What brand filters and engine oil in your kubotas?

[Rocky Hoffler]

The answer to namesray question some Kubota filters are not available as they are propritary and can't be made by anybody else very common for companies to do this after a few years they come available usually at a lot less money

 

[buck boost]

Kubota filter and Shell Rotella T5 10W-30 oil. This thread reminded me, I need to change the oil in the Kub.

Same as what I run in my B2920. I just did my 200 hr service on that one though.

The M7040 has Kubota 10w-30 engine oil and Kubota filters.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

one real life experience to add to this (self serving, granted)...

we have had tractors though with non-OEM filters that collapsed because they did not pass the amount of oil necessary. In a recent case, NAPA would not pay the bill. Had that been an OEM filter, the customer would be $4500 richer as there is no where else to point fingers. Generally, OEM filters are priced inline when your comparing them to like industrial filters (fleetguard), and only a few bucks more than one an auto parts store will sell 10 minutes later to go on a mini-van. IMO... OEM filters are cheap insurance.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

one real life experience to add to this (self serving, granted)...

we have had tractors though with non-OEM filters that collapsed because they did not pass the amount of oil necessary. In a recent case, NAPA would not pay the bill. Had that been an OEM filter, the customer would be $4500 richer as there is no where else to point fingers. Generally, OEM filters are priced inline when your comparing them to like industrial filters (fleetguard), and only a few bucks more than one an auto parts store will sell 10 minutes later to go on a mini-van. IMO... OEM filters are cheap insurance.

 

[namesray]

one real life experience to add to this (self serving, granted)...

we have had tractors though with non-OEM filters that collapsed because they did not pass the amount of oil necessary. In a recent case, NAPA would not pay the bill. Had that been an OEM filter, the customer would be $4500 richer as there is no where else to point fingers. Generally, OEM filters are priced inline when your comparing them to like industrial filters (fleetguard), and only a few bucks more than one an auto parts store will sell 10 minutes later to go on a mini-van. IMO... OEM filters are cheap insurance.

yes, many questions remain. I would love to know who makes Kubota filters and why Kubota is so fussy with their darn sudt2. maybe there is something to it or maybe it is a gimmick, but why is there so many variable real world experiences out there (both good and bad) with both oem and after market? and as far as filters, what about the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975. states a equipment manufacture can't monopolize "their" brand of filters unless that manufacture gives their filters for free under warranty. so all proper cross reference filters should work fine.

as far as the above stated bad NAPA experience, I believe it "MIGHT" have been easier for the customer to be $4500 richer if a Kubota filter was on his tractor instead of a NAPA filter, but only because it was the easy way for Kubota to get out of the warranty work. if that owner really wanted to push his issue with either Kubota or NAPA, I believe he "COULD" have got somewhere and still be $4500 richer. just my opinion and don't get me wrong, I love Kubota equipment, I just am getting tired of maybe getting caught up in a big company's big money making gimmick (if that is what it is) by over spending on oem filters and oil.

I have already placed my order with NAPA to get a whole years supply of filters for all my Kubota equipment (b7800, b3200, rtv 900). I feel safe doing so with all my research to date. after all, I have been running aftermarket filters on my vehicles for years and no problems, so what makes tractors so much different provided you cross reference the filters properly? once again this is just my opinion for now, with the information I have for now. with more information I might have different thoughts.

I am also thinking of switching to shell rotella 10w 30 oil for the engine. the Kubota books don't specify Kubota engine oil like it does the Kubota sudt2 for the trans/hydraulics, so I feel ok switching engine oils as well. might be my tractors funeral, but....:confused3: who knows.

 

[mkreitler]

There is good and bad about anything if one just reads far enough into it,everyone has his or her opinion on everything in todays world.I like PURE-POWER as far as filters there cleanable & reusable for a LIFETIME and made to last truly a work of art all aluminum and CNC machined and you gain better flow and the oil runs a little cooler.Also at every oil change you have a easy way of knowing what is going on in the motor without having to cut a filter apart. Also it doesn't end up in a LANDFILL.It's only my opinion but for what it's worth it makes good sense. SHELL ROTELLA is the NO.1 oil for DIESELS because it's available everywhere and very cost effective to use. As I said before I run SCHAEFFER'S because it's the oldest lubricating oil co. in the U.S.A. and located in St.Louis, MO. so it's in my back yard. As long the oil meets CJ-4 specs. and ROTELLA has no problem there. Long live your KUBOTA!

