Filter bundles

[jjeff]

You can save even more money by not buying things like filters and oils.

Oh sure I could pay to get fluids sampled on old tractors but probably wouldn't like the test results anyway, I'll keep changing fluids and filters on a annual/ semi annual schedule instead, and keep them operational dealing with only minor quirks that I can live with, that others may spend lots of money to remedy.

 

[MHarryE]

An answer to where does Kubota get their filters - can't speak for Kubota but as an engineer for a different major, our filtration group did work with filter manufacturers to develop proprietary filter media for critical applications (fuel systems and hydraulic systems with piston pumps and motors being two of the most critical). Some of the resulting filters could be sold by our supplier under their name and part number, and some critical ones could only be sold through our company. Sure, aftermarket filter makers could buy ours and reverse engineer, but some of our filter media was not possible to replicate (patents) so to meet our requirements (internal information not given to other filter companies), they would likely need to spend the same millions of dollars we did. Or they could use one of their existing filters with the same mounting dimensions and say its equivalent. Would you, the customer, know? Not possible. Even if you cut 2 filters apart and examined them, it would take special analysis of the media to determine materials, and even then a person wouldn't know the process used to make it. Yes, sometimes we use filters that could be considered generic. Have I seen warranty denied due to filter? Yes, but our customers normally make their living with the machines and don't risk failures and downtime to save a few bucks. Later on down the line when they reach the used and reused markets is where we found customers skimping on filters.

 

[chim]

I prefer to eliminate the chance of having problems by using Kubota filters. Messicks is right down the road and when they have sales on, I buy complete filter sets.

 

[ruffdog]

Well the heck with it, I'm going to purchase both complete filter bundles for 2 30+ yr old with 3k and 5k hrs respectively, l4150 and l2850 both gear driven tractors one with a hydraulic shuttle, I'll only report back with any issues or q/c problems if anyone cares.

Be very careful when buying from discount sellers. I bought 2 Bobcat OEM fuel filters from them and they turned out to be counterfeit. They looked very close with Bobcat labels etc but were missing a few details. I contacted them but they would not disclose their "Bobcat" source. Even though Bobcat has stopped making those filters over a year ago, this reseller continues to sell fake filters. I even took the filters to my dealer and the parts guy confirmed they were fake. He had just came back from a factory seminar discussing fraud.

 

[ruffdog]

This guy even cut the filters apart to show what is inside the fake Bobcat filters. (Video at 2:00)

 

[5030]

I depend on my tractors so I always use genuine Kubota filters and my dealer always has them in stock and even delivers them to the farm, no charge.

 

[ddbackhoe]

but as an engineer for a different major, our filtration group did work with filter manufacturers to develop proprietary filter media for critical applications (fuel systems and hydraulic systems with piston pumps and motors being two of the most critical).

The revered 3 letter brand? With patented technology, wouldn’t the other major filter companies be foolish to say their filter will work? There aren’t any occasions where your group reached out to a manufacturer and used a COTS application?
Keeping in mind a patent is good for 20 years from the filing date unless the originator does not pay the maintenance fees.
As far as denial of warranty, any warranty claim could be pushed onto the after market supplier (assuming there is one) if nothing else for misrepresentation of product. The costs involved would certainly have to be weighed against other factors.

 

[5030]

I find that genuine Kubota filters are only a few pennies more than the 'other generic brands.

 

[mikester]

Some K dealers have filter sales in February. My local dealers stock parts and even oddball parts come in within a day or so. I'd rather pay a little more and get the service and reward my local dealer with the business.

Good luck with your flea-bay or mystery amazon vendor selling their mystery wares from china/india. Penny wise and pound foolish to go skimping on relatively cheap maintenance items that can end up costing me $$$$$ in repairs and down time.

 

[jjeff]

I find that genuine Kubota filters are only a few pennies more than the 'other generic brands.

Nope definitely not a few pennies more, however after a few phone calls ordered all genuine Kubota filters. There goes my meager profits . I may try cheaper off brand filter bundles eventually but not today. Thanks for all input.