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A filter cart can also remove contaminants already present in the hydraulic system. "Instead of draining and replacing contaminated hydraulic oil, it can continue to be used as long as the zinc content remains above 900 ppm," says Urbano. "The payback is getting twice the life out of your oil."

Filter carts can range from a couple thousand dollars up to $10,000 or more, depending on the size (gpm/lpm rating) and features. Yet, this is one tool where there is little question about ROI.

"From the financial point of view, a filter caddy can achieve two goals: extending the life of the fluid and extending the life of components," says Navarro.

Oxidation occurs due to the presence of water, solid particles and temperature extremes, he continues. Keeping the fluid clean can reduce the potential for oxidation and an increase in the TAN (Total Acid Number). This, in turn, facilitates extended service life.

"A big machine with a 100-gal. tank could represent $600 in materials," says Navarro. Add filters and labor, and it's roughly $1,000 every time you change fluids. "If you multiply that by the number of units in your fleet, and you can extend the life of the fluid 25% or 30%, that money accumulates."