Electronically and hydraulically-actuated drain valve

A fluid circuit, comprising:

• a hydraulic cylinder;
• a pilot source of pressurized fluid;
• a tank configured to hold a supply of fluid;
• and
• a valve including:
• a valve body having a central bore;
• a main valve element disposed within the central bore, the main valve element having a first and second end and being movable between a flow-passing and a flow-blocking positions in response to fluid pressure exerted on the first and second ends;
• a pilot valve element disposed within the central bore, the central bore fluidly communicating the second end of the main valve element with the pilot valve element;
• a spring disposed within the central bore to connect the main valve element to the pilot valve element;
• a solenoid mechanism configured to move the pilot valve element, thereby moving the connected main valve element toward one of the flow-passing and the flow-blocking positions;
• a main valve spring configured to bias the main valve element in opposition to movement caused by the solenoid mechanism;
• a relief valve element configured to communicate a fluid with the first end of the main valve element in response to a pressure of the communicated fluid, the pressure of the communicated fluid initiating movement of the main valve element;
• a first fluid passageway configured to communicate fluid from the hydraulic cylinder and the main valve element;
• a second fluid passageway configured to communicate the main valve element with the tank, wherein the main valve element being away from the flow-blocking position allows the fluid to flow from the hydraulic cylinder to the tank;
• and
• a third fluid passageway communicating the relief valve element with the first end of the main valve element.