Filter Tips for Your Vacuum Truck

Filters are essential components on your vacuum truck. They protect everything from your hydraulics to your fuel system to your vacuum pump by keeping contaminants out that accelerate wear and tear and that could lead to catastrophic failure. Although the timeline may vary based on the filter and your specific piece of equipment, it’s crucial that you change them at the intervals suggested by the manufacturer.

It can be tempting to select a bargain filter brand, but an inferior filter can make a big difference in the long term health of your equipment. Saving a few dollars on a filter is just not worth the damage that can be caused to your equipment by an inferior filtration.

Fuel filters

Although you can take steps to prevent most dirt and dust from entering fuel, it’s nearly impossible to keep 100% of contaminants out. Filters remove these particles before they can damage the rest of your fuel system. Clogged or dirty filters hinder the effectiveness of your fuel, making your equipment less efficient and less powerful. Closely follow the instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual when changing both the main filters and the prefuel filters, so that contaminants don’t enter your engine and your fuel is as productive as possible. 

Hydraulic filters

Small particles from component wear and dirt are picked up by hydraulic fluids as they flow through the equipment. Similar to fuel filters, hydraulic filters remove these contaminants before they can cause serious harm to the hydraulics on your vacuum truck. You need to change your hydraulic filters at least once a year — and doing it twice is an even better idea if you are working in especially dirty or dusty environments. Again, always follow the requirements outlined in your owner’s manual.

We also recommend flushing your hydraulic system while changing your filters. Just remove the drain plug, and drain all fluid from both the tank and the fluid reserve. Once you’ve drained the old fluid, replace the plug, and fill with fresh fluid.

Final stage filter systems

 Whereas most types of heavy equipment have fuel and hydraulic system filters, vacuum trucks also have a filter system for their actual vacuums. Your truck’s pump or blower is used to pull anything from liquids to dirt to small pieces of debris like concrete or rocks through a boom tube into the tank for transport and disposal. The problem is, you can’t have that debris reaching the vacuum pump, or it could cause serious damage. To keep that from happening, your vacuum truck has a final stage filter system that includes a liquid separator, heavy duty particulate filter, or both.

A clean filter system allows greater airflow and power, along with reduced fuel use and a cooler blower temperature. Depending on your application or specific vacuum truck, you may need to clean your filter daily. If you notice a significant drop in vacuum power while working, then it may be time to clean or replace your particulate filter. If you find a tear or hole, you should replace it immediately.

If you need to purchase filters for your vacuum truck, or have questions about filter maintenance and change intervals, contact our team today!