Is there an upgrade for the (ZD, BX, RTV, Etc)12581-43012 fuel filter?

[leibuys]

I wanted to see if anyone knows of an inline upgraded fuel filter that replaces Kubota's 12581-43012 fuel filter. This filter is used in many applications (listed below). I feel these filters are lacking the ability to strip any moisture from the fuel and filter adequately in poor conditions. I have a ZD 28 that has two of these in line and they are sub par at best. It seems as if Kubota doesn't have very strict fuel filtration requirements when compared to CAT, Cummins, and other diesel engine manufacturers. I know filtration is more stringent for common-rail engines but I would like to omit that from this discussion.

If anyone knows of an inexpensive replacement, preferably with a moisture drain would be very helpful.

I am also interested in the following:

What is the micron rating or filtration rating for the 12581-43012?

Is the 12581-43012 also rated for gasoline?

Thanks in advance if you can provide any info...

-leibuys

12581-43012 Fitments

Kubota - Lawn Mower Parts: F2260 , F2560 (4WD), F2560E (2WD), F2680E (2WD/ 2008), F2690 , F2690E , F2880-F (4WD), F2880E-F (2WD/ 2006-2007), F3060 , F3080 , F3680 , G1700 , G1800 (SN 20001-49999), G1800-S (SN 50001>), G1900 (SN 2001-49999), G1900-S (SN 50001>), G2160 , G2160-DS , G2160AU , G2460G , GF1800 (4WD), GF1800E (2WD), GR2100 , GR2110 , GR2120 , GR2120-2 , GR2120B , GR2120B-2 , T1600H , TG1860 (Diesel), ZD1011 , ZD1021 , ZD1211 , ZD1211L , ZD1211R , ZD1211RL , ZD1511LF , ZD1511RL , ZD1511RLF , ZD18 , ZD18F , ZD21 , ZD21F , ZD221 , ZD25F , ZD28 , ZD28F , ZD321 , ZD321N , ZD323 , ZD326P , ZD326RP , ZD326S , ZD331LP , ZD331P , ZD331RP , ZG222 , ZG222S , ZG227 , ZG227L , ZG327P , ZG327RP , ZG332LP , ZG332P
Kubota - Tractor Parts: 440-4wd (24.8 HP Kubota Diesel / 32.5 HP Kubota Gas), BS1830D , BS1850D , BS1860 , BX1500D , BX1800D , BX1870 , BX1870-1 , BX1880 , BX2200D , BX2230D , BX22D , BX2350D , BX2360 , BX2370 , BX2370-1 , BX2380 , BX23D , BX23S , BX24D , BX25 , BX25DLB , BX25DLB-1 , BX2660D , BX2670 , BX2670-1
Kubota - Utility Vehicle Parts: RTV1100CR (Recreational Model/ 2007-Early 2009), RTV1100CR9 (Recreational Model/ Mid 2009-Early 2011), RTV1100CRX (Recreational Model with Sliding Window), RTV1100CW (Worksite Model/ 2007- Early 2009), RTV1100CW9 (Worksite Model/ Mid 2009-Early 2011), RTV1100CWX (Worksite Model with Sliding Window), RTV1140CPX (Orange Model), RTV1140CPXR (Realtree Hardwoods Camo Model), RTV900G (General Purpose/ Model 2004-2005), RTV900G6 (General Purpose Model 2006-Early 2009), RTV900GP (General Purpose Model Mid 2009-Early 2011), RTV900R6 (Worksite Realtree Hardwoods Camo Model 2006-Early 2009), RTV900R9 (Worksite Realtree Hardwoods Camo Model Mid 2009-Early 2011), RTV900T (Turf Utility Model 2004), RTV900T6 (Turf Utility Model w/Remote Hydraulics 2006-Early 2009), RTV900TP (Turf Utility Model w/ Remote Hydraulics Mid 2009-Early 2011), RTV900W (Worksite Model 2004-2005), RTV900W6 (Worksite Model 2006-Early 2009), RTV900W6SE (Worksite Model 2007/Special Edition), RTV900W8SE (Worksite Model 2008/Special Edition), RTV900W9 (Worksite Model Mid 2009-Early 2011), RTV900W9SE (Worksite Model Mid 2009-Early 2011/Special Edition), RTV900XTG (General Purpose Model), RTV900XTR (Worksite Realtree Model)

Replaces Kubota part number: 12581-43012, 12581-43010, 12691-43010, 13301-43010, 13351-43010
12581-43012 Fuel Filter Fits Kubota

 

[mattwithcats]

Either a Parker Racor or Goldenrod fuel filter should fit the bill...

https://www.dultmeier.com/manufacturers/goldenrod-fuel-filters.php

Note that they come as canisters, or clear bowls...

They also come as just filters, or filter with water absorption...

 

[mattwithcats]

https://youtu.be/mqs-BmPqyJM

 

[lugbolt]

yeah that filter is not a water separator or a water filter; although many many RTV's (among other equipment) seem to have more water in the tanks and lines than fuel--and most of them still run. Weird but whatever. Ideally need a water separator on your fuel source to get most of it out before it even gets to the RTV/ZD/BX,etc. It's kinda important. VERY important on common rail engines. Some moisture is suspended in the fuel but that moisture-in common rail injection engines-will destroy pumps and especially injectors; neither of which is cheap and neither of which is covered by warranty (usually).

