Foam pre filter around paper air filter?

[jlc60]

I have a Toro zero turn with a Kohler SV710 engine. Do you really need the pre foam filter around the paper air filter?
jlc

 

[Born2Mow]

Apparently the engineers at Toro and Kohler think so.

 

[cpurvis]

The foam wrapper can extend air filter element life somewhat. How much depends on your application.