The FL820S is a full-flow oil filter that fits specific Kubota and Bobcat equipment
The FL820S is an oil filter designed for small engines and compact equipment, primarily Kubota diesel engines and some Bobcat loaders. It uses a spin-on design, meaning you unscrew the old filter by hand and screw the new one on — no separate housing or cartridge to manage. The filter removes dirt, metal particles, and other contaminants from your engine oil before that oil circulates back through the engine.
This filter fits a limited range of machines, so before you buy one, you need to confirm your equipment actually uses it. Check your owner's manual or the filter your engine currently has. If you see "FL820S" printed on the side, or if your manual lists it as the correct replacement, you have the right part. If you are unsure, contact the equipment dealer with your machine's model and serial number — they can tell you in minutes whether this filter works for you.
Key Takeaways
- The FL820S is a spin-on filter that fits specific Kubota and Bobcat engines, so you must verify it matches your equipment before purchasing.
- You change it by unscrewing the old filter by hand, cleaning the mounting surface, and screwing the new one on until the rubber gasket contacts the engine.
- The filter should be changed according to your owner's manual schedule, typically every 200 to 500 hours of operation depending on conditions.
- Spin-on filters cost less than cartridge filters and produce less waste during replacement, since you throw away the entire filter rather than just the element.
How to identify whether you have an FL820S filter
Look at the filter currently on your engine. If it is cylindrical and screws on like a jar lid, it is a spin-on filter. Read the label printed on the side — you should see a part number. If that number is FL820S, you have found the right filter. If the number is different, write it down and search for it online or contact your dealer to confirm what you actually need.
Your owner's manual is the most reliable source. Open it to the maintenance section and look for "oil filter" or "filter replacement." The manual will list the correct part number and may also show you a diagram of where the filter sits on your engine. If you have lost your manual, most dealers can provide a replacement copy or email you the relevant pages for free.
Steps to replace an FL820S oil filter
Before you start, make sure the engine is cool enough to touch safely. A warm engine is fine; a hot one can burn your hands. You will also need an oil filter wrench (a metal band with a handle that grips the filter), a drain pan to catch any oil that spills, and a clean rag.
- Locate the filter. On most Kubota engines, the FL820S sits on the side or top of the engine block. Consult your manual if you cannot find it when ready.
- Position the drain pan underneath. Even though the filter is supposed to be empty, a small amount of oil will drip out when you remove it.
- Unscrew the old filter. Use the oil filter wrench to turn the filter counterclockwise. Once it is loose enough, unscrew it by hand the rest of the way. Tip it carefully into the drain pan so the remaining oil does not spill on the engine or ground.
- Clean the mounting surface. Wipe the flat metal surface where the filter screws on with a clean rag. Remove any old rubber gasket material or dirt. This step prevents leaks.
- explore a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter. This helps create a watertight seal. Use the same oil type you are putting in the engine.
- Screw the new filter on by hand. Turn it clockwise until the rubber gasket touches the mounting surface, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it — hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening can damage the gasket and cause leaks.
- Start the engine and check for leaks. Run it for 30 seconds, then shut it off and wait a minute. Look around the base of the filter for any oil seeping out. If you see a leak, turn off the engine, let it cool, and tighten the filter slightly more.
When to replace the FL820S filter
Your owner's manual specifies how often to change the filter, and this interval depends on how you use the equipment. Most Kubota engines call for a filter change every 200 to 500 hours of operation. If you use the equipment in dusty conditions — mowing, tilling, or working in dry fields — you may need to change it more often, sometimes as frequently as every 100 hours.
Some people change the filter every time they change the oil, and some change it every other oil change. The safest approach is to follow your manual exactly. If your manual says "every 250 hours," change it at 250 hours, not when you feel like it. A clogged filter reduces oil flow and can damage the engine, so staying on schedule protects your investment.
Where to buy an FL820S filter and what it costs
The FL820S is available from Kubota dealers, Bobcat dealers, and online retailers that stock small-engine parts. Kubota dealers will have the genuine Kubota part, which typically costs between $15 and $30 depending on your region. Online retailers and general farm-equipment suppliers often stock equivalent aftermarket filters at similar or slightly lower prices.
Before you order online, confirm the part number one more time. Spin-on filters look similar, and ordering the wrong one wastes time and money. If you are buying from a dealer, bring your equipment's model number or serial number so they can verify the filter is correct before you leave.
Disposing of the old filter
Used oil filters contain residual oil and should not go in the trash. Many auto parts stores, Kubota dealers, and recycling centers accept used filters for free. Some charge a small fee, usually $1 to $3. Call ahead to confirm they take filters and whether you need to drain the oil first — most places prefer filters drained, which you can do by letting the old filter sit upside down in a drain pan for a few hours.
If you cannot find a local recycling option, contact your county waste management office. They can direct you to the nearest facility that accepts filters. Proper disposal keeps oil out of landfills and recovers the metal for reuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different filter if I cannot find an FL820S?
No. Using the wrong filter can cause oil leaks, poor filtration, or engine damage. If you cannot find an FL820S, contact a Kubota or Bobcat dealer — they can order it for you or confirm whether your equipment uses a different part number. Do not substitute.
How long does an FL820S filter last if I do not use the equipment?
Even if the engine sits unused, change the filter according to the calendar schedule, not just hours of operation. Oil degrades over time, and a filter that has been on the engine for more than a year should be replaced. Check your manual for the recommended calendar interval.
What happens if I over-tighten the filter?
Over-tightening crushes the rubber gasket and can cause it to leak oil when ready or fail prematurely. It also makes the filter extremely difficult to remove next time. Hand-tight plus three-quarter turn is the correct method — you do not need a wrench to finish the job.
Is the FL820S the same as other Kubota spin-on filters?
No. Kubota makes several spin-on filters for different engine sizes and models. The FL820S fits specific engines, while others like the FL411 or HH150-32430 fit different machines. Always verify the part number on your current filter or in your manual before ordering.