Tractor Fluids/Filters, OEM or equivalent

[J&D Cattle]

I just bought a newer tractor that I plan on keeping for many years. Do the majority of you use a spec approved equivalent or do you elect to buy the OEM fluids and filters?

I have always used equivalent fluids and filters that meet manufacturer's specs on the older equipment I've used with success but am undecided on what to do with my new to me one. I don't mind paying the OEM price if the benefit of longevity and fewer repairs is there. Of course the dealer touts their name brand products but real world experience means more to me. Thanks

 

[skyhightree1]

J&D for me I buy about 100% of my stuff from the JD or Case dealer that I have acct's with I get excellent prices because I buy in bulk and buy so many replacement parts and other bs from them. The pricing I get from those dealers is almost same as aftermarket parts. Now my ford/newholland tractors stuff I buy it aftermarket cause its cheaper as I don't do enough business with the new holland dealer to get big discounts. I do make sure everything meets the specs of the manufacturer though. I just bought a voltage regulator for my 4020 and paid 68.00 from the dealer for it where everyone else wanted atleast 97.00.

 

[denvermartinfarms]

I am about like skyhigh, on my tractors I by all oem filters and some of the oils. And on our construction equipment we buy all filters and oil oem, and it is all cheaper than what you get from a parts store.

 

[denvermartinfarms]

J&d, you said somewhere what tractor you bought, but I forgot what it was?

 

[highgrit]

You guys must get way better prices than I get. I deal with our local NAPA store, way better prices on oil and fuel filters. Wish I could buy all my stuff there. We are blessed when it comes to our local NAPA store, the best service anywhere that I have been. Just bought a hand priming pump for a Deere, $70.00 dollars for a little piece of plastic and some rubber, needed some Vaseline.

 

[denvermartinfarms]

I don't know, I haven't dealt with much jd ag stuff in a little while, but for Kubota and stuff I buy at Our NH dealer I get a good price. And the one that surprises most people is we can buy caterpillar oil and filters cheaper than others, and at least the cat filters are supposed to be better than a wix or some of the others.

 

[skyhightree1]

I do alot of business with case and JD here ... They both are trying to fully convert me over to there brand case has brought out a sprayer for me to try out during the spraying season last year I John deere is supposed to do the same this year. I spend way more $$ with JD than case if I say case is gonna give me a better deal on something JD will drop pricing and do what they can to keep me aboard I have no intention on going strictly to case unless jd does something really stupid.

 

[circlew]

As long as the tractor is under warranty I would run the oem filters & fluids. That way if something tears up they can't say you didn't use what we told you. But that's just my :2cents:

 

[skyhightree1]

As long as the tractor is under warranty I would run the oem filters & fluids. That way if something tears up they can't say you didn't use what we told you. But that's just my :2cents:

Excellent point - I changed the air filter on my motorcycle and when i got my first service they said that would void warranty if i didnt change it back so i played there game every time it was serviced i put factory filter in then after service took it out. truly excellent point circlew

 

[tom4018]

On my Kubota there is not a lot of difference in Wix filters to OEM in price. I have stuck with OEM filters and fluids. Some filters are cheap, is your equipment worth cheap stuff? Oils that meet spec should be ok, I personally don't use the cheap stuff. Ran OEM in this one since new. Some oils meet such a broad range of specs that makes me wonder how they meet so many different ones. I turn wrenches for a living and really believe in running quality oils.

 

[John SD]

I try to buy where I think I can get the best price, whether it's the dealer, farm store, or auto parts jobber. Keeping aware of spring and seasonal sales helps.

All my stuff is old and well used. As a couple posts here mentioned, I might be more likely to stick with OEM parts if I had a new machine under warranty.

I kinda favor the local Pronto jobber. Nice young man runs the parts store and repair shop. He gives good service, fair prices, and is very helpful even with oddball stuff.

Just last week he ordered in some new Monroe gas shocks and strut cartridges outside of his normal channels for my 1979 Ford Fairmont. Kinda hard to find.

Charged 2 hrs labor @$45/hr to change the shocks + oil change/lube. His Pronto 10W-30 oil cost less in quarts than the local Cenex bulk oil.

Next week I'm taking my '82 pickup in for new driver's door hinge pins and bushings. Dang door drops an inch whenever I open it. :roll:

 

[Richardin52]

I was just changing the hydrolic fluid in one of my tractors and was told to stay away from TSC oil. They said people have been having trouble with it. Anybody hear anything?

I use syn. Rotila T in my tractors local parts store sells it for forty two dollars/ gal. Walmart sells it for twenty four/ gal.

 

[John SD]

I was just changing the hydrolic fluid in one of my tractors and was told to stay away from TSC oil. They said people have been having trouble with it. Anybody hear anything?

I use syn. Rotila T in my tractors local parts store sells it for forty two dollars/ gal. Walmart sells it for twenty four/ gal.

IMO, TSC Traveller oil, Harvest King, SuperTech, etc and even some name brand oils probably all come from the same spigot such as Warren Petroleum Products. (WPP) Just a different label on the bucket or jug.

I currently have the 5W40 Rotella synthetic in my Fords. Have to admit I haven't noticed much difference between the 5W40 and dino 10W30 as far as winter use.

Haven't put many hours on the tractors. The oil has been in there going on 2 years and still looks clean on the dipstick. Most diesels turn any oil black right away, but the Ford 401 doesn't.

 

[J&D Cattle]

J&d, you said somewhere what tractor you bought, but I forgot what it was?

John Deere 5310. 64 HP but I'll only be mowing and moving hay around. Serial # shows it to be a 2000 and it only has 270 hours. From 2006 according to service records it has only had 70 hours put on it.

Thank you to all for the replies and information.

 

[denvermartinfarms]

That should be a good rig for you. I had a friend that had a 2wd 5310 for his only tractor, he pulled a 10ft brushog on some pretty good hills, and a 4x5 baler.

 

[kerley]

As long as the tractor is under warranty I would run the oem filters & fluids. That way if something tears up they can't say you didn't use what we told you. But that's just my :2cents:

Thats my policy aswell.

 

[Hondac]

As long as the tractor is under warranty I would run the oem filters & fluids. That way if something tears up they can't say you didn't use what we told you. But that's just my :2cents:

Excellent point - I changed the air filter on my motorcycle and when i got my first service they said that would void warranty if i didnt change it back so i played there game every time it was serviced i put factory filter in then after service took it out. truly excellent point circlew

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer MAY NOT require the use of any brand of filter (or any other article) unless the manufacturer provides the item FREE OF CHARGE under the terms of the warranty.
That is the law, but it doesn't prevent hassle over a warranty claim.