Advice for external power for fueling system

[Chip Oidos]

Hello
I am a new tractor owner [if you look closely at my profile photo, there isn't any dirt on my tires] and I am trying to create a small refueling system for my JD 4052R. I am considering using a 55 gal drum with a 12V transfer pump (like a GPI 8GPM or 12 GPM pump). These pumps draw 11 amps and 18 amps respectively.

I would like to run the pump off my tractors battery. The battery case is a bit difficulty to open and close so I would like to to somehow wire an exterior power plug to the battery or electrical system. The tractor comes with a power port but it is only rated to 10 amps.

Does anyone have any suggestions for this type of set up? Are there better DC electrical connectors to consider than the "cigarette lighter" type?
Is this a reasonable approach to refueling?

Thanks

 

[Fallon]

I love Powerpoles. Anderson Powerpole and SB Connectors | Powerwerx Really popular with HAM radio guys. the connectors are genderless & self cleaning. They aren't weatherproof though & the tools cost a few bucks.

Metripack is the standard GM connector & they are weatherproof. Delphi Metri-Pack Connectors You'd need to get an extra plug to seal things up when disconected. You'll need a crimper as well. Metripack connectors are so common as they have been all GM vehicles in the past good number of years & are avalible in any auto parts shop.

SAE connectors are very common, but not weatherproof.

Alagator clips work too if you can get to the battery easily.

 

[Wagtail]

I tried using my tractor's battery as power to the 12V fuel transfer pump (I've got a 50ltr tank, pump & nozzle set up on a wheeled pallet). It worked using alligator clips but really became a bit of a pain in the arse.

I simply bought a small 12V marine type battery & mounted it on the fuel caddy. alligator clips onto the terminals when needed, off when not. Trickle charger every now and then when required.

 

[LouNY]

wire in a round 4or 6 pin trailer connector run #12 wire, label power only and you are all set

 

[oosik]

As I get older - been out here 35+ years - the idea of diesel fuel transfer from bulk( 55 gal drum ) storage becomes more inviting each year. Then I realize that the current method of storing, in 5 gal Jerry cans, has prevented ANY and ALL water & contamination. So I bite the bullet and hoist another can of fuel.

 

[MossRoad]

Think about using these....

Amazon.com: Battery Quick Connect/Disconnect Wire Harness Plug Connector Recovery Winch Trailer 6-1 GAUGE: Kitchen & Dining

 

[Fallon]

And personally I went from a 55 gallon drum & manual pump to a 300 gallon tank on a stand. That runs on gravity.

 

[Wagtail]

As I get older - been out here 35+ years - the idea of diesel fuel transfer from bulk( 55 gal drum ) storage becomes more inviting each year. Then I realize that the current method of storing, in 5 gal Jerry cans, has prevented ANY and ALL water & contamination. So I bite the bullet and hoist another can of fuel.

Yeah, but you're not getting any younger mate, and it only takes one awkward 'twist' to bugger your back/spine/hip/etc...

That's why I 'bit the bullet' and set up my transfer tank, which is in my shed. If I'm out during haying season I'll, of course, use a 20ltr can.

 

[rustyshakelford]

My vote is a tank in your truck or an overhead for the home. I would hate to deal with unruly 55 gallon tanks.

Another place to get 12v from the tractor is at the starter. I have used that for a power supply to a fuel trailer many times

Brett

 

[oosik]

Oh, Wagtail - I'm over the hill and starting down the other side. Not to worry - since about fifteen years ago - I figured I'd fall about 2X annually and so far I'm just about on track. Worst time of the year - spring time. Baseball sized rock are rolling loose in the frozen ground. Step on one - your ankle twists - down you go. It happens so often - I've mastered the graceful fall and after 35+ years I've never broken anything. Knock on wood..........

 

[marchanna]

I found a 250 gallon oil tank from a guy in town for free. Immaculate condition. Tonight I just picked up a rebuilt GPI pump (110vac and 30gpm) with a new hose and trigger nozzle. Now I just need to put it all together and get fuel delivered.

