Hydraulic Filters
Like engine oil and intake air, hydraulic fluid has to be purified to eliminate particulate matter that could clog a forklift's internal mechanisms. Installing hydraulic filters allows operating engineers to reduce the risk of outside material reaching moving parts inside their forklift's fluid pressure system. As with any other type of filter, the mesh within these modules will eventually become overrun with matter and must be replaced.
Generally, the hydraulic filter should be checked out every 2,000 or so hours. Those who operate their forklifts in dirty warehouses or even mildly corrosive environments will want to keep a close eye on the filter and possibly change it whenever they change out any other filter attached to the equipment.
Outfitting Hydraulic Forklift Filters
Original equipment manufacturers usually draw up exacting specifications regarding the kind of hydraulic filters that their forklifts use. You should be able to find a replacement part that offers the same performance characteristics the initial amount did. Considering that filtration performance may degrade over time due to matter accumulation, there's a good possibility that it might seem as though the new part outperforms the original one, as it can be easy to get used to poor existing characteristics.
Most replacement filtration modules are meant for a specific brand of gear. Each component is designed, in general, to meet or exceed the OEM spec sheet. Therefore, you'll want to find something that matches the filter's dimensions currently attached to your forklift.
Flexible Filters
For instance, the 3EB-K6-02010 and 271A7-52301 filters are at least conceptually similar. The first is designed with Komatsu lifts in mind, and the latter is geared toward use with TCM-branded equipment.
Specific makes and models of forklifts will need a suction-style filter, such as the 9197500501 module. This device, made with both Mitsubishi and Caterpillar-branded machines in mind, will ensure that hydraulic fluid lines remain clean even on devices that operate in the opposite direction from what many technicians may have expected.
Changing Out Hydraulic Filter Modules
When you should replace your hydraulic filter depends mainly on how your organization uses your forklift, but the 2,000-hour rule is usually good if you have no other mitigating factors. Those who are still determining when the last time they changed a hydraulic filter was should take the opportunity to do so now. Once the unit's interior mesh can no longer hold more particles, it can spread them throughout your hydraulic lines.
Getting a new filter now can help to avoid a far more costly problem. Heavy users of forklifts and related equipment, such as warehouses, will want to keep several spares on hand if they have to change one unexpectedly.
Match Forklift Hydraulic Filters At Helmar Parts
When it comes time to swap the filter out, our crew here at Helmar Parts can help you find the right piece of equipment for the job.
Contact us online at Helmar Parts if you're having trouble finding a hydraulic filter that meets your needs. Our crew can help you locate filters for many rarer types of forklift assemblies deployed only in certain edge use cases.