Dealer didn't sell me a kubota filter?!

[wjmst]

I have had my bx2200 now for 4 years or so. I have also used Kubota parts (oil/filters/etc). Yes, they do cost more, but in comparison to the price of the tractor I figure why not, a few bucks won稚 hurt and I know everything will be compatible.

Yesterday, I went to the dealer to buy oil (kubota 10w30), oil filter, and an air filter.
The oil cost $3.10 a quart. The oil filter was $11.78. The air filter was $17.09.
Again a little steep compared to what I could buy at an auto parts store, but I don稚 have a problem with paying more for the Kubota brand.

However, as I was checking out, I saw the oil filter they gave me was a Stens (part #120-360). I asked the clerk about it and they said they didn稚 have that Kubota oil filter. I didn稚 really know what to say, so I just said ok and asked if I could take it back if it didn稚 fit. She said sure no problem. I didn稚 realize the price was $11.78 until I got home.

My question to the group: is Stens a good filter for $11.78? I can get a premium NAPA filter or something for that price. Any thoughts?

The dealer is out of my way, so I don稚 get there often. I will probably end up using the Stens filter this time (since the price of gas is $3.69 a gallon and I would probably spend any savings on gas taking it back), but I guess if my dealer is not going to sell me Kubota parts, then I will either need to order the parts online or go to the auto parts store and get comparable products. I was just trying to support the local dealer. Any thoughts?

Wes

 

[Volfandt]

Don't know about the quality or fitability (is that a word) of the Stens oil filter but at that price it should be one of the best out there.
I also like to use OEM fluids and filters and I personally wouldn't use the Stens. I have used Stens small engine parts & gaskets before with no problems but I would be leary of their branded oil filter as I wouldn't know who made it, i.e. a cheap brand etc.
Course if the dealer uses those filters when he services Kubota tractors and warrants his work then I guess it's O.K.
Theres a couple Kubota dealers here who would gladly sell & ship you an OEM filter, Messicks, Carvers and Tractorsmart.com. Look under "dealers" for contact info.
Good luck

 

[Barneyhunts]

I also use Kubota filters on my machine, but I wouldn't hesitate to use a well known and reputable brand if the Kubota brand was not available. I think in your place I would call the dealer and discuss your concerns with him (her). I've had different Kubota filters(different numbers) on my machine and the dealer told me that they were interchangeable when I asked. If you do follow up with the dealer please let us know what you find out.

 

[wjmst]

I did not have a chance to change the oil this weekend. Maybe next weekend. I figure I will just install what I have. In the future, I will order the parts online and switch to Rotella oil that can be bought at the autoparts store.

Wes