Tractor Fuel Filter Cross-Reference Guide (Save 40-60%)

Replacing tractor fuel filters at the dealership often means paying OEM prices of $40–$85 per filter, even though the actual part is frequently built by the same manufacturers behind leading aftermarket brands. By learning how to use a tractor fuel filter cross reference, you can match OEM part numbers to Baldwin, Fleetguard, WIX, NAPA Gold, or Donaldson filters that deliver identical protection at a fraction of the cost. The result is dependable filtration for your diesel or gas tractor without overpaying for the logo on the box.

Most modern tractors use multi-stage fuel filtration with a primary filter to capture larger debris and water, and a secondary or final filter to protect sensitive injection components. When you cross-reference correctly, you are not downgrading quality—you are simply buying the same specification from a different label. The key is to match micron rating, flow capacity, thread size, gasket dimensions, and overall canister size so that the aftermarket filter functions exactly like the OEM version.

This guide walks through the core specifications that make filters interchangeable, then provides detailed cross-reference tables for Kubota, John Deere, New Holland, Mahindra, and Kioti tractors. You will see how common filters like Baldwin BF7633, Fleetguard FS19532, WIX 33358, and NAPA Gold 3358 cross to multiple OEM part numbers. For a detailed step-by-step replacement tutorial, see this guide on how to replace tractor fuel filters.

⚡ Quick Answer:

Tractor fuel filter cross reference helps identify compatible aftermarket replacements that match your OEM filter’s micron rating, flow capacity, thread size, and dimensions, allowing you to swap a $40–$85 dealer filter for a $12–$28 Baldwin, Fleetguard, WIX, NAPA Gold, or Donaldson filter without sacrificing engine protection.

Understanding Fuel Filter Specifications

Before using any kubota fuel filter cross reference or john deere fuel filter cross reference chart, it is essential to understand which specifications make a filter truly interchangeable. Matching only the thread size is not enough; you must confirm micron rating, flow capacity, physical dimensions, and sealing details to ensure the aftermarket tractor fuel filter protects your engine exactly as the OEM part does.

Micron Ratings: Primary vs Secondary

Fuel filter micron rating measures the size of particles the filter media is designed to capture. Primary filters on tractors typically fall in the 10–30 micron range, where they remove larger contaminants and free water before the fuel reaches the lift pump. Secondary or final filters usually operate at 2–5 microns, capturing the fine particles that can damage injectors and high-pressure fuel pumps.

Choosing a filter that is significantly coarser than the OEM specification can allow abrasive particles to pass through, shortening the life of injectors and scoring precision pump surfaces. On the other hand, going much finer than OEM may increase restriction and starve the engine of fuel under heavy load. The safest approach is to match the micron rating listed for the original part or have a parts specialist confirm the proper primary and secondary ratings for your model.

Physical Fit: Threads, Gaskets, and Height

Physical fit is just as important as filtration efficiency. Every spin-on fuel filter is defined by its thread size and pitch, gasket outer and inner diameter, gasket thickness, and overall canister height and diameter. Even a small mismatch in thread pitch can cause cross-threading, while an undersized gasket can lead to leaks or air intrusion under suction.

Professional-grade filters such as WIX 33358 and its twin, NAPA Gold 3358, publish detailed specifications including thread size, gasket dimensions, burst pressure, and beta ratios. That data makes it easy to compare an OEM filter to an aftermarket tractor fuel filter and confirm that the replacement will screw on, seal correctly, and clear nearby components and sheet metal.

Flow Rate Matching: Tractors vs Automotive

Tractor engines generally consume less fuel per hour than highway diesel engines, but they still require a filter with adequate flow capacity and low restriction. Compact and utility tractors typically operate in the 5–15 gallons per hour range, whereas automotive and on-road diesel filters are often designed around 20–40 gallons per hour at different operating pressures and duty cycles.

Using a random automotive filter with the same thread size might seem convenient, but it can change the pressure drop across the system, interfere with water separation, or fail early in high-vibration, off-road conditions. Tractor-specific filters are engineered for continuous vibration, higher contamination loads, and the presence of water, making them a better choice even when the flow requirements appear similar on paper.

