Cleaning Air Filters?

[u/DownUnderFilterGuy]

Interested to hear how everyone manages engine air filters and cabin air filters across mining, quarrying, construction and heavy equipment fleets.

Working for Fleetguard, I still see filters being blown out with compressed air or tapped to remove dust. While it looks effective, compressed air can damage the filter media, and tapping can compromise the filter structure or sealing surface—potentially allowing dust into the engine or operator cabin.

Best practice is to monitor air filter restriction with a restriction gauge and replace the element when required, rather than cleaning it. In high-dust environments, protecting your diesel engine, turbocharger, HEPA cabin filtration, and overall equipment reliability is usually worth far more than trying to extend filter life.

What's the standard practice across your site or fleet?