Designed for applications requiring remote pilot service, ROSS foot-operated valves enable hands-free operation of single-acting and double-acting pneumatic cylinders, allowing operators to maintain full manual control while keeping their hands available for other critical tasks. From small, fast-acting cylinder applications on jigs and fixtures to larger industrial machinery controls, these rugged valves provide the dependability and longevity that manufacturing operations demand.

Catalog Overview - What's Inside This Technical Resource

This downloadable PDF catalog serves as your complete technical reference for ROSS foot-operated directional control valves. The document provides detailed specifications, dimensional drawings, ordering information, and application guidance for selecting the optimal valve configuration for your specific pneumatic control requirements.

Key Sections Covered in the Catalog

Product Range Overview: Complete presentation of the 36 Series and RM Series foot-operated valve families, including standard pedal valves, heavy-duty treadle valves, and guarded pedal valves designed for enhanced safety in mechanical power press applications.

Technical Specifications: Comprehensive operating parameters including pressure ranges, temperature limits, flow coefficients, response times, construction materials, and media compatibility information essential for proper valve selection and system design.

Dimensional Drawings: Precise mechanical drawings with measurements in both imperial and metric units, facilitating accurate installation planning and equipment integration.

Ordering Information: Complete model number configuration guide enabling users to specify exact valve variants with desired features, port configurations, and mounting options.

Application Guidance: Real-world use cases demonstrating optimal valve deployment across various industrial automation scenarios.

36 Series Heavy-Duty Pedal and Treadle Valves

The ROSS 36 Series represents the workhorse of foot-operated pneumatic control, offering exceptional durability and reliable performance in industrial environments. These valves feature cast aluminum construction and proven poppet design, delivering consistent operation across extended service life with minimal maintenance requirements.

Available Configurations and Functions

3/2 Function Valves (Three-Way, Two-Position): Normally closed design ideal for single-acting cylinder applications, these valves provide precise on-off control with spring return actuation. Perfect for press operations, clamping fixtures, and applications requiring fail-safe normally closed operation.

4/2 Function Valves (Four-Way, Two-Position): Engineered for double-acting cylinder control, offering both normally open and normally closed configurations. These valves excel in applications requiring bidirectional cylinder movement with positive position control in both directions.

Actuation Options: Available in both spring return (pedal) and detented (treadle) actuation styles. Spring return valves automatically return to rest position when foot pressure is released, while detented treadle valves lock in the actuated position until deliberately returned by operator action.

Technical Performance Specifications

Operating Pressure Range: 5 to 150 psig (0.3 to 10 bar), accommodating a wide spectrum of pneumatic system pressures commonly found in industrial automation applications.

Temperature Performance: Exceptional operating range from -30°F to 175°F (-34°C to 80°C) for both ambient and media temperatures, ensuring reliable operation in diverse environmental conditions from cold storage facilities to heated manufacturing environments.

Flow Capacity: Average Cv rating of 1.2 provides ample flow for fast cylinder actuation while maintaining precise control characteristics.

Port Connections: Standard 1/4" NPT threaded connections for inlet, outlet, and exhaust ports, facilitating straightforward integration with existing pneumatic infrastructure.

Construction Materials: Cast aluminum body construction combined with stainless steel poppet elements and Buna-N seals, offering excellent corrosion resistance and long service life.

Physical Dimensions: Compact footprint with dimensions ranging from approximately 3.44 to 3.65 inches in length, 6.0 to 7.19 inches in width, and 1.9 to 2.87 inches in height depending on configuration, allowing flexible installation in space-constrained applications.

RM Series Foot Pedal Valves with Protective Guard

The RM Series represents ROSS Controls' specialized solution for applications demanding enhanced safety protection against accidental actuation. Designed specifically to meet OSHA 1910.217 requirements for mechanical power presses, these valves incorporate integral protective guards preventing unintended operation while maintaining convenient hands-free control.

Safety-Enhanced Design Features

Protective Guard Construction: Robust plastic guard surrounds the pedal mechanism, creating a physical barrier that prevents accidental activation from falling objects, debris, or unintentional contact while allowing deliberate operator actuation.

OSHA Compliance: Engineered to satisfy OSHA 1910.217 mechanical power press safety standards, these valves help manufacturers maintain regulatory compliance while enhancing workplace safety.

Guarded Pedal Options: Available with or without locking mechanisms, providing flexibility for different operational requirements and safety protocols.

RM Series Technical Specifications

5/2 Function Valves (Five-Way, Two-Position): Advanced functionality with convertibility to 3-way operation, offering maximum versatility for complex pneumatic control applications. Available in both normally open configurations and spring return or detented actuation styles.

Operating Pressure: 0 to 120 psig (0 to 8.2 bar), slightly lower than 36 Series to optimize safety characteristics while maintaining excellent performance across typical industrial pressure ranges.

Temperature Range: Ambient and media temperature range of 23°F to 140°F (-5°C to 60°C), suitable for most standard manufacturing environments. For applications involving temperatures below 40°F (4°C), air must be free of water vapor to prevent ice formation.