Key Point:

A safe tractor fuel filter cross reference must match more than just the thread size—micron rating, flow capacity, gasket dimensions, and overall height all need to line up with the OEM part to ensure proper engine protection and leak-free operation.

When troubleshooting hard starting, power loss, or intermittent surging, filter restriction is often part of the story. Before replacing expensive injection components, it pays to rule out fuel filtration issues. For a deeper dive into how filter problems show up on Kubota machines, see this guide on diagnosing fuel filter problems.

Tractor Fuel Filter Cross-Reference Tables

The following tractor fuel filter cross reference tables list common OEM part numbers for Kubota, John Deere, New Holland, Mahindra, and Kioti tractors, along with proven aftermarket replacements from Baldwin, Fleetguard, WIX, NAPA Gold, and Donaldson. Always verify your model, engine family, and production year, as manufacturers sometimes change part numbers mid-series.

Kubota Fuel Filter Cross Reference

Kubota diesel engines commonly use two-stage filtration, with a coarser primary filter (typically 25–30 micron) and a fine secondary filter (around 5 micron). Replacing both filters together helps keep system restriction balanced and ensures consistent protection across the fuel system.

Kubota OEM Part #	Application	Baldwin	Fleetguard	WIX	NAPA Gold	Donaldson	Micron
HH150-32094	B-Series Secondary	BF7633	FS19532	33358	3358	P551329	5 micron
15231-43560	L-Series Primary	BF1272	FS1251	33304	3304	P553004	30 micron
15521-43560	M-Series Primary	BF1259	FS1240	33392	3392	P550372	25 micron
1J800-43170	L3901 / L4701	BF46031	FS53000	57243	N/A	P553004	30 micron

Pro Tip:

Always verify your tractor’s model year and engine variant before ordering filters. Manufacturers sometimes change housings, thread sizes, or micron ratings mid-series, so a quick check against the serial number and parts catalog can prevent ordering the wrong filter.

John Deere Fuel Filter Cross Reference

Many John Deere compact and utility tractors share Yanmar-based engines whose filtration needs closely match Kubota machines. That overlap allows owners to use the same Baldwin, Fleetguard, WIX, NAPA Gold, and Donaldson filters across several brands when the OEM part numbers align.

John Deere OEM #	Application	Baldwin	Fleetguard	WIX	NAPA Gold	Donaldson	Micron
RE522688	3-Series, 4-Series	BF7633	FS19532	33358	3358	P551329	5 micron
RE60021	5-Series Primary	BF1259	FS1240	33392	3392	P550372	25 micron
AR86745	Older 2-Series	BF586	FS1006	33166	3166	P550048	10 micron

New Holland Fuel Filter Cross Reference

New Holland compact tractors and small utility machines often use engines shared with construction and industrial equipment. As a result, many of their OEM fuel filters cross-reference directly to heavy-duty aftermarket filters from the same core manufacturers.

New Holland OEM #	Application	Baldwin	Fleetguard	WIX	NAPA Gold	Donaldson	Micron
84477363	Boomer 33/37/41	BF7633	FS19532	33358	3358	P551329	5 micron
87803444	Workmaster 40/50	BF1272	FS1251	33304	3304	P553004	30 micron

Mahindra Fuel Filter Cross Reference

Mahindra tractors rely on robust industrial diesel engines that pair well with heavy-duty aftermarket filtration. The part numbers below give you a head start when cross-referencing OEM Mahindra filters to more affordable yet equally capable alternatives.

Mahindra OEM #	Application	Baldwin	Fleetguard	WIX	NAPA Gold	Donaldson	Micron
006018565C1	1500/1600 Series	BF7633	FS19532	33358	3358	P551329	5 micron
005557645C1	2500/3500 Series	BF1272	FS1251	33304	3304	P553004	30 micron

Kioti Fuel Filter Cross Reference

Kioti CK and DK series tractors also rely on two-stage fuel filtration, typically combining a 30-micron primary filter with a 5-micron secondary filter. The part numbers below offer a convenient starting point for owners looking to switch from OEM-branded filters to high-quality aftermarket tractor fuel filter options.

