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Purchasing & Logistics
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Cross Reference Disclaimer |
Validity of Cross ReferencesCrossing one brand of parts to another is never an exact science. All published cross reference guides admit as much in their disclaimers. We do the same here. Cross references should always be taken as a hint, and not the absolute truth. You should always verify that the part in question will work for your particular application before installing it. Our crosses are the best information we have available at the time, and in most cases will point you in the right direction - but you should still double check. There are many inaccurate or indirect crosses published by nearly every source. Unusual CircumstancesWith regard to filters, it often happens that a manufacturer will look at the original equipment filter, and cross it to the closest thing they have that will work. Sometimes this means, e.g. that if you start out with a hydraulic filter with synthetic media, some filter manufacturers will try to cross it to their cellulose media version - if they don't make a synthetic version. Or, it may be that they DO make a synthetic version, but just plain get the cross reference wrong. This happens more often than you think, so you should always look at possible differences in media - particularly when there is a large price difference. MisinformationAlmost every manufacturer of equipment, and in select cases, manufacturers of filters normally used on specific brands of engines or equipment will try to tell you that you MUST use their brand or risk voiding your warranty. This happens regularly with regard to filters. The truth is that reputable filter manufacturers offer their own guarantee that their product will meet or exceed the OE spec. So, for example, there is no inherent penalty for using a Donaldson lube filter on a Cummins engine - warranty or no warranty. Donaldson will make good if they sell you a faulty filter that leads to failure.Every OEM wants you to come back to them for parts - they want the sales. Many of them are perfectly willing to charge you higher prices for the original parts as well, and if they can get you to buy into the warranty notion, and be suspicious of aftermarket brands, you will allow them to justify charging you whatever they like. The truth is the aftermarket part (especially filters) may actually BE the OE part - depending on the application. We've seen OE dealers charge as much as ten times the aftermarket price for the same part in the same box from the same manufacturer.
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Purchasing & Logistics