 

[AllDodge]

Kubota puzzles me also with the filter on my RTV. Don't know the specs but my guess is it would be easy enough to place a water separator in its place. Fuel usage is not that high (1/4 inch line) and a 10 micron would be good

 

[Bulldog]

You should look at a Dahl filter. Baldwin sells them now and they are amazing. I use one on my L3000 as a primary with a 2 micron element. Can be used on diesel or gas and is also a water separator and rated for up to 90hp. It's so efficient that I normally don't change my factory filter every 2 or 3 years and only do it then because I feel guilty not because it's dirty.

 

[i7win7]

I have given some thought to replacing the underneath filter with what the "B" series uses. Would need extra hoses and a place on the frame to mount it.

 

[leibuys]

Either a Parker Racor or Goldenrod fuel filter should fit the bill...

https://www.dultmeier.com/manufacturers/goldenrod-fuel-filters.php

Note that they come as canisters, or clear bowls...

They also come as just filters, or filter with water absorption...

I have a goldenrod filter on a fuel transfer pump. Looking at the catalog shows that inlet outlet sized range from 3/4" through 1 1/2" for stationary applications... The title filters of this post have a ~5/16" hose size...

 

[leibuys]

I have given some thought to replacing the underneath filter with what the "B" series uses. Would need extra hoses and a place on the frame to mount it.

What is the model, spec, for the B series filter you mention?

 

[leibuys]

You should look at a Dahl filter. Baldwin sells them now and they are amazing. I use one on my L3000 as a primary with a 2 micron element. Can be used on diesel or gas and is also a water separator and rated for up to 90hp. It's so efficient that I normally don't change my factory filter every 2 or 3 years and only do it then because I feel guilty not because it's dirty.

This one is interesting, just about double the size that i was looking for. I see these are well over $100 and they come fitted with a 30micron element. I don't see any listings for the 2 micron element. Can you share the part number. Thank you for the info on this

 

[leibuys]

You should look at a Dahl filter. Baldwin sells them now and they are amazing. I use one on my L3000 as a primary with a 2 micron element. Can be used on diesel or gas and is also a water separator and rated for up to 90hp. It's so efficient that I normally don't change my factory filter every 2 or 3 years and only do it then because I feel guilty not because it's dirty.

I found a link for this that lists the elements. I see they make 3 different elements. I like this filter and baldwin is top of the range. https://www.parker.com/parkerimages..._75_Series_Fuel:Water_Separators_Form4060.pdf

 

[i7win7]

What is the model, spec, for the B series filter you mention?

The B2650, when you buy a replacement filter you get the paper element. Should be able to buy/order complete assembly. I think there is enough room to add a water drain in the bottom.

 

[William1]

Paul Short did a stellar upgrade for the BX, unfortunately, he was not willing to produce kits for those of us (me anyway) incapable of serious part creation. Only so much I can do with a rusty file and bent screwdriver.

 

[leibuys]

The B2650, when you buy a replacement filter you get the paper element. Should be able to buy/order complete assembly. I think there is enough room to add a water drain in the bottom.

Thanks for the photo, I haven't seen one of these before. Is that the return fuel line from the injectors going into the top of the housing?

 

[AllDodge]

I like the see thru ones but being down low and unprotected think I would want a aluminum or steel casing.

 

[Bulldog]

I found a link for this that lists the elements. I see they make 3 different elements. I like this filter and baldwin is top of the range. https://www.parker.com/parkerimages..._75_Series_Fuel:Water_Separators_Form4060.pdf

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. We had major floods and some wind damage so I've been busy fixing fence and tree cutting. Haven't even started road repair yet.

The 2 micron element you found is the one I use. They used to suggest using the 10 micron during the winter but I've never had any trouble with the 2 and use mine every day during the winter feeding cows. When I bought mine years ago Amsoil sold them and advertised when using the 2 micron element nothing would go thru it big enough to cause damage and it would eliminate all fuel related wear to the injector pump or injectors. I've had mine on my L nearly since it was new (almost 20 years) and have never had any fuel related issues. I plumbed it in as a primary filter and when I do decide to change the factory filter nothing is in it but clean fuel.

If you have room to mount one you'll be very pleased with its performance.

 

[i7win7]

Thanks for the photo, I haven't seen one of these before. Is that the return fuel line from the injectors going into the top of the housing?

don't know, the BX filters only have in&out connections i would just cap it off.

 

[BXHoosier]

Thanks for the photo, I haven't seen one of these before. Is that the return fuel line from the injectors going into the top of the housing?

It is most likely a vent line.

I upgraded my BX primary filter to the larger filter setup that Paul Short used on his BX. I believe it is made for the Kubota Grand L series. It had a nipple on the top for a vent line. I removed the nipple and tapped the hole for a plug. The plug is used as a bleeder to get the air out of the housing after a filter change.

 

[Wildfire]

Paul Short did a stellar upgrade for the BX, unfortunately, he was not willing to produce kits for those of us (me anyway) incapable of serious part creation. Only so much I can do with a rusty file and bent screwdriver.

The only reason I never produced the kit was because of all the technical instructions I would have to provide everyone that purchased it and I simply don’t have the time with everything else I design and build for Kubota’s. With over 120 plus mods we produce right now and more coming we just have to decide what’s best for us.

 

[Bulldog]

Wildfire, I thought you were snowed in or something. Haven't heard a peep out of you in a while. Hope you and your family are safe and doing well.