 

[Bigfoot62]

one real life experience to add to this (self serving, granted)...

we have had tractors though with non-OEM filters that collapsed because they did not pass the amount of oil necessary. In a recent case, NAPA would not pay the bill. Had that been an OEM filter, the customer would be $4500 richer as there is no where else to point fingers. Generally, OEM filters are priced inline when your comparing them to like industrial filters (fleetguard), and only a few bucks more than one an auto parts store will sell 10 minutes later to go on a mini-van. IMO... OEM filters are cheap insurance.

Ken,
I use OEM filters on my tractors. The OP referenced NAPA filters. I just pointed out that IF he were going to use an aftermarket filter, then buy a WIX instead of paying 3x for the NAPA. (since WIX makes the NAPA filters)

 

[The Fred]

I quit selling most all NAPA filters after dissecting one from my own vehicle. They are very poorly built.

I'll sell them if that's all I can get, small town.

Fred

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I have been running aftermarket filters on my vehicles for years and no problems, so what makes tractors so much different provided you cross reference the filters properly?

NAPA story was on a New Holland, but brand is beside the point.

I've been though a few fleet guard presentations on this stuff, fleet guard is probably the biggest OEM for tractor filters. I know they do some Kubota stuff, but not all. They do most everything for CNH. Their platform is that a car is typically under a highly variable load, averaging around 20%. A tractor is under a much heavier load without nearly as much variability. For that reason, its much easier for an aftermarket filter to preform on a car or truck than it is on a tractor, the spec does not need to be as close to what the factory intended. When cross referencing something, you simply don't know how close the filter really is to spec. You also don't know mechanical designs like will it bypass and how much, flow rates, etc. Its very possible to get a good cross referenced filter and I am sure there are good products out there, but finding the right match is really a lot more complicated than just checking if the threads fit.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

on fluids. Any CJ-4 engine oil is fine. No worries there.

SUDT2 can be important to run in some machines. Gear drives and warm climates can sometimes get away without it, but here in the North East we do see performance and noise differences when your not running the intended hydraulic fluid. You'll find that echoed by many people here. At this point, there is no one doing an oil that's actually a true replacement for the trans fluid. In the newer tractors, the service interval chart shows much longer change intervals IF your using SUDT2 so the little added cost there at least has some mileage.

 

[k0ua]

I just did the 50 hour for my BIL's Kubota L3200 hydro machine.. We used all Kubota filters and fluids. He said there is not that much difference anyway in the price and he did not want to mess with trying to source filters elsewhere, and just used the Kubota oil as well as the dealer put together a package for him. All went well.

 

[namesray]

NAPA story was on a New Holland, but brand is beside the point.

I've been though a few fleet guard presentations on this stuff, fleet guard is probably the biggest OEM for tractor filters. I know they do some Kubota stuff, but not all. They do most everything for CNH. Their platform is that a car is typically under a highly variable load, averaging around 20%. A tractor is under a much heavier load without nearly as much variability. For that reason, its much easier for an aftermarket filter to preform on a car or truck than it is on a tractor, the spec does not need to be as close to what the factory intended. When cross referencing something, you simply don't know how close the filter really is to spec. You also don't know mechanical designs like will it bypass and how much, flow rates, etc. Its very possible to get a good cross referenced filter and I am sure there are good products out there, but finding the right match is really a lot more complicated than just checking if the threads fit.

good info here. makes sense to me as far as explaining the differences between vehicle and equipment filters. thank you.