Flow Performance: Average Cv of 0.5 provides controlled flow characteristics ideal for precise cylinder speed control in safety-critical applications.

Physical Profile: Larger footprint than standard 36 Series due to integrated guard, with typical dimensions of approximately 5.31 inches length, 9.64 inches width, and 5.23 inches height. Weight approximately 2.1 pounds (0.9 kg).

Construction: Aluminum body with stainless steel internal components and Buna-N seals, combined with durable plastic guard designed to withstand industrial environments.

Key Features and Benefits Across All ROSS Foot-Operated Valves

Proven Poppet Design Technology

ROSS foot-operated valves employ time-tested poppet construction, delivering several critical advantages over competing designs. The poppet mechanism provides positive sealing, excellent contamination resistance, and reliable operation even in dirty environments where other valve designs may fail. This proven technology ensures consistent performance across millions of actuation cycles.

Simple, Intuitive Operation

Engineered for straightforward operator use, these valves require minimal training and deliver consistent, predictable response. The ergonomic pedal and treadle designs accommodate natural foot motion, reducing operator fatigue during repetitive operations while maintaining precise control authority.

Flexible Mounting and Installation Options

Multiple mounting configurations including inline and bottom mounting provide installation versatility across diverse equipment designs. The compact envelope and standard NPT threaded ports simplify integration with existing pneumatic systems, minimizing installation time and costs.

Rugged Construction for Extended Service Life

Built to withstand demanding industrial environments, ROSS foot-operated valves deliver dependable performance over extended operational lifetimes. The cast aluminum construction resists impact damage, while corrosion-resistant internal components maintain performance integrity even in harsh atmospheres. Minimum maintenance requirements translate directly to reduced total cost of ownership and maximized equipment uptime.

Target Applications and Industries

Manufacturing and Assembly Operations

Foot-operated valves excel in manufacturing cells where operators need both hands free for parts handling, tool operation, or assembly tasks while maintaining control over pneumatic actuators. Common applications include work-holding clamps, parts ejectors, and positioning mechanisms on assembly benches and inspection stations.

Mechanical Power Presses and Stamping

The RM Series with protective guards specifically addresses the demanding requirements of mechanical power press operations, providing safe, OSHA-compliant control for clutch/brake systems and auxiliary pneumatic functions. These valves help stamping operations maintain productivity while ensuring operator safety.

Material Handling and Packaging

Conveyor controls, diverter gates, and pneumatic lifts frequently employ foot-operated valves enabling operators to control material flow while keeping hands available for package handling and positioning tasks.

Jigs, Fixtures, and Workholding

Custom fixtures and jigs across metalworking, woodworking, and fabrication operations leverage foot valves for clamping control, allowing machinists and fabricators to position parts with both hands while activating workholding pneumatics via foot control.

Machine Tool Operation

Drill presses, grinders, and other machine tools benefit from foot-operated feed controls, coolant activation, and other auxiliary pneumatic functions, keeping operator hands safely positioned on workpieces and machine controls.

Selection Guidance - Choosing the Right Foot-Operated Valve

H3: Function Selection (3/2, 4/2, 5/2)

3/2 Valves: Optimal for single-acting cylinders or pneumatic actuators requiring fail-safe normally closed operation. These valves exhaust the actuator when depressurized, ideal for gravity-return cylinders or spring-return actuators.

4/2 Valves: Best choice for double-acting cylinders requiring bidirectional control with positive positioning. Available in normally open or normally closed configurations to match specific application fail-safe requirements.

5/2 Valves: Advanced functionality providing separate exhaust paths and enhanced control flexibility. The RM Series 5/2 valves offer convertibility to 3-way function, maximizing application versatility.

Return Method Selection

Spring Return (Pedal Valves): Automatically returns to rest position when foot pressure is removed, providing inherent fail-safe operation ideal for momentary control applications and operations requiring immediate deactivation when operator attention is diverted.

Detented (Treadle Valves): Locks in actuated position until deliberately returned by operator action, perfect for sustained operations where continuous foot pressure would cause operator fatigue or applications requiring set-and-forget pneumatic positioning.

Guarded vs. Standard Configuration

Standard Pedal and Treadle: Appropriate for general industrial applications where accidental actuation risk is minimal and unobstructed operator access is prioritized.

Guarded Pedal (RM Series): Mandatory for power press operations and recommended for any application where accidental actuation could present safety hazards. The protective guard prevents unintended activation while maintaining convenient deliberate actuation.

Installation and Integration Considerations

Pneumatic System Requirements

ROSS foot-operated valves require filtered compressed air meeting standard industrial quality specifications. Five-micron filtration is recommended to ensure long service life and prevent contamination-related performance degradation. For applications operating below 40°F (4°C), air must be thoroughly dried to prevent ice formation within valve passages.

Mounting and Positioning

Proper valve placement relative to operator position is critical for ergonomic operation and productivity. The catalog provides dimensional information enabling precise mounting location determination. Consider operator stance, reach requirements, and foot travel distance when planning installation layout.

