Switch Stroke in Hydraulics - Definition & Guide

The switch stroke is a central measure in the hydraulics of mobile demolition and splitting technology. It describes the distance a switching element (such as a valve spool) or a working cylinder travels until a defined change of function occurs. In practical applications at Darda GmbH — from concrete crushers and combination shears to rock and concrete splitters — the switch stroke determines how quickly the rapid advance is reached, when the system changes to the power stroke, how sensitively tools can be controlled, and how safely load spikes are managed. A properly tuned switch stroke shortens cycle times, improves process stability, and protects components from unnecessary wear — without being promotional in any way.

Definition: What is meant by switch stroke

In hydraulics, switch stroke refers to the path-related switching point of a system. Technically, two manifestations are relevant: first, the stroke of a valve spool required to change from one switching position (e.g., neutral) to another (e.g., forward or reverse) while releasing or blocking flow. Second, the (tool) cylinder travel until the system switches from a fast approach (rapid advance) to a force-oriented movement (power stroke). The switch stroke must be distinguished from switching pressure and switching time: while switching pressure is pressure-related and switching time is time-related, switch stroke describes a pure distance quantity, typically given in millimeters.

Functional principle: switching between rapid advance and power stroke

In hydraulic power units with a two-stage pump, the first stage operates with a high flow rate at low pressure for fast approach. As resistance at the tool increases, pressure builds; the pump switches to the second stage with a low flow rate and high pressure. Switching can be triggered via valve logic, pressure signals, or mechanically coupled switching elements. Here, the switch stroke denotes the cylinder or tool travel up to the changeover, i.e., the section in which the rapid advance is effective. It is determined by the interaction of cylinder geometry, flow rate, compressibility (oil, hose), friction, and the switching characteristics of the valves.

Relevance for concrete crushers and rock and concrete splitters

For concrete crushers, the switch stroke determines how far the jaws close quickly before the actual crushing process starts at high pressure. A switch stroke that is too short leads to slow approach and increased cycle times; one that is too long can cause unnecessary load spikes upon contact with the component. The goal is a reproducible switching point close to material contact, so the crusher sets quickly yet controllably.

For rock and concrete splitters — especially splitting cylinders in boreholes — the switch stroke separates fast wedge positioning from forceful spreading. If the switch stroke is correctly tuned, the power stroke reliably initiates crack formation without overloading the wedge. This has a direct impact on process safety in rock demolition, tunneling, and natural stone extraction.

Influencing factors and relationships

The switch stroke does not result in isolation but from a series of parameters:

Cylinder area A and flow rate Q determine speed v (v = Q/A) in rapid advance; this dictates how quickly the switch-relevant travel is covered.
Switching logic of the power unit (e.g., pressure switchover, directional valve switch stroke) defines when and how the changeover occurs.
System compliances (hose expansion, oil compressibility, play) lengthen the effective switch stroke because travel “goes into elasticity.”
Tool kinematics (linkage, deflections, jaw geometry, wedge angle) translate cylinder stroke into jaw or wedge movement and thus into a functionally relevant switch stroke at the tool.
Fluid temperature and viscosity influence valve response and flow rate.

For design purposes: the usable rapid advance should be as long as necessary but as short as possible. This reduces unnecessary idle travel without impairing operability.

Calculation approaches and reference values

In practice, the switch stroke is often determined through tests and measurements. As an approximation, the travel up to switching can be estimated from speed and switching time: Switch stroke ≈ v_rapid advance × t_until switching. The time until switching depends on when the switching pressure is reached or the valve spool has covered its effective travel. For portable hydraulic tools, typical valve switch strokes are in the single-digit millimeter range; tool-side switch strokes (cylinder travel) are in the centimeter range; specific values depend on cylinder size, power unit, and tool kinematics.

Setting and testing in practice

Document initial state: mark cylinder stroke, jaw position, or wedge position; note operating pressure and oil temperature.
Check no-load: run the tool in rapid advance and measure the travel up to the pressure increase or the audible/tactile switching.
Check under load: approach a realistic workpiece and record the travel up to switching; differences from no-load are systemic.
Adjust switching parameters: depending on the power unit, switching-relevant adjusters (e.g., pressure- or path-controlled valve components) may be available. Make changes only in small steps and observe the tool manufacturer’s instructions.
Verify the result: run several cycles, account for temperature drift, keep records.

