SPOOL VALVE ASSEMBLY

A spool valve assembly (32) for a hydraulic system (10), the spool valve assembly (32) comprising: a housing (40) enclosing a valve chamber (42), the housing (40) comprising at least one input port, a first output port (36a) and a second output port (36b); a spool (46) disposed within the valve chamber (42) and configured for translating movement along a valve axis (44) between multiple operating positions, to control fluid flow through the valve chamber (42) between the at least one input port (34) and each output port; and a check valve (38) configured to open and close the first output port (36a). The spool valve assembly (32) may include a further check valve (38) configured to open and close the second output port (36b).The, or each, check valve (38) comprises: a valve seat (68) arranged on the exterior of the housing (40) at the first output port (36a), the valve seat (68) being inclined relative to the valve axis (44); and a check valve member (70, 170) arranged to move parallel to the valve axis (44) to engage with and disengage from the valve seat (68) to open and close the first output port (36a). The check valve member (70, 170) is biased into engagement with the valve seat (68).