I知 quite pleased with the setup. It should make for pretty comfortable refueling at -20.

 

[oosik]

Sounds like the makings of a good setup. However - at those temps I think I'll remain inside and have a cup of hot cocoa. Believe me, retirement is a grand thing.

 

[Wagtail]

I tried using my tractor's battery as power to the 12V fuel transfer pump (I've got a 50ltr tank, pump & nozzle set up on a wheeled pallet). It worked using alligator clips but really became a bit of a pain in the arse.

I simply bought a small 12V marine type battery & mounted it on the fuel caddy. alligator clips onto the terminals when needed, off when not. Trickle charger every now and then when required.

Now with picture "goodness":

 

[RjCorazza]

Hello
I am a new tractor owner [if you look closely at my profile photo, there isn't any dirt on my tires] and I am trying to create a small refueling system for my JD 4052R. I am considering using a 55 gal drum with a 12V transfer pump (like a GPI 8GPM or 12 GPM pump). These pumps draw 11 amps and 18 amps respectively.

I would like to run the pump off my tractors battery. The battery case is a bit difficulty to open and close so I would like to to somehow wire an exterior power plug to the battery or electrical system. The tractor comes with a power port but it is only rated to 10 amps.

Does anyone have any suggestions for this type of set up? Are there better DC electrical connectors to consider than the "cigarette lighter" type?
Is this a reasonable approach to refueling?

Thanks

If you are certain about using a 55g drum, then X2 on Anderson power connectors. I use them to power the fill-rite pump on my truck mounted diesel transfer tank.
I also store gas in a 55g drum with a crank pump for my house backup generator, and it is a royal pain to fill with cans.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Hello
I am a new tractor owner [if you look closely at my profile photo, there isn't any dirt on my tires] and I am trying to create a small refueling system for my JD 4052R. I am considering using a 55 gal drum with a 12V transfer pump (like a GPI 8GPM or 12 GPM pump). These pumps draw 11 amps and 18 amps respectively.

I would like to run the pump off my tractors battery. The battery case is a bit difficulty to open and close so I would like to to somehow wire an exterior power plug to the battery or electrical system. The tractor comes with a power port but it is only rated to 10 amps.

Does anyone have any suggestions for this type of set up? Are there better DC electrical connectors to consider than the "cigarette lighter" type?
Is this a reasonable approach to refueling?

Thanks

The difficulty opening up the hood to refuel made me look at just getting a small automotive battery and permanently attaching it to my Fillrite 15GPM pump. I hooked up a battery maintainer to it to keep it charged.

 

[George2615]

I use the Anderson plugs to power my fuel pump from the tractor. Works great.

 

[Chip Oidos]

Thanks to everyone for the terrific advice and information.

 

[Fallon]

If you are certain about using a 55g drum, then X2 on Anderson power connectors. I use them to power the fill-rite pump on my truck mounted diesel transfer tank.
I also store gas in a 55g drum with a crank pump for my house backup generator, and it is a royal pain to fill with cans.

"Anderson Plugs" is the designator for several higher amperage modular plugs. I use SB175s for jumper cables, winch power & other things. Power Poles is the designator for the ones that support up to 45 amps. They are designed slightly differently but use the same genderless design with the self wiping & cleaning contacts.

 

[PILOON]

Here is a neat transfer pump.
Cheap (like under $15.00) and efficient with a plus that it self drains back to the drum so no smelly spills.

Small Volume Oil Pump Water 12V 24V Diameter 38MM Wateoesel Aluminium Alloy Belt Filter Net Oil Suction-in Pumps from Home Improvement on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

I have one and was very impressed with performance. You have to supply the output tube and I found that radiator hose works best.
Poly tubing simply gets too stiff with cold and as well I think fuel reacts to stiffen the poly.
The flow rate is impressive so keep your hands on the power switch.

 

[DEWFPO]

I used a quick disconnect battery jumper kit similar to this one. Deka 2� Ft. Plug Connector Booster Cables by Deka at Mills Fleet Farm

DEWFPO