Important: Changes to the hydraulic system should be carried out by qualified personnel. If limit values are exceeded, this can reduce the service life of cylinders, hoses, and valves.

Typical failure patterns and causes

Switching too early

Consequences: slow approach, extended cycle time, subjectively “sluggish” operation. Possible causes: insufficient flow rate in rapid advance, excessive switching pressure, sticking valve spool, increased linkage friction.

Switching too late

Consequences: sudden load spikes on contact, unstable operation, potentially higher wear. Possible causes: too low switching pressure, excessive system compliance, excessive valve switch stroke, unfavorable tool kinematics.

Unclean switching (hunting operation)

Consequences: rapid toggling between rapid advance and power stroke, heating, inefficient operation. Possible causes: pressure fluctuations, cavitation in the inlet, air in the system, uncoordinated throttling.

Applications and specifics

In concrete demolition and specialized deconstruction, reproducible switch strokes are crucial so that concrete crushers and combination shears can quickly engage along material edges and the power stroke only begins under load-appropriate contact. In strip-out and cutting, finely adjustable switching points enable precise handling, especially with multi cutters, steel shears, and tank cutters dealing with varying material thicknesses.

In rock demolition and tunneling, the switch stroke of splitting cylinders must be such that the rapid advance extends quickly to the optimal wedge position; the subsequent power stroke initiates the crack location in a controlled manner. In natural stone quarrying, the reproducibility of the switch stroke is paramount to keep crack patterns and block sizes consistent. For special operations — for example in confined spaces or with sensitive components — the switch stroke is often chosen conservatively to allow a finely controllable approach.

Coordination of switch stroke, flow rate, and cylinder geometry

The dimensioning of the switch stroke must always be considered together with flow rate, cylinder area, and linkages. Practical guidelines:

Design the rapid advance so that it largely covers the idle travel of the crusher or splitting wedge.
Start the power stroke only with sufficient seating or wedge position to avoid local overloads.
Select the valve switch stroke and spool characteristic (progressive, linear) to match the desired fine control.
Minimize system compliance: short hose runs, appropriate hose dimension, de-aerated system.

Distinction: switch stroke, switching pressure, and switching time

Switching pressure is the pressure at which the changeover occurs. Switching time is the duration of the process. Switch stroke is the travel covered up to and during the changeover. In practice, all three quantities are interrelated: if the flow rate increases, switching time shortens, but the switch stroke remains dependent on valve geometry and tool kinematics. Clean documentation of all three parameters facilitates troubleshooting.

Measurement and documentation practice

For tools from Darda GmbH, a simple procedure has proven effective: define a measurement reference on the tool (e.g., jaw tip to reference), run rapid advance, mark the switching point, differentiate travel. Additionally, note operating pressure and temperature. In recurrent inspections, deviations can be detected quickly. Limit and target values are defined specific to the tool and application.

Safety and service life

Correct switch stroke tuning prevents pressure spikes and reduces impact loads. This increases the service life of seals, bearings, and joints. Changes to the switching system should be made only according to generally accepted engineering practice. Legal requirements, standards, and internal approvals must be checked on a case-by-case basis, without implying any binding obligation.

Practical recommendations for concrete crushers

Determine the jaws’ idle travel and design the rapid advance so that the switching point is just before material contact.
With varying material thicknesses, provide a conservative reserve to avoid hunting operation.
Regularly check lubrication and play in the kinematics; increased friction shifts the effective switch stroke.

Practical recommendations for rock and concrete splitters

Consider borehole geometry and wedge angle: they determine when the power stroke should act.
Minimize system compliance so that rapid advance does not “fizzle out” and the power stroke engages precisely.
For serial applications, document the switch stroke to achieve consistent crack patterns.

Maintenance and condition monitoring

A drifting switch stroke is often an early indicator of wear. Indicators include a changed approach speed, atypical noises during switching, or elevated oil temperature. Regular inspections of hydraulic power units, valves, and cylinders — including leakage and pressure-hold tests — help detect deviations early and prevent consequential damage.