Filter February: Small Maintenance, Big Protection

When it comes to equipment longevity, performance is not just built in the field. It is protected in the shop. Filter February is our annual reminder that preventative maintenance done before the rush of planting can save time, money, and frustration when it matters most. 

At Bane-Welker Equipment, we focus on OEM CNH and Fleetguard® filters, Case IH fluids, lubricants, and testing solutions because they are engineered as complete systems, not individual parts. From maintenance intervals to oil analysis, here’s how smart filtration and fluid management can set your operation up for success. 

Maintenance Intervals: The First Question We Ask 

One of the most important and most overlooked parts of maintenance is simply knowing where you are in your service cycle. 

Hydraulic Filters & Fluids 

Jonathan from our Circleville location starts every hydraulic conversation the same way: 

“How many hours are on your hydraulic filter and when was your last fluid change?” 

Hydraulic systems are sensitive. Contamination, heat, and degraded oil can quietly reduce performance long before a failure shows up. Sticking to recommended maintenance intervals helps: 

  • Maintain hydraulic pressure and responsiveness 

  • Reduce internal wear 

  • Prevent expensive downtime during peak seasons 

If you are unsure about your current condition, that’s where fluid testing becomes a powerful tool. 

 

Fluid & Oil Testing: Know Before It Fails 

Instead of guessing, customers can purchase an oil testing kit, get a sample of their fluid or fluids, for us to send a sample or samples off for analysis. Results typically come back in about a week - and our team helps interpret what they mean for your machine. 

Testing can identify: 

  • Contamination or excessive wear metals 

  • Breakdown of additives 

  • Engine gases present in coolant (often signaling compression issues or a failing gasket) 

Once results are in, our technicians and parts specialists walk through the results with you first, explain what the data is telling you, and outline recommended solutions. Through our SIP 360 inspection program, testing kit analysis is included as part of the inspection and service process, giving you a proactive way to address small issues before they become major repairs. 

 

Filters Matter: Designed by Case IH, for Case IH 

Kohlson from our Plain City location often explains it this way: OEM filters are not just compatible. They are intentional. 

Case IH engine filters are designed specifically for Case IH engine applications, it ensures the equipment operates at peak performance through: 

  • Proper oil flow and pressure 

  • Correct filtration efficiency 

  • Protection of critical engine components 

In fact, engine filters are designed to work directly with Case IH engine oil as a system. That system-level design delivers optimal performance and reliability over the life of your equipment. 

A great example is Filter #91724827, one of the most used filters across 50/60 Flagship Series Combines, Quadtracs, and Steigers. Designed to work together with Case IH lubricants, this filter supports proper oil flow, captures contaminants effectively, and helps maintain the integrity of critical engine components. In demanding, high-horsepower applications, that filter-and-lubricant system approach delivers the protection and performance operators rely on. 

 

Why Case IH Fluids Make a Difference 

Filters do not work alone. They rely on the quality of the fluid flowing through them. 

Case IH Hy-Tran® hydraulic fluid is engineered to work with OEM filtration and has been shown to: 

  • Deliver up to 30% less wear on hydraulic components compared to competitive fluids 

  • Resist thermal and chemical breakdown 

  • Improve system cleanliness and reliability 

Less wear means longer component life, fewer repairs, and more confidence heading into planting and application seasons. 

 

Real-World Counter Conversations: More Than Just Filters 

Keith from our Wilmington location sees it daily. Customers coming in for routine filters for their Case IH sprayers often leave better protected than they planned. 

Common pickups include: 

  • Engine oil filters 

  • Hydraulic filters 

  • Fuel filters 

  • DEF filters 

But many customers also grab AIM solenoids while they are there. Why? 

  • Solenoids are wear items that directly affect application accuracy 

  • Replacing them proactively helps avoid in-season rate or control issues 

  • Pairing solenoids with fresh filters ensures the entire system performs as intended 

This is where OEM solutions shine. Everything works together to protect accuracy, efficiency, and uptime. 

 

Why OEM Matters Especially Before Planting 

Keith echoes a consistent message across all examples: OEM solutions promote longevity and protection. 

Choosing CNH and Fleetguard OEM filters, fluids, and testing solutions means: 

  • Better protection for high-value components 

  • Confidence that parts meet exact equipment specifications 

  • Reduced risk during the busiest times of the year 

Filter February is the ideal time to: 

  • Stock up on filters 

  • Schedule inspections 

  • Test fluids 

  • Address small issues ahead of planting 

Let Us Get You Dialed In For Spring 

Whether you are checking hours, pulling samples, or refreshing filters and fluids, the Bane-Welker team is here to help you build a proactive maintenance plan that protects productivity and extends the life of your equipment. 

Filter February runs February 1 through February 28, and during this time customers receive 20% off CNH Industrial and Fleetguard filters at all Bane-Welker Equipment locations. It is the ideal opportunity to stock up, service ahead of planting, and reduce in-season risk. 

 

Flexible financing options to make parts and service purchases easier: 

  • No interest, no payments for 60, 90, or 120 days on purchases of $1,000 or more 

  • No interest, no payments for 90 days on purchases of $5,000 or more 

  • No interest, 6 equal monthly payments on purchases of $5,000 or more 

  • No interest, 12 months equal monthly payments on purchases of $5,000 or more 

Credit pre-approval is required. Offers are valid now thorugh April 30, 2026. Click here to learn more and apply. 

Stop by your local Bane-Welker Equipment location to talk with our parts and service teams about OEM CNH and Fleetguard filters, Engine, Hy-Tran and coolant fluids, SIP 360 inspections, and the right solutions to keep your equipment running strong all season long. 

Filter February is more than a promotion. It is an investment in uptime, reliability, and long-term protection for your operation. 

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