Tractor filters come in numerous types, shapes, and sizes. You’ll find them across many of the tractor’s most important components, working behind the scenes to filter debris from the air and fluids that feed the tractor’s hard-working engine and related systems.
Regularly maintaining and replacing tractor filters is an important step to maximize your tractor’s performance and lifespan including your tractor battery. If it’s not already, make sure to add this to your tractor maintenance checklist. Not every tractor will have every type of filter, but let’s run through some of the most common filters and highlight the important jobs they serve:
Air filter
The air filter plays a huge role protecting an engine from damage and allowing it to perform at its best. Both gasoline and diesel engines require air to operate, and the air filter blocks dust, dirt, and other contaminants from entering (and damaging) the engine.
Since the air filter is responsible for catching all that grime, it must be regularly cleaned and/or replaced. Let an air filter get too dirty, and engine performance will start to suffer. Signs include reduced fuel efficiency and black smoke in your exhaust.
Filters are typically made from paper, foam, or synthetic materials. Your tractor may have multiple air filter components; consult your tractor’s instruction manual for guidance on cleaning and replacing the air filter(s).
Cabin filter
If your tractor has a cab, you may have a cabin filter that needs replacing. Cabin filters have nothing to do with engine performance; instead, they cleanse the air in your cabin so you can breathe easy.
Tractor cabins fall into four categories based on the level of protection they offer the operator. For farmers out plowing fields or baling hay, a Category 2 cabin that protects against dust might be all you need. But if you’ll be spraying pesticides, applying fertilizers, etc., you may need a Category 3 cabin (which protects against aerosols) or a Category 4 cabin (which blocks vapors too).
The category of cabin you need will obviously impact the type of cabin filter(s) you use. Consult your instruction manual for guidance on how and when to tackle filter replacing.
Fuel filter
Without fuel, an engine won’t run. And without a working fuel filter to cleanse the fuel, the engine won’t run for very long. Fuel contaminants—such as dirt and other small particles—can damage engine components if not filtered out.
As with any filter, the fuel filter must be regularly replaced; over time it will gradually clog, reducing fuel flow to the engine and stressing the fuel pump. Your machine’s manual will advise on how and when to change the fuel filter.
Oil filter
Oil is critical to maintaining the performance and well-being of an engine. Without oil providing lubrication, moving engine parts would quickly wear out. Oil also serves to dissipate heat generated by the engine.
To do its job properly, engine oil must be free of contaminants. Since oil inevitably picks up impurities as it circulates through the engine, the oil filter serves to cleanse the oil.
The oil filter should be changed on a regular schedule. Consult your machine’s instruction manual; you’ll likely find guidance on how often to change the filter. If you’re changing the oil anyway, replacing an oil filter can be a straightforward extra step that doesn’t take much time.
Other filters: hydraulic, DEF, etc.
Depending on your tractor, there may be other filters to replace. Hydraulic filter(s) for the hydraulics. On diesel tractors, a DEF filter for the diesel exhaust fluid. Perhaps a coolant filter if your tractor has a liquid-cooled engine. In each case the filter is serving to remove contaminants from a liquid to protect engine components and keep your tractor running in tip-top shape. Don’t overlook any of these tractor filters, and replace them as recommended by the instruction manual.
This guide to tractor filters was written for Hobby Farms magazine online. Click here to subscribe.
