Forklift Air Filter 214A7-52081 — OEM Engine Intake Element for TCM 2-3T Forklifts

The 214A7-52081 is an OEM engine air filter element for TCM FD20, FD25, and FD30 series 2-3 ton diesel forklifts. This is a dry-type paper element air filter — not an oil-bath type — using resin-impregnated cellulose pleated media with a filtration efficiency of 99.5% at 5 microns under ISO 5011 test conditions. The pleated design provides approximately 8-10 square meters of filtration surface area within a cylindrical canister measuring roughly 180mm OD × 250mm length. The element seals against the air cleaner housing with a polyurethane radial seal at both ends — the radial seal design is self-centering and does not require the wing nut to be overtightened. The correct installation torque for the wing nut is hand-tight plus 1/4 turn only; overtightening compresses the end seals beyond their designed range and can cause the seals to take a permanent set, resulting in unfiltered air bypass after the first element removal and reinstallation.

Air filter service life on a TCM forklift operating in a standard warehouse environment is 500-1,000 hours, but this can drop to 100-200 hours in dusty environments such as cement plants, sawmills, or outdoor construction sites. The most reliable indicator of filter condition is the air filter restriction indicator mounted on the air cleaner housing — replace the element when the indicator shows red (typically 25 inches of water / 6.25 kPa restriction), not based on visual appearance. A filter that “looks dirty” may still have 50% of its service life remaining, while a filter in a very dusty environment may be loaded to restriction limit while appearing only moderately discolored. Never blow out a dry paper filter element with compressed air to “clean” it — compressed air creates microscopic holes in the cellulose media that cannot be seen by eye but will pass unfiltered air, causing accelerated cylinder bore and piston ring wear. Common failure symptoms: black exhaust smoke under load with normal fuel system function (restricted air filter causing rich fuel mixture), engine oil consumption increasing by 0.5-1.0 L per 100 hours (dust ingestion through damaged filter media), and the air filter restriction indicator tripping within 50 hours of a new filter installation (severely contaminated operating environment requiring a pre-cleaner).

This filter fits TCM FD20, FD25, and FD30 forklifts. Verify OEM number 214A7-52081 on your existing filter element before ordering. For related maintenance products, visit our Forklift Maintenance Parts section.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 214A7-52081
• Filter Type: Dry Paper Element, Radial Seal
• Filtration Efficiency: 99.5% at 5 Microns (ISO 5011)
• Media: Resin-Impregnated Cellulose, Pleated
• Service Interval: 500-1,000 Hours (Standard) / 100-200 Hours (Dusty)
• Application: TCM FD20, FD25, FD30 (2-3T Diesel)

Compatible Forklift Models

Each filter is factory-sealed in protective packaging and ships within 1-2 business days. 12-month warranty. Browse our Forklift Maintenance Parts catalog.