Oil is clever stuff, but it needs to be clean (or relatively free of crud) if it’s to perform to its full potential — hence, of course, the requirement for the humble oil filter. We take a peek inside this critical component

Texan tea, black gold or just plain old oil, call it what you will, this hugely versatile product pops up in so many facets of mechanical farming life. It transfers power hydraulically, reduces friction, dissipates heat, seals the gap between piston rings and cylinder walls as well as collecting contaminants such as metal filings, the by-products of combustion and even dust. To be able to fulfil all these various roles to maximum effect, the oil needs to be kept as clean as possible. Which means filtration, the subject of this article.