Barksdale

Barksdale designs and manufactures hydraulic and pneumatic valves for applications where reliability, durability and predictable performance are critical. With a heritage dating back to 1955, Barksdale is trusted by engineers worldwide for use in demanding industrial environments.

Supplied in the UK and Ireland by Able Instruments, Barksdale valves are trusted for use in harsh and safety-critical environments.

A valve manufacturer built on engineering heritage

Barksdale has focused on robust mechanical control technologies since 1955, developing valve solutions engineered to perform reliably under real-world operating conditions. As hydraulic and pneumatic systems have evolved, Barksdale has expanded its capabilities to support higher pressures, tougher environments and more demanding duty cycles, while maintaining an emphasis on manufacturing consistency and dependable performance.

Operating as part of Crane Co., Barksdale benefits from the resources and standards of a global industrial group. This combination of specialist fluid power expertise and disciplined manufacturing has helped establish Barksdale as a trusted valve manufacturer for applications where equipment failure can lead to safety risks, production loss or costly downtime.

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Engineering philosophy: reliability by design

Barksdale valves are designed to deliver consistent, repeatable control under pressure, contamination and long-term use. Many designs incorporate sealing concepts developed to tolerate contamination and pressure cycling, helping maintain stable performance throughout the operational life of the system.

A defining example is Barksdale’s proprietary Shear-Seal® technology. Using precision-engineered metal-to-metal sealing surfaces, Shear-Seal® valves are designed to maintain leak-tight performance even in systems where fluid cleanliness cannot be guaranteed. This design approach supports longer service intervals, reduces maintenance requirements and provides predictable valve behaviour over time.

Trusted in harsh and safety-critical environments

Barksdale valves are specified in environments where durability and reliability are essential to system integrity. They are trusted in safety-critical and high-duty installations where predictable operation, contamination tolerance and long service life are key engineering requirements.

In these settings, valves may be exposed to fluctuating pressures, challenging environmental conditions and continuous duty cycles. Barksdale’s established installed base reflects its ability to meet these requirements consistently, supporting safe and efficient system performance over extended lifecycles.

Why engineers specify Barksdale valves

Proven reliability: Designed for dependable operation in demanding conditions.
Predictable performance: Consistent control under pressure and temperature variation.
Contamination tolerance: Designed to perform in real-world hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Reduced downtime risk: Durable mechanical designs help minimise unplanned maintenance.
Lower total cost of ownership: Long service life supports lifecycle value.

Barksdale valves from Able Instruments

Able Instruments supply Barksdale valves across the UK and Ireland, providing engineering-led support alongside access to Barksdale’s valve technologies. As an independent, technically-focused organisation, Able supports customers with application review, correct specification and long-term support, helping ensure Barksdale valves are applied appropriately within hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Explore the Barksdale valve range to compare valve types, configurations and application options supplied by Able Instruments.

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