Forklift Hydraulic Orbitrol Steering Unit — Full-Hydraulic Steering Control for Komatsu and Heli

This orbitrol steering control unit is a full-hydraulic steering system component that replaces the traditional mechanical steering gearbox in Komatsu and Heli forklifts. Unlike a mechanical steering box that uses a physical connection (steering shaft, pitman arm, drag link) between the steering wheel and the steered wheels, an orbitrol unit uses hydraulic fluid flow to proportionally control the steering cylinder. When the operator turns the steering wheel, the orbitrol gerotor (generated rotor) element meters a precise volume of hydraulic oil to the steering cylinder, with the oil volume being directly proportional to the steering wheel rotation angle. This design provides consistent steering effort regardless of the load on the steered axle and eliminates the mechanical wear points (ball joints, sector shaft, pitman arm) that are the primary failure modes of mechanical steering boxes. The unit has a displacement of 80-125 cc/rev (cubic centimeters per revolution of the steering wheel), which determines the number of steering wheel turns from lock-to-lock: a smaller displacement provides faster steering response (2-3 turns) for warehouse forklifts, while a larger displacement provides finer control (4-5 turns) for outdoor rough-terrain applications.

The orbitrol unit is the most contamination-sensitive component in a forklift hydraulic system because the gerotor element has internal clearances of 5-10 microns between the rotor lobes and the stator. Particles larger than this will score the gerotor surfaces, causing internal leakage that results in loose steering (excessive free play at the steering wheel before the wheels begin to turn). The orbitrol also contains a pressure relief valve and an anti-cavitation check valve integrated into the end cap. If the relief valve fails in the open position, the steering will feel spongy and require 20-30 degrees of steering wheel rotation before the wheels respond. When replacing an orbitrol unit, the hydraulic system must be flushed to ISO 4406 17/15/12 cleanliness, and the steering cylinder must be cycled through its full stroke 5-6 times after installation to purge all air from the cylinder. Air trapped in the steering cylinder will cause a jerky steering feel as the air pockets compress and expand during operation. Common failure symptoms: steering wheel free play exceeding 15 degrees before wheel movement begins (gerotor internal wear), steering wheel kickback when hitting bumps (failed relief valve), and steering effort increases significantly with cold hydraulic oil (contaminated oil with high viscosity).

This orbitrol unit fits Komatsu FG15-FG35 and Heli CPCD10-CPCD50 forklifts with full-hydraulic steering systems. Verify the mounting bolt pattern, hydraulic port sizes, and displacement (cc/rev) on your existing unit before ordering. For related steering components, visit our Forklift Hydraulic Components section.

Technical Specifications

• Unit Type: Orbitrol Full-Hydraulic Steering Control Unit
• Displacement: 80-125 cc/rev (Application-Dependent)
• Internal Clearance: 5-10 Microns (Gerotor Element)
• Max System Pressure: 150 bar
• Features: Integrated Relief + Anti-Cavitation Check Valves
• Application: Komatsu FG15-35 / Heli CPCD10-50

Compatible Forklift Models

Each unit is pressure-tested for gerotor displacement accuracy and valve function, packed in protective packaging, and ships within 1-2 business days. 12-month warranty. Browse our Forklift Hydraulic Components catalog.