Hydraulic fluid filter brand/vs quality?

[Ken P]

Folks - I'm about to change out my Woods 6500 hoe hydraulic fluid. This will likely be the only change for many years, as it's to be changed every 200 hours, which is probably close to 10 years for my light usage.

The current filter is LHA brand, SPE-15-25. Best I can tell, no one sells this brand by the individual filter. A Woods branded filter is available, for about $20. A Fram brand which supposedly cross references to the LHA is about $8 at local Tractor supply.

I don't mind paying the $20 if it is actually a better filter; OTOH, I don't want to be a rube. Does anyone know if there are real differences that matter? Is there a better brand to look to for this?

I appreciate all responses. For anyone who wants to comment further, my next question is whether to fill with "Type A or F ATF" or "SAE Hydraulic Transmission Fluid" and which brand name?

Thanks,

Ken in Northern Connecticut

 

[Ken P]

Some added information: The nice folks at Messick's let me know that the Woods branded filter is made by Lenz, and cross reference that to a Fleetguard filter for $10. Which still leaves me with wondering if the Woods/Lenz filter is any better.

 

[Coyote machine]

Therein lies the problem with filters in general. It's hard, if not impossible for us as consumers to determine if the OEM branded filter is any different than an aftermarket cross reference.
I know my expensive Scag Wildcat hydraulic filter says right on it NOT to substitute with automotive type filters.
When I had my foreign auto repair shop I used Mann brand auto filters even on brand new, under warranty Volvos and Saabs, Mercedes, etc. because it was the manufacturer of all those brand OEM filters.
I never had oil filter failure issues with any brand filter or auto, BUT hydraulic systems are much more critical and run at higher pressures/temps than most engines.
All said, I'd used a brand I trusted, like the OEM's or similar and keep the receipts for the hydro oil and filter for warranty purposes, from the filteer manufacturer and hydro fluid mfg.
For instance, I just paid over twice what TSC hydro fluid costs for my Kioti HST trans fluid change to use/buy Kioti's own brand, (now available) hydro fluid. Is it worth it? I don't know; is it made by the Co. who makes Travelers for TSC? Don't know, but using Kioti's own branded fluid may give me peace of mind knowing that it was theoretically specked to meet my tractor's needs. YMMV.

 

[billybobjimmyjoejack]

I have the WOODS BH7500 and I have the owners manual which is the same for both the 6500 and the 7500. It states that either trans hyd. fluid or ATF type "A" or "F" can be used under all temperature conditions. This is assuming that your hoe has it's own pump and fluid reservoir. I have been using a Baldwin filter # BT839 which should fit the 6500 also.

 

[Texasmark]

On filter quality and all, let's take engine filters. I had nothing to do one day so I went to my used filter barrel and pulled out an AC Delco, Fram 6x, and Wix. I drained then best I could and then went to the band saw and sawed them open.....yeah I made a little mess. Some of these filters had been in use for over 2 years on my tractors as I change my oil when it gets dirty. Water ingestion is not a problem by the way I operate the equipment.

Anyhow, first thing I noted was even though the Fram had paper end pieces and the others metal caps on the filter media, the filter media and containment devices in all the filters was totally intact with no sigh of failure. The other functionality, like silicon drain back gasket and over pressure relief valve were vendor unique but still all functional. So that put my mind at ease on running a filter for an extended period and worrying about the medium breaking down.

HTH,
Mark

 

[GManBart]

If it's not clear that there is an acceptable alternative filter, trying to save $10 isn't worth it. Peace of mind is probably worth the $10 difference alone, because you already have the question in the back of your mind.