Hydraulic equipment is powerful—this technology allows us to use a lot more power and force than anyone could achieve on their own. With great power, of course, comes the great responsibility to keep your machinery in good working condition. That’s why hydraulic filters are so important. They protect your hydraulic system from contamination, wear and damage. If you want to extend the lifespan of your hydraulic equipment, using the right filters is a must.
Here’s an overview of why hydraulic filters are such important components.
The role of the hydraulic filter
Your hydraulic filter keeps dirt and debris out of your hydraulic fluid. Every minute, over one million particles bigger than one micron can enter your hydraulic system. Even though these particles are tiny, when it’s all said and done, they can cause a lot of damage. Your filter works to keep those particles out of the hydraulic fluid.
The particles cause wear and tear in your system—metal components like iron and copper especially contribute to degradation. Most hydraulic components have more than one filter. As the hydraulic fluid cycles through the filter, the filter continuously removes the particulate matter. This allows your hydraulic components to operate smoothly.
Types of hydraulic filters
There are several different types of hydraulic filters for sale. Read on to discover which is right for your equipment:
- Suction strainers: Suction strainers are designed to remove large, visible contaminants from the hydraulic fluid—like nuts, bolts, insects, rocks and other debris. These filters tend to be relatively low cost. Even if you think you don’t need one, it’s never a bad idea on the off chance that large debris will make its way into the hydraulic fluid. They also help prevent air bubbles from entering the hydraulic fluid.
- Low-pressure filters: Low-pressure suction filters also keep larger debris out of the hydraulic fluid. They’re usually spin-on filters placed between the reservoir and the pump.
- High-pressure filters: High-pressure filters clean downstream fluid. They are the most crucial filter in your hydraulic circuit, and can prevent catastrophic pump failure. This means that while they’re the most powerful and important filters, they’re also the most expensive. However, investing in new filters is almost always going to be a whole lot cheaper than replacing other hydraulic components (or the entire machine).
Choosing the right hydraulic filter
Typically, your hydraulic machinery will come with the recommended filters for that particular piece. If you’re not sure what kind of filters they use, when to replace them and how to clean them, working with a hydraulic supplier can help. The staff at Hydraulic Power Sales Inc. has plenty of hydraulic filters for sale—and thanks to our great customer service, you’ll get all the help you need locating the right filters for your machinery.
Whichever kind of filters you need, make sure you maintain and replace them regularly. Since filters remove contaminants from the fluid, they’re the first line of defense against metal degradation and regular wear and tear.
When you’re ready to find the right hydraulic filters for your equipment, call Hydraulic Power Sales Inc. today.