Not sure, I just ordered 2 of the same and they're supposed to be OEM filters and from the same place i've ordered from 2 other times. Probably be here today or Monday and I'll compare.

 

I always worry about fakes when ordering filters online (unless it's direct from the manufacturer).

 

I just went to my local Hustler dealer where I bought my machine. They serviced my hydros last time with the larger OEM filter in my pics. Confirmed that the filter that I ordered online is now the same as what they are using. So in summary, looks like the differences are legit.

 

i'm confused, so have you determined these are both hydrogear filters and interchangable? YOu said they put the larger oem filter on last time and then confirmed that the small one is the same one as what they are using is that right?

 

That is correct. The smaller one is the current version per my Hustler dealer. I would guess that covid supply chain issues are a factor here. Both filters have the same part number.

 

I should just wait for the OP to respond But I think he was saying he had it serviced at the dealer last time, and it was with the larger pictured filter. He decided to do it himself this time and ordered what he thought was OEM filters and they were different than the ones his dealer used so he thought they might be "fakes". But checked with the dealer and they told him they were indeed OEM filters and they changed them this year.

 

EricC is absolutely correct here in summarizing my recent experience. I would like to further reiterate what many others have said, do not try to change the hydro filters until you are 100% positive that you can remove the drain port plugs. Mine were the 1/4” allen wrench type and the dealer had stripped it on the last change. I used the small Ryobi extractor set available at Home Depot to remove and replaced both with new ones. I am pretty sure these same plugs are available with a 11/16 hex head which would allow for a socket instead of allen wrench. I will change out next time.

 

I would be talking to my dealer if they managed to strip the dang thing.

On my zt3100's I drain them from the filter and then fill them from the resevoir. The vent plug which is above the filter area is a hex on all 4 of my zt3100's. I am now curious to know what "drain plug" was removed

 

I hear ya Rippi. My dealer went thru a bunch of changes over the last few years. New location, new management and new employees. They couldnt get me in until June for service so I decided to do it myself.

I bought my Hustler Fastrak in 2011. So I would guess the newer versions prob got the hex head plug. I wondered why they would use an allen wrench version and thought maybe Hydro gear worried about over torquing the plugs. Just pure speculation on my part.

 

Manual pic

 

There must be variations or maybe they decided the allen hex kept getting stripped. My wright and my hustler have the standard plug head.