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

[RandyT]

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.

The current recommendation is to not oil the foam wrap on paper type cartridge filters. The problem is people over oil the wrap which causes the excess oil to transfer to the paper filter and clogs the pores in the filter media. The entire foam wrap when it was recommended was to use no more than 1 teaspoon of oil.

 

[ChuckT]

Thanks good to know. Got to say l've always wondered about oiling that pre-filter

 

[tomplum]

The current recommendation is to not oil the foam wrap on paper type cartridge filters. The problem is people over oil the wrap which causes the excess oil to transfer to the paper filter and clogs the pores in the filter media. The entire foam wrap when it was recommended was to use no more than 1 teaspoon of oil.

Use the "filter charger" for HVAC on these type of filters. It works well and have been using it in the shop for years now. https://www.amazon.com/WEB-Filter-C...ilter+charger&qid=1563588014&s=gateway&sr=8-2 It traps a fair amount of dirt w/o plugging.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I also use a leaf blower on my mower after every use on my GTH26V52LS. That may not be necessary, but it definitely slows down the collection of moisture between uses. I also pull the air filter after every use and blow it out from the inside to out. I do mow some very dusty areas, but I'm still amazed at how much dirt and debris is collected. I average changing my air filter at about every 10 hours of use. That' approximately $7 per change, or a little less less than a buck an hour. For me, that's good insurance, and the mower definitely runs stronger with the additional air the new filter allows.

Now, my old Rider 155 air filter comes with a pre-filter and the regular filter. The pre-filter can easily be washed and re-used many times, and avoids the need to clean or change the air filter very often - usually once per year.

After reading this discussion, I think I'll see if I can't make a pre-filter for the GTH!

 

[KennyG]

I think this depends very much on the design of the tractor. I clean my grill and radiator screen every time I mow, and sometimes halfway through mowing. However, after 10 years, I'm only on my second engine air filter. I clean it once a year.

 

[tomplum]

Definitely depends on the design of the tractor. Working on just about any consumer grade rider out there, the absolute worst is- my wife's Husqvarna w/ the Kawasaki. 2 hours on the lawn and the flywheel screen is on its way to being plugged solid. Dunno what she does but the chute is down when I look at it.
Not all snorkels plug so fast. An X300 w/ 65 hours yesterday just needed the filter serviced rather than being replaced. I replace 2 out of 3 by then. For those blowing through the media if you use low pressure your are probably fine. Blow across the media with your hand over the outlet hole, service the pre filter mark the filter and flip it each time. You could also try the 11013-0727 filter to see if it works better in your environment.

 

[GT48DXLS]

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.

Leaf blowers are handy!

 

[GT48DXLS]

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

The importance of where the air intake is placed, I think is critical for reliable use. I agree.

 

[Gem99ultra]

No doubt I over maintain my machinery. To be sure, I'm not at all suggesting that everyone follow my routine. And the sad part is, I'm also not at all sure that over maintaining does anything more than the minimum maintenance. Heck - in the past I'd often take the tires off of my car to wash the inside of the tires. Shameful but true.

As I get older (78), I do less and less of that wasted effort stuff. Its just a part of my make-up I suppose.

 

[ovrszd]

I think this depends very much on the design of the tractor. I clean my grill and radiator screen every time I mow, and sometimes halfway through mowing. However, after 10 years, I'm only on my second engine air filter. I clean it once a year.

I agree. Same with my 2210.

Our tractor's breather boxes suck somewhat filtered air. I've never found any debris in the box. The primary filter has minimal dust on it. I clean every 50hrs.

The OP's breather has no such luxury and is breathing everything flying around. Obvious by the large debris it collected.