Kioti OEM #	Application	Baldwin	Fleetguard	WIX	NAPA Gold	Donaldson	Micron
E6201-43170	CK35/CK40 Secondary	BF7633	FS19532	33358	3358	P551329	5 micron
T4010-43172	DK45/DK50 Primary	BF1272	FS1251	33304	3304	P553004	30 micron

For deeper Kubota coverage, including oil, hydraulic, and HST filters, you can review the full Kubota fuel filter interchange guide and master charts available there.

Aftermarket Filter Brand Comparison

With the tractor fuel filter cross reference tables in hand, the next decision is which aftermarket brand to trust. The good news is that all of the major players—Baldwin, Fleetguard, WIX, NAPA Gold, and Donaldson—build filters that meet or exceed OEM specifications and are tested under recognized ISO and SAE filtration standards.

Baldwin Filters

Baldwin is a long-established supplier for heavy equipment manufacturers, providing OEM and aftermarket filters for brands like Caterpillar, John Deere, and Case IH. Their products emphasize rugged metal housings, high burst pressures, and robust media that holds up to severe off-road conditions. The Baldwin BF7633 is a high-efficiency fuel filter originally targeted at Caterpillar platforms, but commonly used as a 5–10 micron secondary filter on tractors through cross-references.

Fleetguard (Cummins Filtration)

Fleetguard is the filtration arm of Cummins and supports a large range of on-road, off-road, and industrial diesel engines. Their filters often incorporate synthetic or blended media and advanced water separation designs. Fleetguard FS19532 is a widely used spin-on fuel/water separator that meets or exceeds OEM specs and is a common choice for tractors with Cummins power or platforms derived from Cummins-equipped machines.

WIX Filters

WIX, part of Mann+Hummel, is known for robust filters and extremely detailed published spec sheets. Filters like WIX 33358 combine enhanced cellulose media with solid burst strength and a 10-micron nominal rating appropriate for many primary and secondary tractor fuel applications. Their heavy-duty focus and broad coverage make WIX a go-to choice when cross-referencing obscure OEM numbers.

NAPA Gold

NAPA Gold filters are built by WIX and share the same internal construction, media, and quality standards. The only real differences are branding and part numbers. For example, WIX 33358 corresponds directly to NAPA Gold 3358. Because NAPA stores are widespread, this line is especially convenient for tractor owners who prefer to buy filters locally.

Donaldson

Donaldson is a major OEM supplier for agricultural and construction equipment manufacturers, including Kubota, New Holland, and Mahindra. Their filters are engineered for high dust loads and severe duty cycles, often incorporating advanced synthetic media and excellent water separation. A common example in cross-reference charts is Donaldson P551329, which appears frequently alongside Baldwin BF7633, Fleetguard FS19532, and WIX 33358.

For light to moderate property maintenance—mowing, loader work, and snow removal—WIX and NAPA Gold typically offer the best value, balancing price, performance, and availability. For heavy commercial use or long service intervals, many owners step up to Baldwin or Donaldson to take advantage of their heavy-duty media and construction.

Professional Fuel Filter Installation Guide

Choosing the right aftermarket tractor fuel filter is only half the battle; proper installation is critical to avoid leaks, air intrusion, and premature wear. The following step-by-step procedure applies broadly to most compact and utility tractors—always cross-check with your brand’s service manual for model-specific details.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

Gather the following tools and supplies before starting the job:

A quality fuel filter wrench set to loosen stubborn spin-on filters without crushing the housing.
Drain pan large enough to catch spilled diesel.
Clean, lint-free shop towels.
A trusted diesel fuel additive to disperse water and clean injectors.
Your tractor’s service manual, such as a Kubota service manual, for torque specs and bleeding procedures.

