If a counterbalance valve will not let the load lower, what type of problem is likely occurring?

When a counterbalance valve is preventing a load from lowering, it is crucial to consider the valve's adjustment settings. A counterbalance valve is designed to maintain load position and regulate the descent of a load by applying pressure in the system. If it is set too high, the valve will not allow fluid to flow back to the reservoir, which would prevent the lowering of the load. This situation suggests that the adjustment is actively restricting movement, indicating an issue with the setting rather than with the mechanical components themselves.

In this context, if the valve is set to high pressure, it will restrict the flow enough to keep the load securely in place, thereby not allowing for any lowering. The response would suggest that checking the adjustment is necessary to resolve the issue. When considering the other factors, while a broken spring or a worn valve can certainly impact valve performance, they would typically lead to different symptoms rather than solely preventing lowering. Likewise, an incorrect low adjustment might allow some descent, making high adjustment the most fitting answer.