Excavator filter elements are an indispensable and important accessory in excavator maintenance, filtering out most impurities as much as possible to ensure the normal operation of both the operator and the excavator.
They are mainly used to filter impurities in hydraulic oil, engine oil, fuel, and air, helping to protect the engine, hydraulic system, and other critical components. According to different filtering requirements, excavator filter elements mainly include air filters, engine oil filters, fuel filters, and hydraulic oil filters.
Choosing the right filter element and replacing it regularly can reduce component wear, maintain stable equipment operation, and extend the service life of the excavator. This article will introduce the main types, functions, applications, and replacement methods of excavator filter elements.
1. Air Filter
It is used for the engine (diesel engine) to filter the air entering the engine combustion chamber, preventing dust from entering and causing cylinder liner and piston wear or scoring.
The air filter is the only filter that comes into contact with the outside. The harsher the environment, the more important the air filter element is. Because it is a paper filter element, if the excavator is out of use for a long period, it can be removed to prevent moisture absorption.
Air Filter Replacement Method
Replacing the air filter element is relatively simple. Open the buckle in the figure on the right and pull out the filter element.
2. Excavator Cabin Air Filter
To install a new filter element, first install the inner filter element, and then install the outer filter element.
It is used for the driver/cab to filter the air blown into the cab by the air conditioning fan, preventing dust and pollen from entering the cab and protecting human respiratory health.
Air Filter Replacement Method
Most cabin air filters are installed underneath the excavator seat. Open the cover of the cabin air filter and replace it with a new filter element.
3. Hydraulic Oil Suction Filter
The suction filter is usually made of copper mesh, is shorter than the return filter, and is replaced every 2000 hours.
If the pump makes a cavitation sound while the excavator is working, you can check the suction filter. If it is clogged, the main pump will not be able to draw in oil.
Air Filter Replacement Method
- First, relieve the pressure using the exhaust valve.
- Take out the return oil filter element.
- Remove the suction filter screw rod.
- Install the screw rod into the new suction filter element.
- Reinstall it.
4. Hydraulic Oil Line Filter
When replacing the line filter element, be sure to check for any copper chips or impurities. If present, it is very likely that the main pump is worn.
Air Filter Replacement Method
- Shut down the excavator and release pressure
Stop equipment operation, release the hydraulic system pressure according to the maintenance manual, and proceed with replacement after the hydraulic oil cools down. - Clean the area around the filter element
Use a clean cloth to wipe the filter housing, pipeline joints, and surrounding surfaces to prevent dust and impurities from entering the hydraulic system. - Remove the old filter element
Use appropriate tools to remove the filter cover or filter assembly, and have an oil collection container ready to avoid hydraulic oil leakage. - Check the filter base and seals
Check the filter installation position for contaminants, damage, or seal aging, and replace the sealing ring if necessary. - Install the new filter element
Confirm that the model and specifications of the new filter element are correct, and install it according to the equipment manufacturer’s requirements to prevent poor sealing or improper installation. - Check operating conditions
Replenish hydraulic oil as required and start the equipment, check pipeline joints for oil leaks, and confirm that the hydraulic system is operating normally.
Precautions: Keep the filter and installation area clean both before and after replacement to prevent contaminants from entering the hydraulic system. The specific replacement method shall be subject to the maintenance manual of the corresponding excavator model.
5. Hydraulic Oil Return Filter
If the hydraulic oil is running at a high temperature, you can check the return filter. If the return filter does not filter well, replacing the hydraulic oil repeatedly will not solve the problem.
Usually, the return filter is longer than the suction filter, made of paper material, and replaced every 500 hours.
Air Filter Replacement Method
- Shut down the engine and wait for the system to depressurize.
- Clean the filter cover to avoid impurities entering when opened.
- Open the cover and pull out the old filter element.
- Pick up the new filter, remembering to clean impurities from the surface of the new filter.
- Insert the new filter element.
- Check the sealing rubber ring and install the return filter element.
- Clean surface oil stains.
- Reinstall the original cover.
6. Hydraulic Oil Pilot Filter
Usually, if excavator movements are slow and weak, it may be related to this. Its replacement interval is generally 500 to 1000 hours.
Air Filter Replacement Method
- Remove the hydraulic oil tank. Be careful to use a plastic bag to catch any leaking oil during disassembly.
- Install the new filter element.
- Reinstall the housing.
7. Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter is also one of the key accessories. We recommend using original factory products as much as possible, because no matter how good the quality of the engine oil is, there will still be certain impurities. Considering the service life of the engine, try to use high-quality filter elements to provide better filtration for the engine.
Therefore, try to choose original factory products or products of equivalent quality to the original factory.
Air Filter Replacement Method
There are several points to note when replacing the engine oil filter.
- When removing the engine oil filter, the sealing rubber easily sticks to the seat. Be sure to check and remove it.
- When installing, apply a layer of oil to the sealing rubber of the engine oil filter and fill it with oil.
- It is recommended not to use a metal wrench to avoid damaging the engine oil filter.
- The engine oil filter should not be installed too tightly, as this will make it difficult to remove during future replacements.
8. Diesel Filter
When is it recommended to use original factory diesel filters?
7.1 During the warranty period, if there is a problem, you can turn to after-sales service. In this case, you can continue to use original factory products, because original factory products usually have higher quality.
7.2 Some construction sites have requirements that all excavators must use uniformly specified diesel. Therefore, there are certain quality risks associated with this diesel, and good filter elements must be used to filter out more impurities, which helps maintain the health of the excavator.
Air Filter Replacement Method
- Disconnect the battery and fuel supply.
- Place a suitable container underneath the filter.
- Clean impurities from the exterior of the filter.
- Open the drain plug to drain the fuel.
- Remove the filter canister.
- Lubricate the lip of the new canister with fuel.
- Install and tighten the canister.
Note: Do not add fuel to the canister before installation.
9. Water Separator
The diesel fuel-water separator only filters impurities and water from the diesel. If the diesel quality is good and there are fewer impurities, cheaper aftermarket products can be used in this case.
Air Filter Replacement Method
- Locate the water separator and wipe clean any impurities around it.
- Disconnect the bottom sensor.
- Drain the waste water inside the water separator.
- Remove the used filter element.
- Install the new filter element.
- Install the O-ring.
- Reinstall the filter until the sealing ring is completely pressed in.
- Finally, reinstall the sensor.
10. Conclusion
Excavator filter elements directly affect the normal operation of the engine and hydraulic system, and are also related to the service life of the equipment.
When replacing filters such as diesel filters, engine oil filters, and hydraulic oil filters, operations should be standardized according to equipment requirements. Clean the installation site and surrounding surfaces before and after replacement to prevent dust and impurities from entering the system, ensuring that the filter is clean and securely installed, thereby guaranteeing the working efficiency and operating stability of the excavator.