Step 1: Preparation

Park the tractor on level ground, lower any implements, set the parking brake, and shut off the engine. Allow the engine to cool completely. Close any fuel shutoff valves if equipped. Use compressed air or a brush and clean rag to remove dirt and debris from around the filter housing, fuel lines, and water separator bowl. The cleaner this area is, the less chance of contamination entering the system once the filter is removed.

Step 2: Removing the Old Filter

Position your drain pan under the filter or separator bowl. Use the appropriate band or cup from your fuel filter wrench set to loosen the filter by turning it counterclockwise. Once loose, spin it off by hand, keeping it upright to avoid spilling contaminated fuel on hoses and electrical components. If your system has a clear separator bowl attached, carefully remove and set it aside for cleaning.

Inspect the old filter for metallic particles, heavy sludge, or excessive water. Finding shiny metal particles may point to injection pump or injector wear, while a large amount of water indicates moisture management issues in the tank or from your fuel source.

Step 3: Prepping the New Filter

Confirm that the old gasket did not remain stuck to the filter head; a double gasket will cause a leak as soon as the system is pressurized. Verify the new filter’s part number against your tractor fuel filter cross reference and the old filter you removed. When possible, pre-fill spin-on filters with clean diesel fuel to reduce the amount of cranking required to purge air after installation.

Lightly coat the new filter’s gasket with clean diesel fuel. This helps the gasket seat smoothly and prevents it from binding or tearing as you tighten the filter. Avoid using engine oil or other lubricants that might not be compatible with fuel-system elastomers.

Warning:

Over-tightening a spin-on fuel filter can crush the gasket, deform the filter base, and make removal extremely difficult at the next service. After the gasket contacts the base, tighten only the additional amount specified on the canister (usually 3/4–1 turn by hand).

Step 4: Installing the New Filter

Thread the new filter onto the mount by hand, making sure it spins freely for several turns. Once you feel the gasket touch the sealing surface, tighten the filter according to the instructions printed on the canister—typically another three-quarters of a turn. Do not use a wrench for final tightening unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer.

If your tractor uses a removable water separator bowl, clean it with clean diesel fuel, reinstall any O-rings or seals, and reattach it to the new filter, tightening only enough to stop leaks. Reconnect any water-in-fuel sensors and verify that their wiring is properly routed and protected.

Step 5: Bleeding the Fuel System

Many modern tractors are self-bleeding and will purge air automatically after a short period of cranking and idling. For systems requiring manual bleeding, crack the bleed screw or banjo fitting at the outlet of the filter or at the injection pump inlet. Use the hand primer or crank the engine in short bursts until a steady stream of fuel without bubbles flows from the bleeder, then tighten it to the specified torque.

If the engine starts and then stalls, additional air may be trapped downstream. Follow your service manual for the proper bleeding sequence, working from the filter toward the injection pump.

Step 6: Final Checks and Service Intervals

Start the engine and let it idle while you inspect the filter base, gasket, and fittings for leaks. Increase engine speed to around 1,500 RPM and recheck. After a short test drive or work session, perform one more visual inspection to confirm everything remains dry.

Most manufacturers recommend replacing primary filters every 200–400 hours and secondary filters every 400–600 hours, or at least annually. In dusty or high-moisture environments, consider cutting these intervals in half. For model-specific guidance, refer to resources such as the official Kubota maintenance schedule or equivalent documentation for your brand.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will aftermarket fuel filters void my tractor warranty?

In most regions, manufacturers cannot void your warranty solely because you use aftermarket parts instead of OEM-branded components, as long as the replacements meet or exceed the original specifications. The key is to choose reputable brands and verify that the micron rating, flow capacity, and physical dimensions match the OEM filter. Keeping receipts and recording part numbers in your maintenance log provides proof that you used suitable filters if a warranty claim arises.

2. Can I use automotive diesel fuel filters on my tractor?

It is not recommended to use generic automotive diesel filters on tractors, even when they share the same thread size. Automotive filters are designed for highway duty cycles, higher fuel flow, and different vibration profiles. Tractor filters, by contrast, are built for lower flow rates, constant vibration, and higher contamination loads, often with integrated water separation. Using an application-specific filter from a tractor fuel filter cross reference chart is the safer choice.

