA-LHN
• CBGA-LHN

These are associated with:

3:1 pilot ratio + 1.7 bar check spring + up to 280 bar setting.

LJN Models

Typical examples:

• CBCG-LJN
• CBEG-LJN
• CBGG-LJN

These are associated with:

4.5:1 pilot ratio + 0.3 bar check spring + up to 350 bar setting.

Therefore:

CBCA-LHN ≠ CBCG-LJN

Even when both use the T-11A cavity and have the same nominal 60 L/min capacity.

Key Technical Advantages

1. Controlled Overrunning-Load Management

The primary purpose of a counterbalance valve is to prevent an overrunning load from accelerating the actuator uncontrollably.

During a gravity-loaded lowering operation, the counterbalance valve maintains a controlled pressure condition until sufficient pilot pressure is available to open the relief section.

This makes the valve highly suitable for load-controlled hydraulic actuators.

2. 3:1 Pilot-Assisted Control

CBCA-LHN, CBEA-LHN and CBGA-LHN use a 3:1 pilot ratio.

Pilot pressure applied at Port 3 lowers the effective relief setting and allows controlled opening of the load side.

The 3:1 configuration provides a defined relationship between pilot pressure and load-control pressure.

3. 4.5:1 Pilot Ratio Options

CBCG-LJN and CBEG-LJN use a 4.5:1 pilot ratio.

This changes the sensitivity of the main relief stage to pilot pressure and provides a different controlled-opening characteristic from the 3:1 LHN versions.

4. Multiple Flow Capacities

The Sun standard family provides:

• CBCA → 60 L/min
• CBEA → 120 L/min
• CBGA → 240 L/min

This range supports both compact actuator circuits and higher-flow lifting applications.

5. Cartridge Installation for Compact Manifold Design

Sun counterbalance cartridges can be installed directly into properly machined cavities in actuator housings or hydraulic manifolds.

Sun notes that direct installation can improve mechanical protection and circuit stiffness while reducing external plumbing.

This is particularly useful in:

• Integrated manifolds
• Mobile hydraulic systems
• Compact actuator assemblies
• High-vibration machinery

6. Floating Construction

Sun’s floating construction is designed to reduce the possibility of internal-component binding caused by excessive installation torque or variations in cavity/cartridge machining.

This is a valuable design consideration for field replacement and manifold-based hydraulic systems.

7. Defined Reseat and Leakage Performance

Sun’s technical documentation specifies more than 85% reseat pressure when the valve is operated at the standard setting and specifies approximately 0.4 cc/min maximum valve leakage at reseat for the corresponding standard counterbalance family.

This supports stable load-holding performance in properly designed circuits.

Engineering Materials and Manufacturing

For the exact CBCA-LHN, CBEA-LHN, CBGA-LHN, CBCG-LJN and CBEG-LJN part numbers, the publicly available Sun technical documentation reviewed here does not provide complete material certificates, exact spool alloy grades or heat-treatment specifications.

Accordingly, specific alloy or hardness claims should not be presented as OEM specifications without additional documentation.

For replacement quality, the critical manufacturing factors are:

Spool/Poppet Geometry

Controlled clearances influence leakage, friction and pressure stability.

Spring Calibration

Spring preload directly influences the counterbalance setting.

Pilot Passage Accuracy

Pilot passages and orifices determine how quickly external pilot pressure modifies the relief stage.

Surface Finish

Internal surface condition influences friction, wear and contamination sensitivity.

Cartridge-to-Cavity Compatibility

Correct cavity selection is essential:

• CBCA → T-11A
• CBEA → T-2A
• CBGA → T-17A

Application Areas

Typical applications include:

• Hydraulic cylinders
• Crane boom circuits
• Lifting cylinders
• Aerial work platforms
• Excavator attachments
• Winches
• Telescopic equipment
• Material-handling machinery
• Agricultural machinery
• Mobile lifting equipment
• Heavy-duty hydraulic systems
• Gravity-loaded actuator circuits

CBCG-LJN and CBEG-LJN are particularly relevant where a 4.5:1 pilot ratio and higher maximum setting are required. Sun’s official documentation lists them at up to 350 bar / 5000 psi setting capability.

Expert Maintenance Tips

1. Set the Valve Above the Maximum Load-Induced Pressure

Sun’s maintenance guidance recommends setting a counterbalance valve at least 1.3 times the maximum load-induced pressure.

The valve’s maximum setting should therefore never be confused with the machine’s normal operating setting.

2. Observe Adjustment Direction

Sun specifies:

Clockwise → reduce setting and release load

Counterclockwise → increase setting

After adjustment, tighten the locknut without disturbing the adjustment screw position.

3. Use the Correct Installation Torque

Installation torque depends on the cartridge size.

Examples from Sun’s official specifications include:

• CBCA-LHN: 40–50 Nm
• CBEA-LHN: 60–70 Nm
• CBGA-LHN: 200–215 Nm

Excessive torque can adversely affect cartridge/cavity fit and internal movement.

4. Verify the Cavity Before Installation

Confirm:

• Correct cavity
• Clean cavity
• Correct seals
• Undamaged threads
• Clean pilot passage
• Proper locating shoulder

5. Match Pilot Ratio Exactly

A 3:1 valve should not automatically replace a 4.5:1 valve.

For example:

CBCA-LHN → CBCG-LJN

is not a parameter-equivalent substitution even though both are associated with T-11A and 60 L/min capacity.

6. Evaluate Check-Spring Selection

Different cracking-pressure options affect actuator refill and free-flow behavior.

The appropriate check spring should be selected according to actuator cavitation risk and circuit flow requirements rather than simply choosing the lowest cracking pressure.

7. Recommended Replacement Test Sequence

For professional aftermarket replacement, a complete validation process should include:

Visual Inspection
→ Model & Cavity Verification
→ Seal Inspection
→ Installation Torque Verification
→ Cracking Pressure Test
→ Pilot Ratio Verification
→ Pressure Setting Test
→ Free-Flow Test
→ Pilot-Open Flow Test
→ Reseat Leakage Test
→ Static Load-Holding Test
→ Controlled-Lowering Test
→ 100% Simulated Working-Condition Test

This provides a much stronger engineering basis for in-place interchangeability than dimensional inspection alone.

SEO Product Positioning Recommendation

For Google B2B SEO, the original phrase:

Cartridge Balance Counterbalance Valve CBCA/CBEA/CBCG/CBEG/CBGA -LHN/LJN

should be refined into a clearer product architecture:

Primary Product:
CBCA-LHN

Primary Keyword:
CBCA-LHN

Primary Product Type:
Sun Hydraulics Counterbalance Cartridge Valve

Primary Function:
3:1 Pilot-Assisted Load Control

Related Models:
CBEA-LHN, CBGA-LHN, CBCG-LJN, CBEG-LJN

Related Search Terms:
Sun counterbalance valve, cartridge counterbalance valve, over-center valve, motion control valve, load-holding valve, pilot-operated counterbalance valve, T-11A cartridge, T-2A cartridge, T-17A cartridge.