Oil plays a key role in heavy equipment engines, providing lubrication between moving parts and dissipating heat. When engine oil becomes contaminated by metal shavings or contaminants such as silica, the engine can start to deteriorate leading to breakdowns and reduced performance.
To maintain the purity of the engine oil, modern heavy equipment engines are outfitted with oil filters. These vital components catch contaminants, like sand or metal shavings, and remove them from the oil.
By keeping the engine oil clean and free of harmful contaminants, oil filters can boost the longevity of your machine’s engine. Therefore, properly maintaining your machine’s oil filters is a critical aspect of heavy equipment maintenance.
In this guide, we’ll review the different types of heavy-duty oil filters used in construction equipment. Understanding the role of various filter types, and how to properly maintain them, will help you reduce equipment downtime and limit unnecessary maintenance costs.
There are several common types of oil filters (also called lube filters) used in construction equipment. Each filter type has unique advantages, and each type has particular maintenance requirements.
This type of filter looks like a metal can with a threaded bottom plate for easy installation. It incorporates the filter media and housing in a single unit. The spin-on filter is particularly effective in environments where quick and easy filter changes are necessary.
In dusty or dirty construction sites, spin-on filters are advantageous due to their ease of replacement. They are ideal for heavy-duty applications where frequent filter changes are required due to a high level of contaminants present in the work environment.
Unlike the spin-on type, the cartridge filter consists of only the filter media, which is housed in a reusable container typically located within the engine compartment. This design is more environmentally friendly as it reduces waste.
Cartridge filters are well-suited for conditions that demand specific filtration requirements. Different types of filter media can be used according to the types of contaminants found in the work environment.
This filter uses a magnetic component to attract and remove metallic particles from the oil. It's often used in conjunction with other filter types for enhanced filtration.
In environments with high levels of metallic debris, such as sites with significant metal wear, magnetic oil filters are essential for prolonging engine life by removing damaging metal particles.
This filter uses centrifugal force to separate contaminants from the oil. It consists of a rotating component within a housing that flings particles to the sides, separating them from the oil.
In high-performance and high-speed environments, centrifugal oil filters are ideal due to their ability to handle large volumes of oil and efficiently remove finer contaminants. They are particularly suitable for large engines that operate under strenuous conditions.
The maintenance schedule for oil filters in heavy construction equipment varies significantly depending on the type of machine and the specific oil filter used. Typically, manufacturers provide a recommended maintenance schedule, usually based on periodic intervals such as every 250, 500 or 1,000 hours of operation. Service interval kits can help you stay on track with your machine’s filter replacement schedule.
For instance, earthmoving equipment like excavators and bulldozers, operating in highly dusty environments, may require more frequent filter changes compared to cranes or forklifts. Similarly, the type of filter impacts the schedule. Spin-on filters might need more regular replacements than cartridge filters due to their design and capacity.
Here are some general maintenance tips for achieving optimal filter performance:
Conduct regular visual inspections of oil filters to catch any signs of damage or leaks.
Keep an eye on the oil pressure indicators. A significant pressure drop can signal a clogged filter.
Always use filters that meet or exceed the OEM specifications for your specific equipment, as given in its service manual.
Maintain a log of filter changes and inspections to track filter performance and anticipate future maintenance needs.
An oil filter that is clogged or starting to fail may cause symptoms like reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and irregular oil pressure. You might also notice unusual sounds coming from the engine or the oil pressure warning light activating, indicating impeded oil flow.
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