Which valve type is typically used in hydraulic systems for throttling and flow control?

Needle valves are specifically designed for throttling and precise flow control in hydraulic systems. Their construction allows for a fine adjustment of flow rates due to a long, tapered point that makes contact with the valve seat. This feature enables operators to have better control over the flow of hydraulic fluid, making it ideal for applications where precise adjustments are necessary.

In contrast to other valve types, a needle valve can help achieve very small flow rates, which is essential in many hydraulic applications that require accuracy. For example, when setting up a circuit where a specific fluid flow is crucial for system performance, the needle valve provides the necessary adjustments to achieve that.

While check valves are used to prevent backflow, ball valves offer quick on/off control, and butterfly valves are typically employed in larger diameter applications for shutoff rather than fine control. Thus, needle valves stand out in their capability for precise throttling in hydraulic systems.