Filters and fluids, name brand or generic?

[rob in ore]

I'm going to be doing the 800 hour service on my Kubota B2320. This will be my first time doing major service myself instead of having the dealer do it.

While researching online for filters and fluids I'm finding some on ebay are about half the price of what Messicks offers. It's about a $75 difference. Is it worth the risk to use a cheap filter or should I stick with a name brand?

 

[caver]

Is there a Donaldson or Baldwin equivalent? Maybe post a link to said filter?

 

[kevinj]

For what these tractors cost especially when in warranty I only use Kubota fluids & filters. $75.00 is just change compared to the cost of a hydro transmission and the service of the trans / hyd filters is minimal unless you are commercial operator.

I use mine a lot rarely go over 100 hours a year so a trans change is every 4 years or $20.00 a year added cost.

I use good diesel rated engine oil of the proper viscosity but OEM oil filter.

 

[RjCorazza]

X2 on OEM filters. Even with the quality aftermarket filters, you are relying on a cross reference that may not account for much more than the gasket size and thread.

 

[Jstpssng]

I use OEM. At 400 hour intervals, for me it's a couple of years between fluid changes. Is it really worth taking a chance?

 

[rob in ore]

Thanks to all. Your perspectives make this a valuable forum.

 

[TORQUIN]

I don't know that I would require OEM filters, but use a good quality filter, like, as suggested above, Baldwin or Donaldson. I use mostly Baldwin on my equipment. My worry with Ebay/Amazon is the counterfeit problem that seems to go along with great prices. Be very watchful for that.

Chris

 

[navyjoe]

When I did the first filter change on my L2501 I was surprised to find not a Kubota filter but a Donaldson.

 

[Page2]

Yes to Baldwin or Donaldson filters- from a reputable source (I think you'll find a lot of dealers use these). No to eBay or Amazon, too many fakes. For engine oil, use a name brand - I would stick with Kubota UDT for hydraulics though. IMHO

 

[rScotty]

I'm going to be doing the 800 hour service on my Kubota B2320. This will be my first time doing major service myself instead of having the dealer do it.

While researching online for filters and fluids I'm finding some on ebay are about half the price of what Messicks offers. It's about a $75 difference. Is it worth the risk to use a cheap filter or should I stick with a name brand?

If you are going to use aftermarket instead of OEM filters, it makes sense to study up on how the different filters work in the system. I can't see any other way to tell whether the price difference makes sense.
Or just use OEMs and don't worry about why they cost more.