Diesel fuel storage options

[Rich_Z]

So I ordered my new tractor, now I have to think about some operational details.

High on the list is how to store around 20 or so gallons of diesel fuel, and then be able to easily fill up the fuel tank on the TYM T474 when it runs low. I sure as heck don't want to be lifting and holding 5 gallon containers to fill up that 9 gallon fuel tank on the back of the tractor. And I want to have enough fuel here such that I don't have to run all that often to get more when I get involved in doing some work with the tractor.

So what sort of solutions have others come up with for this dilemma?

And speaking of which, I have seen people drop mention that it is a bad idea to run a diesel motor completely out of fuel. But no one has said why. Any enlightenment available?

 

[Topzide]

Running a diesel out of fuel is a time consuming repair as the pump, lines all need to be bled. Not sure about what else on a newer tractor with emissions.

Fuel storage is pretty simple issue. Find the size tank you'd want and set it up as a gravity fueling. Use the loader to place on rack to store it. My little Iseki 15hp picks up a 50 gal L tank when full. Just make sure you're on level ground!

 

[CH4Ohio]

Just buy one of those flashlight-like diesel/gasoline/kerosene pumps. They run off of 2 D batteries. Set the fuel can near it and use that to pump it in. Easy.

I've seen them at Rural King but always available online. If you're only going to store 20 gallons, you might as well just use one of these and a few 5 gallon cans.

You can also do the same thing with the old fashioned siphon pumps that you see near the kerosene heaters and kerosene cans. (Clear plastic parts with a red or blue "pump" bulb on top.) Better than just a siphon hose since you don't have to suck on it to get it flowing.

 

[arto98607]

On most older Diesel engine fuel systems you need wrenches to bleed out air if you run out of fuel, but they are not all like that, so it depends on the design.

New ones who knows - read the manual!

Type of fuel storage depends how much fuel you will use in a year?

I use little over 50 gallons a year on mowing, wood chipping etc. and bought several used 55 gallon plastic drums and a 100 gallon steel tank over 20 years ago, the intention being buying off road Diesel fuel when the price is low and storing it in my barn.

I am currently using fuel I bought for $1.56 / gallon, and have enough for several more years.

!2V drum pumps like this are little pricey, but well worth it in the long run.





GPI (Great Plains Industries Inc.), and other brand 12V drum pumps can be found used on the eBay etc.

This is identical older but unused pump I bought for $200 last fall just to have an extra pump:

 

[2manyrocks]

HF's battery pump works pretty well and can be had on sale for about $8-9 if you don't like the regular price of $12.99. I just set my 5 gallon tank on a stepstool to be able to reach my tractor's fuel tank. Battery-Operated Liquid Transfer Pump

These style diesel fuel containers are also pretty decent if you can shop around for one at a price you're willing to pay. Amazon.com

Also, I recommend a filter funnel unless there's a built in fuel screen on your tractor's fuel tank. Amazon.com

 

[RjCorazza]

As already mentioned, running a diesel out of fuel is a royal pain. Some tractors bleed easier than others, but it's certainly best to avoid unnecessarily needing to bleed the system.
I use around 400 gallons per year, so I invested in a truck mounted transfer tank, commerical electric pump, and dual filters. I also keep 55 gallons in a steel barrel in my shed with a hand pump and filter. When diesel went crazy expensive last year I used that reserve up and in the process cycled the fuel.

I will add that proper fuel storage and filtering are important with handling diesel fuel. I currently use a 10 micron water blocking filter followed by a 2 micron particulate filter on my transfer tank.

 

[dodge man]

A lot of new tractors are self bleeding, just turn the key a couple times without starting and you’re good to go. Still not a good idea to run them dry.

 

[Fallon]

Best case scenario running out of fuel means some extra cranking time. More likely you need a wrench & 5 minutes to an hour to bleed air out of the lines.

Generally you need to open a bleed screw near the low pressure lift pump. Then crank it over or let the electric pump run.

