I purchased this filter for my 48" Scag Liberty 2026, and I’m extremely impressed with both the quality and appearance. I also believe it allows the engine to breathe easier. My original filter collected a lot of dirt, and I didn’t want to keep replacing filters as often as I did on my 2014 John Deere X300, which I also bought new.
I followed the method others recommended by keeping the original filter cover and cutting a 2½-inch hole in it. One important tip: make sure to cover the intake opening before cutting so debris doesn’t fall inside. I used a flashlight underneath the cover to help guide the hole placement from the bottom side.
I took multiple pictures and a video that I hope will help others with this process. I figured that even if I made a mistake, the worst-case scenario would be simply repositioning the drill bit starting point—which I actually did because I didn’t like how close the original pilot hole was to the edge.
Overall, I’m extremely impressed with the quality of all the products. I noticed there are cheaper versions available, but I’m convinced those are knockoffs, and brand quality really does matter with delicate components like these. I’m extremely happy with the results.