In every hydraulic system, the cleanliness of the fluid determines efficiency, service life and operational reliability. Even before the oil enters the pump, the first line of defense against contamination comes into play: the suction filter. This filter component is positioned in such a way that it captures the entire oil flow in the suction path. This happens before abrasion, particles from repairs or external contamination can cause damage.

Whether in mobile machines, stationary systems or complex systems with hydrostatic drives: suction filters are key elements in fluid management. They make a significant contribution to avoiding cavitation, preventing failures and reducing operating costs in the long term. ARGO-HYTOS offers a broad portfolio of suction filters that meet the highest technical and functional requirements.

What do suction filters do to protect a hydraulic pump?

Pumps perform a central function in the hydraulic system. They supply the entire system with energy by drawing in the fluid and pressurizing it. If contaminated oil gets into the suction path, there is a risk of serious consequences - from loss of performance and increased wear to total failure. This is precisely why the use of a high-performance suction filter is essential.

It prevents solids such as metal chips, plastic residue or seal abrasion from entering the pump. These can not only cause mechanical damage but also impair the function of downstream valves and other system components.

The filter also reduces the risk of cavitation. This is because even microscopically small particles or air pockets can lead to the formation of vapor bubbles when the flow rate changes rapidly. If these implode, pressure peaks occur that damage the surface of impellers and seals.

ARGO-HYTOS relies on the principle of full-flow filtration for its suction filters. The entire oil flow that is fed to the pump passes through the filter element. This prevents unfiltered oil from reaching the sensitive components.

The required cleanliness classes can be precisely matched to different system requirements. Among other things, ARGO-HYTOS offers screen filters with a mesh size of 40 to 280 µm for filtering coarser particles as well as filter media made of fleece or paper with a fineness of up to 16 µm(c).

What variants of suction filters does ARGO-HYTOS offer?

Different suction filter types are available depending on the installation situation, tank geometry and line concept. ARGO-HYTOS has developed suitable solutions for all these requirements - from internal tank and tank top mounting to external line installation.

Tank-mounted suction filters

These filters are installed directly at the suction port inside the tank. Their compact design and simple attachment make them particularly space-saving. They are often used in applications with limited installation space - for example in mobile machines.

Suction filter for in-line installation

Here, the filter is integrated into the suction line between the tank and pump. The types are equipped with threaded or hose connections and are particularly easy to replace during maintenance. They are optionally available with plastic or metal housings.

Suction filter for tank top mounting

The great advantage of tank top filters is their ease of maintenance. The filters are generally very easily accessible, so that any necessary service work can be carried out quickly and without loss of oil. At the same time, the risk of leaks is significantly reduced.

Variants with bypass valve or clogging indicator

Equipment options such as integrated bypass valves or combined optical/electrical clogging indicators are used particularly in demanding operations or with sensitive hydraulic systems.

Your advantages with ARGO-HYTOS suction filters at a glance

• Effective pump protection, reliably prevents damage caused by solid contamination
• Maximum oil cleanliness to ensure high cleanliness classes thanks to fine filter elements
• Flexible installation solutions, including internal tank and tank top mounting through to external pipe installation.
• Long service life and easy maintenance
• Clogging indicator for optimum utilization of dirt absorption

How can the maintenance effort for suction filters be minimized?

Suction filters work invisibly during normal operation. However, their condition determines the service life of the pump. We therefore recommend regular inspection and replacement of the suction filters with a sealing point to the environment after no more than 2000 operating hours or two years - whichever comes first.

For suction filters without a sealing point to the environment, cleaning is often sufficient by removing dirt from the outside with a paintbrush or soft scrubbing brush. It is important not to damage the structure of the fabric. After repeated cleaning (usually a maximum of two to three times), a screen filter should also be replaced so as not to impair the filter performance.

Maintenance is even more efficient with an integrated clogging indicator. It measures the pressure upstream of the filter element and gives a visual or electrical warning when the load limit is reached. This means that the change can be planned precisely - without unnecessary downtime, but also without the risk of reacting too late.

What role does the filter fineness play in the overall performance?

Not every system requires the same filtration performance. Depending on the pump, pressure level, tolerances and cleanliness class specifications, the filter element must be selected individually.

• Screen filters made of stainless steel mesh (40 to 280 µm) offer basic protection against coarse particles and for robust systems.
• Paper or non-woven filter elements (up to 16 µm(c)) are suitable for demanding control circuits or high-pressure components.
• Multi-layer media combinations are the first choice for high dirt absorption with low pressure losses.

The right fineness prevents abrasive particles from reaching the pump or proportional valves. It also reduces energy loss due to pressure drop and ensures a consistently stable oil quality during operation. However, filtration that is too fine can lead to high pressure loss. For this reason, each system must be individually adjusted.

How do different industries benefit from the use of ARGO-HYTOS suction filters?

Suction filters from ARGO-HYTOS are not standard off-the-shelf components. They are developed specifically for the requirements of a wide range of industries. Mobile machines such as excavators, tractors or forestry equipment are subject to confined spaces, high mechanical loads and changing operating temperatures. This is where the suction filters score points with their compact design, robust materials and vibration-resistant housings.

Easy accessibility for maintenance and cleaning is a decisive criterion, particularly in agricultural technology, when downtime in the field or in the forest must be avoided at all costs.

In industrial hydraulic systems, such as in machine tools, presses or conveyor systems, the focus is on fine control. High-performance filters are used here, which remove even the smallest particles from the oil circuit with a precise fineness of up to 16 µm(c). The filter systems protect sensitive components such as proportional valves or control blocks and make a significant contribution to process stability.

With hydrostatic drives, the focus is on protecting the filling and charging pumps. Integrated bypass valves prevent cavitation, especially at low temperatures when the viscosity of the hydraulic oil rises sharply. They also ensure the oil supply to the system during cold starts. In offshore or energy applications, there is a further challenge: corrosion caused by salty or aggressive environments.

ARGO-HYTOS meets this challenge with filter housings made of specially alloyed materials. On request, we can also integrate combined clogging indicators that provide both visual and electrical feedback on the filter status.

The wide range of filter media, connection types and accessory solutions means that a precisely coordinated filtration strategy can be created for every application. This intelligently combines operational reliability, ease of maintenance and durability.

Contact us now for maximum filtration reliability

The reliability of a hydraulic system does not start with the control system, but with the cleanliness of the medium. And this is exactly where ARGO-HYTOS suction filters come in. They prevent damage before it occurs and retain particles before they get into sensitive components. They also protect your pump from cavitation, overloading and premature wear.

Whether in agricultural machinery, industrial operations or energy parks: our solutions ensure the function of your system - permanently, efficiently and with minimal maintenance.

But no two hydraulic systems are the same. Different operating conditions, space conditions, viscosities or cleanliness classes require individual solutions. This is why ARGO-HYTOS does not focus on the product, but on your specific application.

Our experts support you in finding the optimum combination of filter fineness, design, installation position and additional functions such as bypass valve or clogging indicator.

Benefit from our decades of experience in fluid technology and from a partner who not only supplies but also contributes its own ideas. We support you from the initial discussion through to implementation - practical, solution-oriented and in close coordination with your technology.

Let us advise you now - on suction filters that not only protect, but also keep your system permanently efficient. Your contacts at ARGO-HYTOS look forward to hearing from you.