Importance of Engine Air Filters

Construction work is usually done in a challenging atmosphere, and this means that heavy equipment is usually operated in a less than ideal environment. Dirt and dust are always present on a construction worksite, but the engines of your equipment can only work at their optimal level if they get clean air. This is where engine air filters factor in as they prevent any harm coming to the engine. 

Why Engine Air Filters Are Important

You need engine air filters to make sure that the hard-working engine parts remain clear of any dust particles. These dust particles, after coming into contact with oxygen, create silica. If it enters your equipment’s engine, it becomes abrasive. 

Make sure that you do not confuse engine air filters with cabin air filters. Cabin air filters are responsible for good air quality in the cabin by ensuring that the heating and cooling systems run well. Unlike engine air filters, cabin air filters do not impact the engine’s performance. 

Usually, Caterpillar machines have a two-stage filtering system. There is an outer filter, also called a primary filter, and an inner filter, known as the safety filter. Since the outer filter is more exposed, it gets dirtier sooner. Both engine air filters are there to protect the motor from any dust and debris. They ensure that no dust particles enter the engine and its parts and cause damage to any critical components. 

Types of Engine Air Filters

If you are working with CAT heavy equipment, you will find that it has two different varieties of primary filters. There is a standard efficiency filter and an ultra-high efficiency filter, and they work as their names suggest. Standard efficiency filters are a good choice for normal and light duty machines, and they protect the engine and ensure that the machine is at its peak performance level. However, if you are working on a more demanding project or somewhere that you need a higher filtration degree, you should opt for an ultra-high efficiency filter. 

What Happens if You Fail to Take Care of Your Air Filters

Dirty or clogged engine air filters negatively impact the machine’s power. Your equipment may operate sluggishly if its engine air filters are dirty. You may also experience other issues like misfires, odd noises, or premature wear on the engine. Engine air filters directly impact the machine’s performance, so you need to monitor them carefully. 

Make sure to replace the engine air filters after every 500 hours of work or even less if you are operating the machine in an unfavorable environment. If engine air filter maintenance is not already a part of your preventative maintenance program, you need to make it a priority immediately. Dirty or clogged engine air filters will negatively effect the performance of your equipment.