Frantically Farming? 3 Things To Know About Fuel Filters And Your Tractor

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The family farm is often depicted as a serene place in photos and paintings. Tractors chug merrily along through fields of flowers with happy cows lounging in the distance. In reality, however, most farm families and their tractors see long months of frantic activity as they rush to finish spring planting, cut and bale hay before rainstorms arrive, or struggle to get crops harvested and secured before winter weather returns.

Even in the dead of winter, the farmer and their tractor stay busy putting hay and feed out for cattle, repairing fences, clearing lanes, and keeping water tanks thawed. Making sure that the tractors continue to start and run well during all seasons of farming involves making sure that the fuel supply is clean and safe through the use of fuel filters.

Your tractor may have more than one fuel filter

Many modern tractors, such as the Mahindra 1526, have two fuel filters, both of which should be monitored and replaced as directed by the manufacturer. The first of the filters is often referred to as a pre-filter and is designed to capture larger particles and impurities that may be present in the fuel supply. 

By pre-filtering the fuel in this manner, the second fuel filter is better able to capture finer particles and impurities and prevent them from clogging lines or reaching and damaging the tractor's fuel pump. When servicing the tractor, it is important to check both fuel filters and replace them as needed. 

Always use manufacturer approved fuel filters

Another important thing busy farmers should know about their tractor's fuel filter is that it is always best to use fuel filters approved for use by the manufacturer of the tractor. Different fuel filter manufacturers may use micron ratings that differ from those approved for use with your particular brand of tractor or have other differences that impact their effectiveness. Differences in the micron rating can affect the way fuel feeds through the filters, affecting the efficiency of the filters and the level at which fuel is allowed to feed through the fuel pump to power the engine.

Remember to check the water sensor

On tractors that have dual fuel filters, such as the Mahindra 1526, there may also be a water sensor component to one or both fuel filters. Moisture in the fuel is a common issue that farmers face and the water sensor component helps to trap and remove water before it gets to the fuel pump or into the engine's combustion compartment. 

To learn more about fuel filters, such as a Mahindra 1526 fuel filter, and how best to maintain them, contact your tractor manufacturer or an agricultural equipment and supply dealer in your area.


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