One of the most important parts of a steering gear is the control system. Wagner’s full follow-up, hydraulically operated “Accumotor” control systems offer the best in performance, reliability and ease of operation. Wagner accumotor control systems allow the operator to steer effortlessly under power with a minimum number of wheel turns. The systems are designed to accelerate and decelerate the rudder over the first and last 5 degrees of rudder movement. This translates into extremely smooth rudder movement and precise accuracy in rudder position. It also allows fast response to steering commands without the hydraulic shock associated with other systems. The smooth performance of the Wagner design prevents wear and tear on the system equipment.

Wagner Accumotor control systems feature a patented Wagner 4-way flow control valve. It is the performance of this valve which provides for the acceleration and deceleration feature. The control valve infinitely meters hydraulic oil to the steering cylinders, and, as called for, stops the flow with precise accuracy.

The Accumotor input cylinder “Telemotor” can be activated from the wheelhouse by a hydraulic helm pump or a solenoid valve controlled by electric signals from an autopilot or electric steering control. The use of a small telemotor cylinder means fewer turns of the wheel are required to position the rudder from hard over to hard over. Due to the linkage and valve construction, a very small movement of the telemotor cylinder will open the four way flow control and direct oil to the steering cylinders to move the rudder, which then operates the position feedback to close the valve. In this way, rudder movement is exactly proportional to the steering commands. Unlike some power-assisted steering systems, the control linkage prevents the rudder from being driven hard over against mechanical stops when under pressure. This provides reliability and less wear.

Motion storage allows the helm to be turned faster than the steering gear responds. Consequently, wheel rotation is not limited by rudder speed and may be but hard over in a few seconds. The steering gear follows up to the new position at a rate dependent on the power pump. This results in greater ease of maneuvering.

Power for the control system may be provided by an engine driven pump or electric motor pump set. In case of power failure, a changeover valve will automatically divert control from the telemotor cylinder to the main steering cylinder. The helm pump will then operate the main steering cylinders, making manual steering automatically available. This feature is of extreme importance for vessel safety and is a requirement of the classification societies.

Wagner Accumotor full follow-up hydraulic control systems are available with flow rates from 3 gallons per minute to 63 gallons per minute. We encourage you to request a quotation or contact us for more information.