Converting an air filter to ???

[JimR]

Today I bought an air filter for my Cub Cadet 7275 for $81.00. I began to think there has got to be a better way than paying these high prices. So now I'm wondering if anyone has converted their air intake system to a flat type car filter? I have a couple of BMW flat filter assemblys. I was thinking that the next time I need a $81.00 filter I just might instead hook both of these systems inline to replace what I presently have. It would be much cheaper changing out 2 $12.00 filters than a $81.00 filter. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I believe I have the room under the hood for both.

 

[Soundguy]

What about simply finding an aftermarket air filter? I remember that the air filter for my EX-NH 1920 was 35+$ from NH.. and like 18$ from Napa.

Only problem is that napa couldn't cross over the CNH part number.

I found a good trick. Hit a filter site that does competitor cross reference, get your number crossed to their filter.. then either use that filter.. or let napa try to cross that new filter. For examply. My CNH part number crossed over to a fram filter number from www.fram.com.. then NAPA crossed that fram number over fine.. even though they couldn't cross the CNH number.

There are other places.. like Carquest that can cross numbers as well as many of the big filter manufacturers websites.

Lastly.. places like filtermart will cross virtually any filter number over to ther own.. but then you are buying from them online.. still probably cheaper than a 81$ CC fitler.. etc.

Try crossing yuor number at fram / napa / carquest and see what you come up with. Post the price back.

The probelm I see about swapping the air intake housings is you want the same filter density, amount of media, and air flow characteristics as the oem filter.. You may or may not duplicate this using the flat filters... At least a crossed over number is similar application.. etc.

Soundguy

 

[JimR]

Thanks for the tips. I will check that out hopefully this week.

 

[getut]

I'm thinking seriously about doing some light plastic fabrication and changing mine to an open air K&N style washable filter with the simple circular hose clamped base. It would not take much other than the gumption for me to get out there and do it. Filters would be about the same price I pay now, but would would be washable 3-5 times before the replacement.

 

[v8dave]

Instead of a flat car filter, think about a Donaldson cyclone type after market filter. These are made for dusty applications. They have a vane system at the input that swirls the air to spin out the bigger dust and dirt particles. These settle on the sides of the canister and then fall out the bottom through a rubber squeeze valve. Donaldson makes these filters in a variety of sizes. There are equivalents by other manufacturers too. Heavy equipment/truck parts suppliers will stock these filters and replacement elements.

The replacement elements for these aren't as cheap as car filters but, not $80 either.

My Kubota has a cyclone type filter. Don't know who is the original manufacturer of it though.

 

[Darren]

I would look into the specs on a cyclonic like the Donaldsons first. You might need a minimum amount of airflow to get the proper operation.

 

[oliver28472]

What was your air filter part number?

 

[Soundguy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( mine to an open air K&N style washable filter )</font>

I'd opt for an oil bath air filter before that. Oil bath filters tend to do better in dusty conditions than pleated paper deals.

soundguy

 

[getut]

We may be talking about the same thing.. the ones I have looked at are pleated cloth held with wire mesh on both sides but they have a coating that makes them washable, but you oil them down again after they have been washed. Is that what you speak of?

 

[PBinWA]

Jim,

Why don't you check out a Mahindra dealer in your area.

Here's what I paid for my last set of Filters (8 months ago) for my 2615 Gear.

They are "Mitsubishi Genuine Parts":

Engine Oil Filter: 31A40-02100 ($12.44)
Air Filter: 3553 0501800 ($57.98)
Hydraulic Filter: 1964-2509000 ($38.64)
Fuel Filter: MM404879 ($4.47)

I crossed a bunch of these at NAPA and they were going to be more expensive:

Engine Oil Filter: NAPA PN = 1365(Forgot to write down the price)
Air Filter: Napa PN = 6843 ($83.78)
Hydraulic Filter: Napa PN = 7118 ($60.81)
Fuel Filter: NAPA PN = ($5.11) ** Weren't sure this one was an exact match

My Mahindra dealer was much cheaper and I like him a lot so I am happy to give him the business even though he isn't that close to me.

I'd second the vote for one of those cylindrical cone type aftermarket filters. They are all the rage as far as after-market air filters go with Diesel Trucks. They look like they would be a pretty easy retrofit.