Hydraulic filter

buck12 · May 3, 2010

I posted a similar question in the Mahindra section but only got one reply. I am getting ready to change the hydraulic fluid for the first time in my Mahindra 2615. I priced the Mahindra filter a few months ago when I purchased an oil filter and was shocked by the price of the hydraulic filter. Someone on the forum advised me to buy a Wix filter. I did and the Wix was about a third of Mahindra's price. Only problem is the Mahindra filter is about 6 3/4" long and the new Wix filter is about 5 1/4" long. The diameter seems to be the same. Per Wix's website I have the correct filter (51663). I have yet to take the old filter off to determine if the threads are the same. Is anyone using filters that are of a different size than the manufacturer's? Any problems?

Gale Hawkins · May 3, 2010

I think you will be OK but if it is a spin-on then you may be able to get a longer one that will fit just the same since you have room. If they stick in harms way I go the shorter route and if not the longer version. Just get the store to look at all options with the same base and thread size.

AKfish · May 3, 2010

If the WIX is cross-referenced to the OEM part - should have no problem with either the threads or the ID and the gasket.

I'd try to do a bit more research and check the micron filtration size and the filtration flow rate of the 2 filters.

If the WIX has a smaller micron rating and equal GPM then you should rest easy!!

AKfish

buck12 · May 3, 2010

AKfish said:
If the WIX is cross-referenced to the OEM part - should have no problem with either the threads or the ID and the gasket.

I'd try to do a bit more research and check the micron filtration size and the filtration flow rate of the 2 filters.

If the WIX has a smaller micron rating and equal GPM then you should rest easy!!

AKfish

Good advice. Wix's website gives the specs on each filter. Only problem is I can't find any specs for Mahindra filters.

Ken45101 · May 4, 2010

I would be careful using different filters. Yes, you might save a bit of money, but there also could be an error in the listing, or some other difference.

My first tractor was a Farmall 404. It came with the ground we bought. Previous owner advised that the 3pt didn't work right. I used it for a while with the 3pt chained up, then took it to a Farmall dealer. They had it for a couple of months and couldn't solve the problem, blamed it on a cracked case.

I eventually bought a new tractor and gave the Farmall to a friend of my son. He found the problem: wrong hydraulic filter!!!!!

Ken

bp fick · May 4, 2010

Also good to saw open the OEM filter and check a couple things. Are there magnet rings imbedded? Easy to check for. Some OEMs use these to catch filings. This is a real ringer (no pun intended) when considering the use of an off the shelf hydro filter. It might also explain some of the OEM's high price for the hydro filters. Sometimes, they are very, very unique in design.

Then, there are the valving and flow resistance issues. Easy to have your hydro not act right due to restriction. YMMV.

KennyV · May 4, 2010

With Wix cross reference you will be fine. KennyV

AlanB · May 5, 2010

Wix tech services has always been very helpful for me. Just had an issue with a 6 digit Wix number that did not come up (should have been 5, you drop the first digit) in the computer system and it was on my Dingo, but the Wix cross did not show it as applying. Spoke with Tech services and they explained the history and why the Wix was currently not recommended.

That said, I just put a Pro-long J-thomas filter on an Exmark Hydro system I rebuilt. Spent about 20 hours trying to get that thing to bleed. Probably 2 hours on the phone with Exmark tech services (who are GREAT by the way) trying to sort out what I had wrong, new pumps, motors etc involved and it would not pick up and run.

Finally as a hail mary threw a new exmark brand filter on the hydro and everything spun up and started working in 30 seconds........ Man was I mad and relieved all at the same time.

So, I guess my advice would be, I use and trust wix, but I try and verify that I am using the correct product, best product.

I would avoid after market filters of less quality than Wix.

I would also cross multiple directions, such as look up the filter # that is on the tractor, as well as the application and verify that you come to the same answer.

An example is my Briggs on my quest the B&S shows a standard #, then Wix book shows the same standard # but what they installed on my quest was different, and it actually crossed to the same filter that is on my Kohlers and Toyota pickup truck.

Look multiple ways and come up with the best answer for your application.

Good luck.

bp fick · May 5, 2010

AlanB said:
Finally as a hail mary threw a new exmark brand filter on the hydro and everything spun up and started working in 30 seconds........ Man was I mad and relieved all at the same time.

So, I guess my advice would be, I use and trust wix, but I try and verify that I am using the correct product, best product.

Good luck.

Not to beat a dead horse, but that kind of story is all too common. The OEMs are not very open about their hydro filters. Using one that screws on OK, sometimes just doesn't work. I too trust Wix and Hasting for quality, it's just that I cannot verify hydro filters application and performance. Since this is a once every couple hundred hour swap, I admittedly take the path of least resistance and put on the OEM. That I know will work without sleepless nights and wasted time. There is no known aftermarket replacement for my Kubota, to my knowledge. It is a dealer only part and has to be treated as such. That's the way it is.

Oil filters do not seem to have these issues and folks have a much easier time using a NAPA, Wix, Purolator, Hasting or what have you. YMMV