Filters Make Technicians' Jobs Easier
You may soon be able to say good-bye to filters that dent when you drop them, leak because they're under-torqued, and create removal headaches because they're over-torqued.
Fleetguard has unveiled its "user-friendly filter," made of an advanced polymer composite instead of metal.
The polymer makes the filter 50 percent lighter and resistant to dents or corrosion. The lighter weight makes for less vibration-induced stresses on the filter .
The injection molding process allows for a number of innovative features, including:
• Easy-grip surface with ribs for easy installation and service
• Flat no-spill bottom
• Built-in one-way socket for easy removal with 1/2-inch wrench
• Eliminates damage to filter spud due to cross-threading.
These features were developed in response to conversations with technicians about what they felt needed improvement in filters. For instance, the flat bottom, impossible to achieve with metal designs, simplifies filter pre-filling and allows the technician to set it down after removal until they're ready to drain and dispose of it. The built-in one-way socket makes it impossible to over-torque.
"We've all been in shops and seen the big metal screwdriver through the filter trying to get it off," said Doug Griffin, vice president for liquid filtration.
The user-friendly filter can be disposed of like current filters by draining, or draining and crushing and disposing of in landfills, and also can be incinerated.
Filter medias have also been enhanced, and will meet or exceed OEM specs, as well as exceeding specs of the metal filters they replace.
Two diameters, 3- and 3.75-inch, are aimed at the Cummins B and C series and similar-sized engines. The filters will replace Fleetguard's current metal fuel and lube filter counterparts, and will be offered at the same price point.
Fleetguard officials say there is a potential that the user-friendly filters eventually will be offered for other size engines, noting that this is the launch of a "product family."
– Deborah Lockridge,
Senior Editor