3. How do I know if my fuel filter is clogged?

Common signs of a restricted fuel filter include hard starting, particularly in cold weather; noticeable power loss when climbing hills or using the loader; engine surging or hesitation; and excessive black smoke that is not explained by heavy load. On some tractors, a clogged filter may also trigger a low fuel pressure warning or cause rail pressure to drop. If you see these symptoms and are near or past your service interval, replace the filter before chasing more complex issues.

4. What is the difference between primary and secondary fuel filters?

Primary fuel filters, usually 10–30 micron, sit upstream and are designed to capture larger contaminants and free water, protecting the lift pump and reducing the load on finer filters. Secondary or final filters, typically 2–5 micron, are located closer to the injection pump or common-rail system and capture small particles that could damage injectors. Most modern tractors use both in series to provide layered protection against wear and blockage.

5. Should I replace both primary and secondary filters at the same time?

Yes, if your tractor uses a two-stage system, it is best practice to replace both filters together. Leaving one old filter in place can increase overall restriction and make the system more prone to starvation under heavy load. The cost of an extra filter is small compared with the price of injectors or a high-pressure pump, especially when you are using cost-effective aftermarket filters identified in a kubota fuel filter cross reference or similar chart.

6. Can I clean and reuse fuel filters?

No. Spin-on and cartridge fuel filters are designed as disposable components, and their internal media cannot be effectively cleaned without damaging the fibers or opening larger flow paths. Attempts to blow out, wash, or flush a filter usually leave embedded particles behind and can reduce its ability to capture fine contaminants. Considering that a quality filter often costs less than $30, replacement is far cheaper than repairing damage caused by contaminated fuel.

7. What causes water in diesel fuel filters?

Water enters diesel systems primarily through condensation in fuel tanks, poor storage practices, or contaminated fuel from suppliers. Temperature swings cause moisture in the air above the fuel to condense on tank walls, eventually running down into the fuel. Damaged or missing fuel caps also allow rain and humidity inside. Over time, this water accumulates in filters and separator bowls, where it must be drained regularly to prevent corrosion and microbial growth.

8. Are WIX and NAPA Gold filters identical?

Yes. NAPA Gold filters are manufactured by WIX (Mann+Hummel) and share the same internal design, media, and quality control. The primary differences are branding and paint. For example, WIX 33358 and NAPA Gold 3358 are effectively the same filter in different boxes, allowing you to choose based on cost and local availability.

Conclusion: Save Money Without Sacrificing Protection

Using a tractor fuel filter cross reference is one of the simplest ways to cut maintenance costs while maintaining OEM-level fuel system protection. By matching micron rating, flow capacity, and physical dimensions, you can confidently substitute aftermarket filters that perform just as well as dealer-branded parts—often at 40–60% lower cost.

For most compact and utility tractors, the best value comes from filters like WIX 33358 and NAPA Gold 3358, which combine solid construction, robust media, and widespread availability. For heavy-duty use or extended service intervals, upgrading to Baldwin BF7633 or Donaldson P551329 offers additional margin in high-stress environments. Owners of tractors with Cummins or Cummins-derived platforms should consider Fleetguard FS19532 for OEM-equivalent performance.

Stocking a small inventory of cross-referenced filters on your shelf ensures you can perform maintenance on schedule and avoid downtime during critical work periods. Pair those filters with tools like a quality fuel filter wrench set and a proven diesel fuel additive to keep your fuel system clean, dry, and reliable for the long haul.

If you want to go deeper into maintenance planning and other service items, explore these related guides: a comprehensive Kubota filter cross-reference master chart, a practical tractor oil change guide, and the complete Kubota maintenance guide that ties your filter choices into a full service strategy.

For comprehensive tractor maintenance guides, parts cross-references, and troubleshooting resources covering all compact tractor systems, visit the Tractor Parts Central homepage.