I do believe that it states somewhere on NAPA website or the actual filter box that all NAPA filters are guaranteed "to meet or exceed oem manufactures specs" I will have to look for that statement again to be 100% sure. another comfort to me is that under every NAPA/WIX filter I cross referenced for my kubotas was a list of equipment that the filter could be used in, and all my equipment was listed per specific filter and use. to me this puts all the liability on NAPA/WIX if there is a failure, provided all my ducks are in a row so to say. and NAPA states they will replace or reimburse the customer if it is found their product indeed was the cause of a failure.

now I know NAPA can surely find a loop hole if they really want to, just as kubota or new Holland was trying to do in messicks above story. so any company can try to deny a claim weather it is oem or aftermarket. I have also heard/read on here (TBN) of aftermarket filter companies, such as NAPA and FRAM "making it right" for the customer after they had an equipment failure deemed to have been caused by the aftermarket filter.

 

[namesray]

on fluids. Any CJ-4 engine oil is fine. No worries there.

SUDT2 can be important to run in some machines. Gear drives and warm climates can sometimes get away without it, but here in the North East we do see performance and noise differences when your not running the intended hydraulic fluid. You'll find that echoed by many people here. At this point, there is no one doing an oil that's actually a true replacement for the trans fluid. In the newer tractors, the service interval chart shows much longer change intervals IF your using SUDT2 so the little added cost there at least has some mileage.

Mostly agree with these SUDT2 statements as well. I have heard/read many statements/stories that repeat the above statements. and I do completely agree with the longevity of the SUDT2 fluid helping offset the higher cost, so that is why I stick with the SUDT2 for now.

However, I also have real life stories of folks running many other UTF (universal tractor fluids) in their KUBOTAS and live in Pennsylvania's winter climate and have gotten along fine for years.???:confused3:

one brand I have looked at very closely is the "travelers premium tractor fluid" that tractor supply sells. cost=$45.00 per 5 gal.

cost of Kubota's SUDT2=$125.00 per 5 gal.

big difference in price. the cold *F pour points are the same specs at -42*F (I believe) so wouldn't that make the travelers brand the same as the SUDT2 as far as cold weather temp operation?

like I say, I will stick with the SUDT2 for now, but I still will keep on researching this topic.

 

[Jay4200]

My L4200GST gets Kubota filters all around, Rotella dino 15W-40 in the engine, and 10 gals of generic HD tractor hydraulic & transmission oil from Sam's in the back (10W20). Incidentally, never an issue with the transmission or hydraulics down to 10-15F (I refuse to go out when it's colder than that). Hydraulic clutch engagement is a little slow for a minute or two, then it's fine. Was $33/5gals last I bought it, but it's gone up to $43.

 

[5030]

one real life experience to add to this (self serving, granted)...

we have had tractors though with non-OEM filters that collapsed because they did not pass the amount of oil necessary. In a recent case, NAPA would not pay the bill. Had that been an OEM filter, the customer would be $4500 richer as there is no where else to point fingers. Generally, OEM filters are priced inline when your comparing them to like industrial filters (fleetguard), and only a few bucks more than one an auto parts store will sell 10 minutes later to go on a mini-van. IMO... OEM filters are cheap insurance.

+1.

I work my tractors, both are ag tractors doing field work, not mowing lawns or playing wannabe farmer. I don't play, I farm. I use Kubota filters exclusively on both my large frame (M9 and 105) Kubotas period. Out in the field, they are up on the turbo's doing what they are designed to do...work.

Far as oil, Shell Rotella T5 synthetic and change intervals according to Kubota recommendations. My tractors cost big money and they have to be dependable. I don't screw around. Your oil is the cheapest thing you'll ever buy and your filters are cheap as well. Why chance it. If T5 is recommended for my Caterpillar 3406 in my Western Star it's fine for the tractors too.

If you aren't sure your oil choice is doing the job, get an oil analysis.

Don't forget your transmission and wet brakes like most people do. It needs changed at recommended intervals as well. Deviating from the SUDT or UDT, I use Chevron THF synthetic and Shell 90 weight GL5 rated gear oil in the fromt wheel assist.

