Apr. 09, 2025
Changing hydraulic oil filters depends on the type of system, the operating environment, and manufacturer recommendations—but here are some general guidelines:
Typical Recommendations:
Every 500–2,000 hours of operation is a common interval.
Annually, if the system is used intermittently or seasonally.
When oil is changed, the filter should also be replaced.
When pressure drop reaches the filter’s limit (often 10–15 psi or around 1 bar), which can be monitored with a differential pressure gauge or indicator.
Other Factors That Affect Filter Life:
Contamination levels: Dirty environments or systems with frequent exposure to dust, moisture, or metal shavings wear out filters faster.
System criticality: For high-precision or safety-critical systems, more frequent changes are a good preventative measure.
Oil condition: If your oil analysis shows increased particle counts or water content, it’s time to change the filter—even if it’s ahead of schedule.
Best Practice:
Install a clogging indicator on the filter (many systems have them), and follow that as your primary trigger. It tells you when the filter is actually doing its job and starting to clog up.