Piping and Connection Planning

Standard 1/4" NPT port threads accommodate common pneumatic fittings and tubing connections. Plan piping runs to minimize pressure drops and ensure adequate flow capacity for responsive cylinder actuation. The catalog's flow coefficient (Cv) data enables accurate system pressure drop calculations during design phases.

Compliance and Quality Standards

Regulatory Compliance

ROSS foot-operated valves are designed and manufactured to meet applicable industry standards. The RM Series specifically addresses OSHA 1910.217 requirements for mechanical power press controls. Additionally, products carry EAC (Eurasian Conformity) declaration, facilitating deployment across international markets.

Quality and Reliability

As part of ROSS Controls' comprehensive valve portfolio, foot-operated valves benefit from decades of pneumatic control expertise and rigorous quality management systems. Each valve undergoes thorough testing and inspection before shipment, ensuring consistent performance meeting ROSS's exacting standards.

Technical Support and Application Engineering

ROSS Controls provides comprehensive technical support to assist with valve selection, application engineering, and troubleshooting. The technical team can recommend optimal configurations for specific applications, provide custom solutions for unique requirements, and offer guidance on system integration challenges.

For applications involving extreme temperatures, corrosive atmospheres, or special media compatibility requirements not covered by standard specifications, consult ROSS technical service to explore available options and custom solutions.

Maintenance and Service Considerations

Minimal Maintenance Requirements

The poppet design's inherent simplicity and robust construction minimize maintenance needs throughout the valve's operational lifetime. Regular inspection for physical damage and verification of proper operation represent the primary maintenance tasks. No routine lubrication is required due to the internal component materials and seal designs employed.

Long Service Life

Cast aluminum construction, stainless steel poppets, and proven seal materials deliver exceptional longevity even under demanding operational conditions. Many ROSS foot-operated valves continue providing reliable service for decades in properly maintained pneumatic systems, making them an excellent long-term investment for industrial operations.

Download Your Complete ROSS Foot-Operated Valves Catalog

This comprehensive PDF catalog provides all the technical information, specifications, and application guidance needed to specify, order, and successfully integrate ROSS foot-operated valves into your pneumatic control systems. Whether you're designing new equipment, upgrading existing machinery, or seeking replacement valves for maintenance applications, this catalog delivers the detailed information required for confident decision-making.

The catalog includes complete dimensional drawings, technical specifications tables, model number configuration guides, and application recommendations covering the full range of ROSS 36 Series and RM Series foot-operated valves. Download now to access this valuable technical resource and discover how ROSS Controls' proven pneumatic valve solutions can enhance your operations' productivity, safety, and reliability.

Related ROSS Controls Products and Resources

Manual and Mechanical Valve Solutions

Beyond foot-operated valves, ROSS Controls offers an extensive portfolio of manual and mechanical valve options including hand lever valves, push button valves, palm valves, pendant controls, cam-operated valves, and plunger-actuated valves. These complementary products enable comprehensive manual pneumatic control solutions across diverse industrial applications.

Safety Valve Systems

For applications requiring enhanced safety and control reliability, explore ROSS Controls' industry-leading safety valve systems including DM2® Series D Double Valves, SERPAR® Series, and CROSSFLOW Series valves designed specifically for clutch/brake control and hazardous motion prevention in accordance with ANSI, OSHA, and international safety standards.

Additional Technical Resources

ROSS Controls provides extensive technical documentation including white papers on pneumatic safety systems, application guides for specific industries, and technical bulletins addressing common pneumatic control challenges. Visit the ROSS Controls resource library to access this valuable knowledge base supporting optimal pneumatic system design and implementation.

Why Choose ROSS Controls Foot-Operated Valves

With over 100 years of fluid power control expertise, ROSS Controls has established itself as the trusted source for pneumatic and hydraulic control solutions across global manufacturing industries. ROSS foot-operated valves embody this heritage of engineering excellence, delivering:

Proven Reliability: Decades of successful deployments across millions of installations worldwide demonstrate consistent performance and dependability.

Application Engineering Support: Expert technical team available to assist with valve selection, system design, and troubleshooting throughout your project lifecycle.

Quality Manufacturing: Rigorous quality control processes and precision manufacturing ensure every valve meets exacting performance standards.

Comprehensive Product Line: Extensive valve portfolio enables single-source procurement for diverse pneumatic control requirements, simplifying vendor management and ensuring component compatibility.

Responsive Customer Service: Knowledgeable support staff ready to assist with quotes, technical questions, order status, and after-sale service needs.

Global Availability: Extensive distribution network ensures product availability and rapid delivery to support your operational requirements.

Contact ROSS Controls for Expert Assistance

Have questions about ROSS foot-operated valves or need assistance selecting the optimal configuration for your specific application? The ROSS Controls team is ready to help. Contact technical support at 1-800-GET-ROSS (1-800-438-7677) for personalized assistance with valve selection, system design, or any technical questions.

For immediate product information, pricing, and availability, reach out to customer service via phone or email. ROSS Controls representatives can provide detailed quotes, delivery timeframes, and guidance on product selection to ensure you receive the exact valve configuration meeting your requirements.