Are you saving money buying non-JD parts?

megotatractor · Sep 8, 2015

I recently hit a softball size rock and destroyed a $70 set of blades. I was so pi$$ed I went and bought some Oregon blades. I saved $20 on a set of blades that LOOK exactly like OEM but.... the Oregon blades started out dull and got even duller FAST just mowing the grass! I was going to later on try some Oregon "Gator" blades but having second thoughts, we will see how long these dull blades last.

The fuel filter was clogged up last year so I put in a NAPA filter. It clogged up again already. I must be getting some really dirty diesel at the farm store. I dumped a lot of dirt out of the filter bowl! I popped in a OEM JD filter now, see how long that one goes for.

I don't know about you but I'm ready to just start buying the gold/platinum priced JD parts.

4570Man · Sep 8, 2015

I buy knockoff parts whenever possible. I truly believe they last as long as the real parts. I might be biased since I have a wholesale account at Napa.

beenthere · Sep 8, 2015

I buy Deere, and don't feel they are over-priced and can trust their quality. I'd rather spend my time using the Deere equipment rather than replacing cheap parts... but have no quarrel with anyone who likes buying non-Deere parts.

murphy1244 · Sep 8, 2015

megotatractor said:
I recently hit a softball size rock and destroyed a $70 set of blades. I was so pi$$ed I went and bought some Oregon blades. I saved $20 on a set of blades that LOOK exactly like OEM but.... the Oregon blades started out dull and got even duller FAST just mowing the grass! I was going to later on try some Oregon "Gator" blades but having second thoughts, we will see how long these dull blades last.

The fuel filter was clogged up last year so I put in a NAPA filter. It clogged up again already. I must be getting some really dirty diesel at the farm store. I dumped a lot of dirt out of the filter bowl! I popped in a OEM JD filter now, see how long that one goes for.

I don't know about you but I'm ready to just start buying the gold/platinum priced JD parts.

Try a set of Gator blades, you will love them! The NAPA filter and the deere filter are both made by WIX. Try to find the source of the dirt.

KennyG · Sep 8, 2015

I'm divided on this. Depends on the application. The original JD mower blades were very durable but I switched to Oregon Gators for better mulching and they are very good also. I've used Wix oil filters but I don't pay a lot more for JD so I have that on now. When I broke a fan belt I replaced it with a Gates because I know they are top quality, but when I broke a mower drive belt I got the JD because I thought it was important to have an exact, exact replacement.

4570Man · Sep 8, 2015

I would be stuck buying a Kubota mower belt because of their double V belt design, but I have never had to replace one. The Kubota double belts are vastly superior to regular mower belts. I have ran Napa belts on all the other mowers without any issues.

Tractor Seabee · Sep 8, 2015

Everyone needs to remember that most replaceable parts are not made by the OEM, they contract most things out often to the low bidder. I wouild really be surprised if WIX made a filter exclusive for JD per their proprietary specs and put the JD Logo on it. It is one of their standard production items that fits what JD wants to do. I resent paying 30-50 % more for a manufacturer's logo. NAPA is my go to guys. If you do not get one of their discounts it is your fault for not asking. I buy equivalent oils and hydro fluid for half the price the Kubota dealer charges for their logo.

Ron

aczlan · Sep 8, 2015

4570Man said:
I would be stuck buying a Kubota mower belt because of their double V belt design, but I have never had to replace one. The Kubota double belts are vastly superior to regular mower belts. I have ran Napa belts on all the other mowers without any issues.

Actually, if you have the belt size and angle, look online for banded v belts. That's all the Kubota belt is.

Aaron Z

beenthere · Sep 8, 2015

Tractor Seabee said:
Everyone needs to remember that most replaceable parts are not made by the OEM, they contract most things out often to the low bidder. I wouild really be surprised if WIX made a filter exclusive for JD per their proprietary specs and put the JD Logo on it. It is one of their standard production items that fits what JD wants to do. I resent paying 30-50 % more for a manufacturer's logo. NAPA is my go to guys. If you do not get one of their discounts it is your fault for not asking. I buy equivalent oils and hydro fluid for half the price the Kubota dealer charges for their logo.

Ron

Ron.
I don't think that argument holds water, and don't buy it. Maybe Kubota, but not Deere. IMO and years of experience.

Deere Dude · Sep 9, 2015

I thought a filter was a filter, period.
My BIL cut a JD filter apart and a different name brand and there was a huge difference in pleats and make-up. That was 20 years ago and maybe things evened out a bit by now. I would think there would be a direct replacement but which one and who do you trust to tell you and what is at stake, maybe an engine or a transmission.