Filters: The last line of defence for your machine.
Oil, fuel, air, hydraulic – filters are silent heroes, working hard to protect you and your engine. With the busy day-to-day running of your machine, it can be easy to neglect your filters by not taking time to replace or service them. Ash Briggs is an AGCO Technician with over 15 years’ experience - read what he says about filters, and you’ll probably never forget a filter change again.
Ash Briggs - AGCO Technician
“Filters are the last line of defence, sitting between contamination and some of the most expensive components on the machine. Modern agricultural machines operate in some of the harshest working conditions imaginable. Dust, chaff, long operating hours and high working temperatures all place constant strain on engines and components.
“Although the damage caused by contaminated engine oil, fuel, air or hydraulic oil does not usually happen overnight, it builds up gradually, often without obvious warning, until performance begins to suffer or a failure occurs.
“When that happens, the cost of repairs and the unplanned downtime can be significant. Routine filter servicing is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways of reducing this risk.
Engine Oil Filters: Protecting the Lifeblood of the Machine
“It is worth remembering that clean oil alone is not enough. The level of protection that the engine receives depends entirely on the condition of the filter that is maintaining it. If oil filters are left in service beyond their recommended interval you are risking, among other things, restricted oil flow and accelerated wear to your engine, shortening its lifespan.
Fuel Filters: Essential Protection for High-Pressure Injection
“Fuel systems face another common issue that is often underestimated - moisture. Water contamination can corrode fuel system components from the inside out, increasing wear and, in severe cases, leading to premature failure of injectors or high-pressure fuel pumps. Clean fuel is essential for modern diesel engines, and effective filtration, through regularly replaced filters, ensures the system continues to operate as it was designed to.
Air Filters: Supplying Clean Air to the Engine
“Because any air drawn into the intake system is carried directly into the engine, effective filtration is essential. Don’t forget the secondary filters which provide essential back up if the primary air filter becomes damaged or isn’t correctly fitted. Neglect your air filters and you risk reduced engine efficiency and increase your fuel consumption.
Hydraulic Filters: Protecting Tractor and Implement Systems
“Regular hydraulic filter changes help keep oil clean, protect precision components, and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs, both on the tractor and on attached implements. If you don’t replace or service properly you can contaminate both your tractor and implement and risk them both failing.