How to find the correct replacement filter for your John Deere equipment
A John Deere oil filter cross reference chart matches the original filter that came on your equipment to filters made by other manufacturers. This matters because John Deere filters and aftermarket filters are often the same part inside different packaging, made by the same supplier. When you know the cross reference, you can buy a less expensive filter from Fram, Motorcraft, Kohler, or Hydac and get the same filtration performance.
The cross reference works in both directions: you can start with your John Deere part number and find what Fram or Motorcraft calls it, or you can start with an aftermarket filter you already have and confirm it matches your John Deere equipment. Most cross references are free and searchable online, though some require you to know your equipment's model number first.
Key Takeaways
- John Deere filters and aftermarket filters are often identical parts with different labels, so a cross reference saves money without sacrificing quality.
- You need either your John Deere filter part number or your equipment's model and serial number to search a cross reference chart.
- The most reliable cross references come from the filter manufacturers themselves (Fram, Motorcraft, Kohler, Hydac) or from John Deere's parts catalog.
- Cross references vary by equipment type — a filter for a John Deere lawn mower will not match a filter for a John Deere tractor, even if the part numbers look similar.
Where to find a John Deere oil filter cross reference
The John Deere Parts Catalog (parts.deere.com) is the official source. Search by your equipment's model number, find the filter in the parts diagram, and note the part number. Then use that number in an aftermarket cross reference tool. This method is reliable but requires you to navigate John Deere's site and know your exact model.
Fram's cross reference tool (fram.com/en-us/cross-reference) lets you search by John Deere part number directly and shows you the Fram equivalent. Motorcraft, Kohler, and Hydac all maintain similar tools on their websites. These are faster if you already have the John Deere part number in front of you — it's printed on the old filter you're replacing.
Tractor supply retailers like Tractor Supply Co. and local John Deere dealers often have cross reference books at the counter or can look it up for you while you wait. This is useful if you're buying the replacement filter the same day and want to confirm the match before checkout.
How to identify your John Deere filter part number
The easiest method is to look at the filter you're replacing right now. The part number is printed on the outside of the filter canister, usually near the top. It starts with letters (like AM, RE, or CH) followed by numbers. Write down the entire number exactly as printed.
If you don't have the old filter, you need your equipment's model number and serial number. For lawn mowers and compact equipment, these are stamped on the frame or under the seat. For larger tractors, they're on a plate welded to the frame, usually on the side or under the hood. Once you have the model number, go to parts.deere.com, enter it in the search box, and navigate to the engine or hydraulic section to find the filter part number.
If you're at a John Deere dealer, bring your equipment or a photo of the model and serial number plate. The parts department can print out the correct filter number in seconds.
Understanding filter types and why cross references matter
John Deere equipment uses three main filter types: engine oil filters (spin-on canisters that screw onto the engine), hydraulic filters (larger cartridges inside a metal housing), and fuel filters (usually smaller and located near the tank). A cross reference only works within the same type — you cannot use an engine oil filter where a hydraulic filter belongs, even if the part numbers look related.
The reason cross references exist is that John Deere contracts with suppliers like Fram, Kohler, and Hydac to manufacture filters. The same factory makes the filter for John Deere and for the aftermarket brand, often with identical internal components. The John Deere version costs more because of the brand name and the dealer markup. An aftermarket filter with the same cross reference number will filter the same way and last the same length of time.
This does not mean all filters are interchangeable. A filter for a John Deere 5075E tractor is not the same as a filter for a John Deere X580 lawn mower, even though both are John Deere products. Always verify the cross reference matches your specific model and year.
Common John Deere filter part numbers and their cross references
| John Deere Part Number | Equipment Type | Fram Equivalent | Motorcraft Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM125424 | Engine oil (compact tractors, mowers) | PH8A | FL-400 |
| RE62418 | Engine oil (larger tractors) | PH3614 | FL-2051 |
| CH11005 | Hydraulic (mid-size tractors) | HM3353 | FE-1617 |
| RE524907 | Fuel (various models) | G3614 | FE-1617 |
This table shows examples only. Your equipment may use a different part number. Always verify against the official cross reference for your specific model before purchasing. Part numbers change by year and equipment generation, so a filter that works on a 2015 John Deere 5065E may not work on a 2020 model of the same name.
What to do if you cannot find a cross reference match
If you search multiple cross reference tools and get no results, the part number may be discontinued or regional. Call a John Deere dealer parts department with your equipment's model and serial number. They can confirm whether the filter is still in production and suggest a current replacement part number, which you can then cross reference to aftermarket options.
Some very old John Deere equipment uses filters that are no longer manufactured by the original suppliers. In this case, a dealer can recommend a modern filter that fits your equipment's mounting and meets the flow and micron rating your engine needs. This is not a cross reference in the traditional sense, but it solves the problem of finding a replacement when the original part is gone.
Do not guess or use a filter that "looks close" to the one you need. An incorrect filter can damage your engine or hydraulic system. If you're uncertain, spend the time to confirm the part number with a dealer before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Fram filter on my John Deere if the cross reference matches?
Yes. If the cross reference number is correct for your equipment model and year, a Fram filter will perform identically to the John Deere filter. Both are made to the same specification and often come from the same factory. The only difference is the label and the price.
What if the cross reference number is different between two websites?
Cross references can vary slightly between sources because different manufacturers update their databases at different times. Always use the official source for the brand you're buying — Fram's site for Fram filters, Motorcraft's site for Motorcraft filters. If two official sources disagree, contact the manufacturer directly with your John Deere part number and equipment model.
Do I need to change the filter interval if I use an aftermarket filter?
No. If the cross reference is correct, the aftermarket filter has the same micron rating and flow capacity as the John Deere filter. Follow your equipment's maintenance schedule regardless of which brand you use. The interval depends on your engine and operating conditions, not the filter brand.
Will using a cross-referenced filter void my John Deere warranty?
John Deere cannot void your warranty solely because you used an aftermarket filter with the correct cross reference. However, if the filter fails and causes engine damage, John Deere may deny a warranty claim if they determine the filter was defective or incorrect. Use filters from reputable manufacturers (Fram, Motorcraft, Kohler, Hydac) to minimize this risk.
How do I know if I have the right filter after I buy it?
Before installation, compare the part number on the new filter to the cross reference number you found. Check that the mounting thread size and canister diameter match your old filter. If you're unsure, take the new filter to a John Deere dealer and ask them to confirm it's correct for your equipment — most will do this for free if you're a customer.