My tractors are a sizeable investment in my operation. I don't skimp on consumable parts.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

good info here. makes sense to me as far as explaining the differences between vehicle and equipment filters. thank you.

I do believe that it states somewhere on NAPA website or the actual filter box that all NAPA filters are guaranteed "to meet or exceed oem manufactures specs" I will have to look for that statement again to be 100% sure. another comfort to me is that under every NAPA/WIX filter I cross referenced for my kubotas was a list of equipment that the filter could be used in, and all my equipment was listed per specific filter and use. to me this puts all the liability on NAPA/WIX if there is a failure, provided all my ducks are in a row so to say. and NAPA states they will replace or reimburse the customer if it is found their product indeed was the cause of a failure.

now I know NAPA can surely find a loop hole if they really want to, just as kubota or new Holland was trying to do in messicks above story. so any company can try to deny a claim weather it is oem or aftermarket. I have also heard/read on here (TBN) of aftermarket filter companies, such as NAPA and FRAM "making it right" for the customer after they had an equipment failure deemed to have been caused by the aftermarket filter.

Just do not use the WIX/NAPA cross for the inline diesel filter on the RTV, BX and G series machines plus others because their cross is just a screen and not a diesel fuel filter with paper element.

This is why I do not trust their filter cross table.

Look at the applications list.
Part Details Wix 33972

So what will a 50 micron screen filter?

David Kb7uns

 

[Oldpath05]

Never mind the brand of oil/filter, I just like to know where online I can buy an oil filter + 15/40 oil at a fair/good price.
I type in Kubota L3400 motor oil filter, and come up with two choices so far, Coleman Equipment, easy site, fair price on parts and the shipping charge, and S.H. cost is up front and easy to find, but it's halfway across the country from me, which is ok I guess. Then Messick's is closer, easy site to find parts, but I spent half hour trying to find S.H rates on oil/filters with no luck so I gave up, if I cant find shipping charges up front, I move on. I've been on to many websites where after finding what I want, fill in all address info, the S.H. charge ends up being more the parts.

I'll try Ebay now, and No, I don't like spending and hour or two going to the nearest Kubota dealer or anywhere else to get oil and filter on a Sat. morning if I can just click and buy from the comfort of my couch/office, during TV commercials while watching America's Ninja Warrior, and thinking, I use to be able to do that. Then wait a few day's, come home after work and the package is on the door step, now that's connivance.

 

[Oldpath05]

Never mind the brand of oil/filter, I just like to know where online I can buy an oil filter + 15/40 oil at a fair/good price.
I type in Kubota L3400 motor oil filter, and come up with two choices so far, Coleman Equipment, easy site, fair price on parts and the shipping charge, and S.H. cost is up front and easy to find, but it's halfway across the country from me, which is ok I guess. Then Messick's is closer, easy site to find parts, but I spent half hour trying to find S.H rates on oil/filters with no luck so I gave up, if I cant find shipping charges up front, I move on. I've been on to many websites where after finding what I want, fill in all address info, the S.H. charge ends up being more the parts.

I'll try Ebay now, and No, I don't like spending and hour or two going to the nearest Kubota dealer or anywhere else to get oil and filter on a Sat. morning if I can just click and buy from the comfort of my couch/office, during TV commercials while watching America's Ninja Warrior, and thinking, I use to be able to do that. Then wait a few day's, come home after work and the package is on the door step, now that's connivance.

 

[nybirdman]

The convenience of shipping is expensive.Messicks is a great place to deal with but on small orders it gets pricy for shipping.Maybe purchase enough for multiple oil changes would help.

 

[KubotaToy]

I use OEM filters and SUDT2, oil is a 15W40 from oil distributor in a 55 gal drum and it is whatever is on sell at the time I need it. Sometimes is is Shell, Delo, Valvoline and I use it in everything but the car (Ford only wants 5w20 in it).

BTW- My dad owned a napa store for over 50 years in a farming community, he has seen lots of failures of equipment and vehicles, none due to putting on the correct filter and oil being in them. Most were due to incorrect filter (cross of a crossed filter) or no oil.