Oil & Fuel JD Filter Pak vs after-market filters

[PCABE5]

The problem is, one wouldn't know which filters meet the manufacturer's requirements (just because a filter may be advertised to fit a Deere 4300 (for example) doesn't mean it meets the requirements). Cross over charts specify fit, not filtering criteria.
Now, if a tractor manufacturer lists alternative filters...or even if your dealer recommends an aftermarket filter, one has some recourse.

Well said Roy. To add to this we don't even know tractor manufacturer specifications on filters to even start a search. They do this so consumers cannot find alternatives.

 

[RickB]

https://jdparts.deere.com/partsmkt/document/english/pmac/33401_fb_FilterPakForCUTS.htm#_Order_information

Is it just me or does anyone else find it frustrating working with JD's website(s) and order procedures. You have to go to the generic JD parts website, find the part number, open your dealer's specific website then copy/paste the part number from the parts website...it's a hassle, poorly designed.

It doesn't have to be that way. You can set up a login at Deereparts and specify your particular dealer. Then put whatever part in the shopping cart and view your dealer's (reported) inventory and selling price. I have two different logins so I can check inventory (and price) at the two Deere dealers that I am likely to do business with.

 

[PCABE5]

I toured a filter manufacturing plant several years ago. Many of the after-market filters are made along side and on the same lines as the original equipment and name brand filters. The guts of any filter are the filter media used and the check and bypass valves. Probably the most critical component is the filter media and the total surface area. Some after-market brands use the same quality and amount of media. I guess my point is if you find a filter that meets the requirements for your machine and it is cheaper...go for it.

I know a filter manufacturer that makes their filter and the same one for two OEM's for the same engine. The OEM version has less capability because it has less surface area. So point is even if they are made by the same company/line they have to make cheaper filters for OEM's. OEM's have to be able to make money on cheap oil changes and they cannot do that on $10 filters so their versions are cheaper. I am not saying don't buy OEM but only realize OEM isn't always better.

 

[RickB]

I know a filter manufacturer that makes their filter and the same one for two OEM's for the same engine. The OEM version has less capability because it has less surface area. So point is even if they are made by the same company/line they have to make cheaper filters for OEM's. OEM's have to be able to make money on cheap oil changes and they cannot do that on $10 filters so their versions are cheaper. I am not saying don't buy OEM but only realize OEM isn't always better.

OEM design specifications are however the benchmark. As the OE manufacturer, they are not going to shortcut filter specs and put engines, transmissions, and hydraulic components at risk. And "savings" realized from the use of aftermarket filters are often non-existent. An OEM filter is ALWAYS adequate and correct for its application. The same statement cannot be made across the board for any aftermarket filter supplier. A smaller micron rating or other seemingly "better" specification can in reality be worse due to flow restrictions or other limitations not discernable by the consumer until the filter is put in service with less than satisfactory results.

 

[PCABE5]

OEM design specifications are however the benchmark. As the OEM manufacturer, they are not going to shortcut filter specs and put engines, transmissions, and hydraulic components at risk. And "savings" realized from the use of aftermarket filters are often non-existent. An OEM filter is ALWAYS adequate and correct for its application. The same statement cannot be made across the board for any aftermarket filter supplier. A smaller micron rating or other seemingly "better" specification can in reality be worse due to flow restrictions or other limitations not discernable by the consumer until the filter is put in service with less than satisfactory results.

I am not trying to advocate one filter over the other and I wasnt saying the OEM's are shortcutting anything but also realize they are not buying the best either. They buy what will "meet" the standard and also meets their expense margins. Your statement of "always adequate" is very true, for most things I buy, I do not want "adequate" that is why I bought a JD for example.

Your point on flow restrictions is another very good point. In my example before, an OEM filter with less filter media will plug-up sooner and restrict flow putting the filter into by-pass distributing unfiltered oil. One good reason to change filters when the OEM recommends. The same can be true of after-market filters. Probably why you do not see many on here advocating Fram or Wal-Mart filters for example. (I can only speak to the top two filter manufacturers that have smaller micron ratings and better specs actually have higher flow rates than standard media but you will pay the price for them).

Ok I have to ask, you work at a NH dealership buying filters from CarQuest and you are advocating OEM filters? Seems like a do what I say and not as I do.

 

[RickB]

I am not trying to advocate one filter over the other and I wasnt saying the OEM's are shortcutting anything but also realize they are not buying the best either. They buy what will "meet" the standard and also meets their expense margins. Your statement of "always adequate" is very true, for most things I buy, I do not want "adequate" that is why I bought a JD for example.

Your point on flow restrictions is another very good point. In my example before, an OEM filter with less filter media will plug-up sooner and restrict flow putting the filter into by-pass distributing unfiltered oil. One good reason to change filters when the OEM recommends. The same can be true of after-market filters. Probably why you do not see many on here advocating Fram or Wal-Mart filters for example. (I can only speak to the top two filter manufacturers that have smaller micron ratings and better specs actually have higher flow rates than standard media but you will pay the price for them).

Ok I have to ask, you work at a NH dealership buying filters from CarQuest and you are advocating OEM filters? Seems like a do what I say and not as I do.

Typically we use OEM filters even on non-NH equipment. But in the case I mentioned, the tractor in question was fully equipped with NAPA filters which are made by WIX, as are Carquest. That speaks to the mindset of the tractor owner, whose wishes trump mine or yours. Additionally, I was in the position of needing those two filters that day, with the Deere dealer 25 miles away. Wix filters by Carquest fit the owner's servicing style and my time constraints. The same filters went back in as came out.

 

[kennyd]

In general, the "filter paks" JD sells are a good deal. Add up what they include separately and you will see it's cheaper to buy it.

 

[9973720wb19]

I'm one to stick with the factory filters. It's not like the price of the filters is excessively high...and, one doesn't need to change them too often, other then oil and that really depends on hours of operation.
I'd wager most of us change the filters annually, except for the hydraulic filter...which might be biannual.

what i do as well. also, i keep a running spreadsheet with all part numbers from the jd website. when it's time to order, i just email my spreadsheet to my dealer and pick up the parts in about 24 hrs.