Air filter scoop.

Clean air filters are crucial for all vehicles--and that includes the hydraulic excavator. The engine will not start it the filters are clogged. A dirty filter steals power and forces this beast of burden to struggle while digging or scooping a load.

Operators, it's a good idea to squeeze the sand out of the dust cap on the bottom of the air canister every day before you start operations. This gets rid of sand from the canister, but not from the primary or secondary air fillers. By the way, make sure the rubber dust cap is in place. Air filter life is cut in half when the cap is missing or cracked.

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Give the primary air filter a good brush off if you're at the worksite and the engine chokes down, or you notice a loss of power or black smoke. Shut off the engine. Pop the canister's lid and pull out the filter. Don't touch the secondary filter. That's your mechanic's job.

Tap the filter real good with the heel of your hand to loosen sand and dirt. Then shake it good and tap some more. This will knock enough junk out of the filter to keep you going until your mechanic can clean the filter with 30 psi air or replace both filters.

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Never bang the filter on a rock or hard surface. You might dent it so it won't lit or make a good seal.

Make sure you keep an eye on the air cleaner indicator on the dash. If the indicator light turns red during operations, stop and clean out the primary filter.

Bone up on how to inspect the air filters by looking at pages 14-9 and 14-10 of TM 5-3805-280-10.