OPTIMAX Technical Support: Frequently Asked Questions


To see answers, scroll down or click on question:

Installation Questions

  1. Where is the "suction line" connected into the exhaust system? What is the distance from the engine?
  2. Is an exhaust modification required, as most exhausts do not have scavenging ports that can be tapped into?
  3. What is the recommended line diameter relative to distance and flow rate required for the efficient operation of the dual stage precleaner?
  4. Does the tube entering the exhaust stream need to be of particular shape (as in venturi tube) to provide efficient suction to drive the device?
  5. Do I need to do anything to the scavenger port prior to installation?
  6. Do I need a heavy debris screen?
  7. What are all the different parts of an OPTIMAX assembly?
     

Pricing & Sales Questions

  1. Where can I buy the Sy-Klone Air Precleaners?

Technical Questions

  1. Why is the stage-one Precleaner made of engineered polymer material?
  2. Are the bearings shielded or sealed?
  3. How fast does the rotor spin on average?
  4. How long will a Sy-Klone Air Precleaner last?
  5. Can I replace the dome or bearings in the stage one Precleaner?
  6. How many types of screens can you get for the Sy-Klone?
  7. Is it true that the Sy-Klone Air Precleaners never need maintenance, such as oiling the bearings?
  8. What is the warranty?
  9. What if I need technical support?

Installation Questions & Answers

1. Where is the "suction line" connected into the exhaust system? What is the distance from the engine?      
  The machine must be equipped with an exhaust scavenger muffler. The crossover tubing is clamped to the exhaust scavenger port. While a close connection is desirable, some crossover tubes can be 5 to 7 feet long. Some manufacturers incorporate hard pipe plumbing in combination with the flexible cross over tubing to achieve the connection.
 
2. Is an exhaust modification required, as most exhausts do not have scavenging ports that can be tapped into?  
  Yes. If the exhaust system does not already come with a scavenger connection, you will need to install an aftermarket Venturi. You cannot install OPTIMAX without a scavenger connection.  
3. What is the recommended line diameter relative to distance and flow rate required for the efficient operation of a dual stage?  
  The recommended crossover tubing diameter is 2.0” The scavenger muffler must produce approximately 10% of the CFM of the engine. The check valve that is used requires 2.0” diameter hose.  
4. Does the tube entering the exhaust stream need to be of particular shape (as in venturi tube) to provide efficient suction to drive the device?  
  Exhaust scavenger mufflers have the Venturi built in. There are aftermarket Venturi that can be affixed to the end of a standard muffler outlet. We do not make, nor do we have a source for these devices.  
5. Do I need to prepare the scavenger port in any way for the installation?  
  The exhaust scavenger port must be checked for proper operation prior to installation. See the OPTIMAX Video on our YouTube Channel.  
6. Do I need a heavy debris screen?  
  The heavy debris screen is recommended for landfill and forestry situations, and other situations where there is heavy flying debris. Most situations do not require the heavy debris screen.  
7. What are all the different parts of an OPTIMAX assembly?  
  You can see all the different sections of the OPTIMAX on this parts identification illustration [PDF].  

 

Pricing and Sales Questions & Answers

8. Where can I buy OPTIMAX?  
 

Check our Where to Buy page, which is frequently updated as we add new dealers.

 

 

Technical Questions & Answers

9. Why is the stage one precleaner made of engineered polymer material?  
  This polymer is more durable, lighter, and less expensive than any metal product.  
10. Are the bearings shielded or sealed?  
 

The bearings are sealed to prevent contamination and extend the precleaner's useful life.

 
11. How fast does the rotor spin on average?  
 

Approximately 3000 RPM.

 
12.

How long will a Sy-Klone Air Precleaner last?

 
  It depends on the application, but most will last many years. See our Warranty for more details.  
13. Can I replace the dome or bearings in the Precleaner?  
 

No, there are no field service parts for stage one, which is a Series 9000 Precleaner. There are field service parts available for the second stage, mounting, and exhaust connection.

 

14.

How many types of screens can you get for the Sy-Klone?

 
  Our perforated metal heavy-debris screen is available for applications such as landfill and forestry. There is also a much finer agricultural screen suitable for chaff and other organic debris.  
15. Is it true that the Sy-Klone Air Precleaners never need maintenance, such as oiling the bearings?  
 

Yes. This is a self-cleaning, routine-maintenance free product. We do recommend that the precleaner be inspected every 90 days to ensure operation at maximum efficiency. There is a 90-day inspection instruction sheet [PDF] available, and you can see the process in this OPTIMAX video on our YouTube channel.

 

16.

What is the warranty?  
 

We are proud of the fact that claims against our Warranty are neglibible, almost nonexistent.

 

17.

What if I need technical support?

 
  We have a wealth of technical support information available on this website. If, after reviewing this content, you do not find the answer to your question, see our Contact Us page.