Strainer (550/43485)

About Strainer (550/43485)

The 550/43485 strainer (also called an air breather strainer or breather filter) is a component used in construction and heavy machinery, especially in JCB equipment. As a breather strainer, its main purpose is to allow airflow into or out of enclosures (such as crankcases, engine compartments, or hydraulic housings) while preventing ingress of dust, dirt, and other contaminants. In operation, it ensures that pressure equalization can occur without exposing internal components to harmful particles, thus protecting internal moving parts, seals, and bearings.

This strainer is designed to withstand the harsh environments common on construction sites including dust, vibration, and variable ambient conditions. High-quality materials and manufacturing tolerances are required so that airflow is adequate but filtration remains effective. In many supplier listings, its referred to as a genuine JCB part, indicating that it meets original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards. 

Some alternate or equivalent filters are listed, for example, the HiFi Filter SA120802 is marketed as a replacement for JCB 550/43485, implying that the form, fit, and function are accepted as equivalent in many applications.  The strainer is listed in catalogs and distributor inventories under JCB spare parts, often with the label air breather / strainer for engines or related compartments. 

Models / Applications where 550/43485 is used

From available sources, 550/43485 is typically used in JCB backhoe loader machines, particularly the JCB 3DX model. Several spare part dealers explicitly list JCB 3DX Backhoe Loader Strainer 550/43485 as the equipment model in their catalog. 

In addition, eBay listings for genuine JCB part 550/43485 often include compatibility with multiple JCB models, such as 1400B, 1550B, 1600B, 1700B, 214, 215, 216, 217, 3C, 3CX, 3D, etc.  While such listings cast a wide net, they illustrate the potential interchangeability or use of the strainer across various JCB machines (especially older or overlapping parts families).