Clean air filter every 25 hrs, is it really necessary?

[GT48DXLS]

I thought about this when I checked my air filter among other routine pre-start checks today, and saw a very clogged filter. It was mostly mulched grass, mixed with other fines. I thought I just cleaned it a couple hrs of use ago and I was close. I last cleaned it at 174 hrs on the clock.

(If you were ever wondering if the recommended maintenance was worth paying attention too, or even just curious how fast an air filter can get full, this may be for you)

The maintenance schedule recommends every 25 hrs, and if followed you are probably good. But in those extra dusty summer conditions while mowing grass, how much trapped fines actually do clog the filter?

(I have a very modified Husqvarna GT48DXLS, most brands in this HP range have the same or similar recommend)

I cleaned the filter and housing, and took pictures. I mowed my lawn and then took pictures again. This was one mowing. Here are the results,

182.3 hrs on the clock,



I started clean,







1.3 hrs later, I'm done mowing the yard, Let's take a look....



The filter,



Underneath,



I then shook the loose stuff into a box,



There is cuttings on the outside of the hood air intakes even,



After this little observation, I will clean the filter after I mow verses every 25 hrs, as for anyone else, you may or may not have this kind of fines kicked up in the air after mowing. As for me, 25 hrs seems a bit long between cleanings....

 

[Industrial Toys]

You have to be the judge as to how dirty the environment you are working in is.

I'm a big fan of blowing out replaceable filters.

 

[GT48DXLS]

It sounds like you get the purpose of this post. It got me thinking the difference between a general recommend and being aware so as to adequately adapt to your environment

I also noticed the volume of fines kicked up with mulching verses using the side chute was a measurable change too.

Cheers,

 

[Industrial Toys]

I always use a leaf blower to blow off any machine and rads, after mowing. But rarely feel like cleaning the air filter. If the machine is particularly dirty with seeds and stuff, I try and remember to clean the filter before I use it again.

 

[oosik]

It's a matter of the environment you use the tractor in and being aware of it. I do not mow. I check my air filters every three months or so. Since I pull to check - I blow them off. At three months they really don't need cleaning. But since I've pulled them - I do blow them off.

 

[ChuckT]

I have 3 sets of the air filter. 3 pre filters (supposed to be oiled after cleaning) and 3 paper filters. We use a mulching blade set on our deck and I swap them out after I clean the mower using a leaf blower.

 

[CalG]

Clean the filter? You very well may be fooling yourself

Servicing Your Air Filter - to Change or Not to Change? │Donaldson Engine & Vehicle

I went through these thoughts 40 years ago when racing motorbikes. "Dirt" is a great filter if it isn't disturbed.

 

[RustyA]

That's why most modern diesel tractors and trucks use a filter minder that you reset after servicing filter.

 

[tomplum]

Yeah, these snorkel filters seem like a good idea - but many do this. It is rare to find a one that makes its maintenance interval. Think about it . The whole bottom just lays in the dirt and plugs. That leaves the rest of the area to actually filter the incoming air.

 

[Industrial Toys]

The biggest thing is trying to have your air intake where there is little debris and dust.