Fuel filter replacement frequency question

[Henro]

One time when my B2910 was very new I got some bad fuel and had to change the fuel filter to get the tractor running right again.

It is going on 18 years since I did that.

My BX2200 will soon be 17 years Old, and I never changed the fuel filter(s). No issues.

Both tractors run fine. I get my fuel from a dependable place, and use on road fuel simply because it is close by, and cheaper than the time and fuel cost it takes to run a distance to get off road that I can trust.

Seems like a lot of guys here change fuel filters regularly, needed or not.

Question is: How big a mistake am I making?

Edit: Thought I would add that the B2910 has over 1800 hours on it now...probably 1750 on the fuel filter...

 

[ctfjr]

Since I have put <50 hours / year on my tractors I just made it a point to change the fuel filter every two years. I usually burn #2 home heating oil so its harder to see crud on the element (red dye). If nothing else it gives me something to do and talk to my non tractor owning friends about

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Just did the 2 fuel fitlers on my BX23s at 410hrs. A true PITFA !! 6 HOURSof torture.... WHAt where 'they' thinking when 'they' designed' this tractor ? Obviously 'they' never ever changed them, especially in cold,windy Canada winter, eh !!!

 

[orange crusher]

500 hours and 3 years old, I just changed the top filter on my 2680. Original bottom filter still in place and running just fine. Took me about 5 minutes to change the top filter. Greensvillejay is right, the design of the fuel system is another F#$%^p on Kubota's part.

 

[armylifer]

I have more than 1300 hours on my BX1860. I change the filters only if the tractor exhibits running problems. Why try fixing a problem that does not yet exist?

 

[GeoHorn]

Not the same model tractor of course.... but the manual for my M4700 only instructs to “clean the filter” in kerosene every 100 hours. Although the mx schedule has it replaced every 400 hours... I cannot justify changing a mechanically sound and clean filter simply because the calendar changes.

 

[Bulldog]

I change mine every spring when I service them for the year. I don't want to be 20 miles from home in the field and have a filter shut me down.

 

[RCW]

I’ve changed my BX filters once in 400 hours, maybe 100 hours ago. I honestly don’t know what the prescribed interval is for my tractor.

No issues, but I consider it a normal preventive maintenance item like any other filter.

I do think an aftermarket filter placement is in my future if I keep the BX tractor. I didn’t have problems changing filters, but I did get a diesel bath and I don’t think the first filter is convenient.

 

[Bulldog]

RCW, don't know if you have a place to mount one or not but Baldwin sells the Dahl filters. I have one one my L3000 that's pretty small but it's rated for up to 90 hp. I run the 2 micron element and it's also a water seperator. I use it for my primary and honestly I can't even remember the last time I had to change my factory filter.

 

[RCW]

RCW, don't know if you have a place to mount one or not but Baldwin sells the Dahl filters. I have one one my L3000 that's pretty small but it's rated for up to 90 hp. I run the 2 micron element and it's also a water seperator. I use it for my primary and honestly I can't even remember the last time I had to change my factory filter.

Bulldog - several have done the relocation on BX series machines. Hokie is one that comes to mind, but there’s several others also. I will certainly keep this one in mind. Thanks.