Despite your heavy machinery being expected to operate in environments that kick up a lot of dust and dirt, certain parts of your heavy equipment are highly vulnerable to being damaged by it. This can result in your machinery not working properly, and when left unchecked will result in breakdowns that cost your projects valuable time and money to repair. Filtration systems offer protection for those parts that are susceptible to being damaged and support your machine operating at maximum efficiency over a longer period of time.

This article will go over some of the types of filters you can expect to see across your heavy-duty filtration system as well as discuss when you may need to look for replacement parts to prevent risks of significant damage and breakdowns.

Heavy Equipment Oil Filters

During operation, oil and fuel is constantly at risk of picking up contaminants from the environment such as dust and other small particulates. The risk of this is exponentially higher in mine sites and large construction zones. Oil filters will clean your oil before it goes into the engine, helping to protect your engine and extend its lifetime. This also works to improve the efficiency of the fuel itself by removing any contaminants that can make your oil and fuel less efficient.

Heavy Equipment Air Filters

Air filters similarly work to protect critical parts of your heavy-duty equipment from contaminates such as dust, including the combustion chambers of your engine. Unlike oil filters which filter particles caught in the oil itself, air filters protect exposed parts of your machinery from the dust that is kicked up into the air from entering into parts which are at risk of being damaged.

As such an important element when it comes to protecting engines, most air filters have a two-stage system with an inner filter to act as a last resort should the primary outside filter fail. This gives you more time to react and notice if your air filters may be failing.

Heavy Equipment Hydraulic Filters

The fluids involved in your hydraulic systems are incredibly susceptible to being contaminated, and this can greatly harm your equipment’s ability to perform. Hydraulic filters protect your hydraulic systems from contaminants and enable them to continue to run smoothly.

When Should You Replace Your Heavy-Duty Filters?

You should look to replace your filters when they begin showing signs of failure and should avoid leaving it late as this increases the chance of damage to your heavy equipment, however, knowing when they are beginning to deteriorate can be difficult. It is highly recommended to follow the service intervals for your engine/machine for preventative maintenance. Sometimes your system can be installed with devices to monitor and identify when there is a problem, for example air flow gauges for air filters. If your machinery doesn’t have these features, keep an eye out for other indicators, such as a noticeable decrease in the performance of your heavy equipment including reduced fuel efficiency and engine power.

It is important to note that dust on the air filter doesn’t necessarily mean the filter needs replacing, as it will gather dust and dirt naturally throughout usage. Too much dust can become a problem, but ensure to clean them before deciding if they need replacing.

If you find any of your heavy-duty filtration system in need of replacement, Jaytrac stock and supply high-quality filtration products from class leading OE manufacturer Fleetguard. Get in touch today to discuss how we can supply you at 01604 491 133, email us at sales@jaytrac.co.uk or send us an enquiry form.