How do you fuel your tractor?

[prosperity]

I've been using 5 gallon jugs for years. But in the past 3 years with the onset of RA, I just can't lift them anymore. I've had to get my wife to help fuel the tractor because of the fill being on the hood (2520). Even going to get the jugs filled, I can't lift the full jugs up into my pick-up bed.

I am lucky in that a friend of mine gave me a 150 gallon fuel tank some years ago. I never used it in the past since I don't use that much fuel anymore. But I figured out how much I use in a year and came up with 75 gallons. So I checked the tank out for rust/debris and it is fine. Last month I added a filter to the pump and have it ready to go. When I order my heating fuel this month (#2 died diesel) I am going to have them put 75 gallons in that tank so I should be good for the year. I can't wait to start using this tank.

 

[robstaples]

I used to lift the 23 gal tank on my forks until it almost fell off. So I added a pressure reg and gauge, set to about 2 lbs and leave it on the ground near by. Air line with quick connect, fill cap open until I'm ready. Yes, too high of pressure could split the tank. " don't do that" Works for me and is easy.

 

[prosperity]

Some great ideas in this thread! If I didn't have my 150 gallon tank I would setup something like Locoweed and robstaples have.

 

[300UGUY]

I used to lift the 23 gal tank on my forks until it almost fell off. So I added a pressure reg and gauge, set to about 2 lbs and leave it on the ground near by. Air line with quick connect, fill cap open until I'm ready. Yes, too high of pressure could split the tank. " don't do that" Works for me and is easy.

That's a great setup. I might copy that! Thanks!

 

[300UGUY]

:confused3: :laughing:

Must be a Texas thing. Do they have fancy paint jobs and spinning wheels ? Big hats and lots of bling?

 

[Henri88]

I went from this


to this


The barrel sits on a pallet that is also resting on a dolly that I made so I can roll it around if needed. I pick-it up with the pallet forks, drop it in the back of the truck and fill it at the gas station. I figure about twice a year. Works great for me.

 

[prosperity]

I went from this
View attachment 377770

to this
View attachment 377771 View attachment 377774

The barrel sits on a pallet that is also resting on a dolly that I made so I can roll it around if needed. I pick-it up with the pallet forks, drop it in the back of the truck and fill it at the gas station. I figure about twice a year. Works great for me.

That's a nice setup. Being I am fork-less I had to find another solution. After seeing the great things you all have done with your forks, it is on my list to save up for my next major purchase.

 

[Henri88]

That's a nice setup. Being I am fork-less I had to find another solution. After seeing the great things you all have done with your forks, it is on my list to save up for my next major purchase.

I actually use the forks more often than the bucket. I grab every free pallets that I can find and put every thing that is possible on them including most of my attachment.

 

[jenkinsph]

I have not set up a tank on my truck but plan on this for later this summer. Years ago my dad used the Tuthill diaphragm pump with the push pull lever. As I remember it didn't take many strokes to top off a tank. What I would like to know is whether I can use an automatic shut off nozzle on these manual pumps. I don't want to overfill the tractor tank while operating the pump.

I can go with a manual or electric pump and a 60 gallon truck mounted tank and refill two compact tractors two times. Pumping 10 of 12 gallons at a time should be easy whether I use manual or electric pumps.

 

[OregonCraig]

I have not set up a tank on my truck but plan on this for later this summer. Years ago my dad used the Tuthill diaphragm pump with the push pull lever. As I remember it didn't take many strokes to top off a tank. What I would like to know is whether I can use an automatic shut off nozzle on these manual pumps. I don't want to overfill the tractor tank while operating the pump.

I can go with a manual or electric pump and a 60 gallon truck mounted tank and refill two compact tractors two times. Pumping 10 of 12 gallons at a time should be easy whether I use manual or electric pumps.

According to Customer Service at Fill-Rite/Tuthill, a manual pump doesn't generate enough pressure to use an automatic shutoff nozzle.

I'm looking to upgrade from my 5 gallon diesel cans to a 55 gallon drum. I want to be able to fill my 3720 without a helper, so I am now considering an electric pump. I'm undecided on DC or AC.

 

[jenkinsph]

Craig,
Thanks for the response, I was wondering about it. Pumping by myself may need to go with the electric set up.

 

[prosperity]

As far as using the hand pump, I have mine setup so I can get the tractor right next to the tank. Easy enough to watch the tractor tank fill and stop pumping just by looking. Also have to remember to leave a little room to drain the hose also.

I'm shying away from as much as I can as far as things electrical if I can.

 

[ovrszd]

Like most on here, I've used 5 gallon cans/jugs all my life. A couple months ago my wonderful wife sent me a text showing a refill tank/pump for sale on a local online ad system. $450. I thought about it for two days, then went and bought it. It was just 2 years old and the owner said he'd only filled it three times, paid $1040 for it new. Lightened my cash stash pile but what an improvement. Every time I use it I have a big smile on my face.

 

[jenkinsph]

Richard,
Looks like a good deal and just right for filling the 9540 too.

 

[ovrszd]

Richard,
Looks like a good deal and just right for filling the 9540 too.

Yeah, it's just what I was looking for. Low profile and takes up minimum bed space. 50 gallon, two fills of the 9540 if I run it til the low fuel light comes on. My tractor spends it's time in two locations so this really simplifies the fueling process. Don't miss those jugs at all.

 

[Henri88]

[QUOTE I'm undecided on DC or AC.[/QUOTE]

So was I, but I decided to go with 12 volt using a battery. I empty 3/4 of the tank before I decided to recharge it and I'm pretty sure I could of empty the full 55 gallon on one charge and it's not a new battery. It also give's me the flexibility to carry it on a job site.

 

[ovrszd]

My Brother has a trailer mounted tank. Has a battery mounted in the trailer to run the electric pump. I have no idea how many gallons it will pump on a charge. I'm guessing 600-700. Will empty his 100 gallon several times.

 

[prosperity]

My Brother has a trailer mounted tank. Has a battery mounted in the trailer to run the electric pump. I have no idea how many gallons it will pump on a charge. I'm guessing 600-700. Will empty his 100 gallon several times.

An advantage to that setup is the ability for the truck to charge the trailer battery automatically. I know on my F-150 with factory tow option and brake controller, there is a circuit that automatically charges the brake battery on the trailer. I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to add that pump battery to the charge circuit.

 

[ovrszd]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure his could be rigged up that way too. But you gotta know my brother. That would mean he'd hafta plug in the trailer lights to the tow vehicle. Which would mean you hafta "have" a trailer light harness in the first place....

 

[Creekpaddler]

I'm still using 5-gal jugs, climbing up on the 3-pt hitch arms (which are attached to an immoveable implement). I don't use enough diesel fuel to justify buying a large storage tank and my shoulders are still in good shape.