On mechanical injection if any air makes it to the injector pump you need to crack the nuts on all the injectors & bleed them while cranking as well.

Look up "bleeding injectors diesel" on YouTube for your machine. Or just in general & there will be a bajillion hits.

 

[scootr]

If you can justify the expense set up a tank or barrel with a 12 pump and auto shutoff nozzle. I was using a 55gal barrel but now use a 100 gal portable tank. Easier to transport than a tall skinny barrel.

 

[Rich_Z]

How long can diesel fuel be stored in the typical plastic 5 gallon containers before it goes bad? I honestly don't think I will be using all that much in a years time, so I am thinking maybe just get 4 of those 5 gallon tanks, a decent electric fuel pump with long enough hose, and just rotate through those 4 containers as needed. I don't want anything that would become a permanent fixture right now.

Those containers at Harbor Freight seem to be reasonably priced.

 

[RjCorazza]

Internet sources will be all over the page on diesel fuel aging. Additive companies will have you believe 6 months. I think properly stored, diesel will be good for around 5 years or more. I have used 350 gallons of 10 year old fuel that was properly stored without issue.
That said, poorly stored fuel can go south quick with the introduction of water and bacterial contamination. If you're using cans, I think a 6 month to 1 year supply would be good.

 

[2manyrocks]

It is possible to go through tractor diesel pretty quickly depending on the use of the tractor. 1 gallon /hour comes to mind. I would start with at least two 5 gallon cans. Initially, I'd suggest topping the tank off before use to make sure the fuel gauge is registering accurately.

 

[WM75Guy]

I started out with 2 5-gallon cans for the TC40DA, then went to 4 cans. Lifting and pouring them into the tractor got old, not to mention having to constantly go 20 miles round trip to the closest fuel station. I had to keep the tractor full as the wife used it to drag the arena. She couldn't fuel it. As others have recommended, a tank on the ground and a small pump of some type is the way to go. A 25-gallon fuel caddy with a hand cranked pump would work, load it on a trailer or use the 5-gallon cans to keep it filled up if you don't want to lift it for transport. I use more fuel now, having 2 tractors and a ZTR that are all diesels. I have a John Dow self-contained 58-gallon fuel tank and electric pump system on a small trailer.

 

[3 Horse Ranch]

I have a 100 gallon tank on a heavy duty pallet. Diesel has a pretty good usable shelf life so I don't worry about it getting old. On top of it is a 12v pump with two filters inline to auto shutoff nozzle. I've had it for a year and a half and filled three times. It's just about time for the fourth filling. Just disconnect the battery and haul it down to the local bulk filling station. The little battery powered units beat lifting a five gallon can, but they are also kinda slow. I use one to fill my lawnmower, no spills from a five gallon can.

 

[2manyrocks]

If you decide you really want a fuel caddy with a higher capacity pump, then there's no reason to spend money on 5 gallon cans that will just be in the way later. Plus, 5 gallon cans aren't cheap these days.

I also agree that the small battery powered pumps aren't fast.

That being said, for me it has been easier to just use 5 gallon cans that fit in my car. I like the fuel jug racing style cans better than the older style cans.

 

[jeff9366]

Just buy one of those flashlight-like diesel/gasoline/kerosene pumps. They run off of 2 D batteries. Set the fuel can near it and use that to pump it in. Easy. I've seen them at Rural King but always available online.
If you're only going to store 20 gallons, you might as well just use a D-cell battery powered pump and a few 5 gallon cans.

Almost all diesel engine related tractor problems are fuel problems. When I lived in rural Gilchrist County, Florida, I paid the higher price for fully taxed highway diesel at a high volume BP service station, rather than buy "red" less taxed offroad diesel from the Citgo. The Citgo offroad diesel was often dirty.

I second CH4Ohio's recommendation of buying diesel in 2 X 5 gallon or 3 X 5 gallon or 4 X 5 gallon increments. Fresh, clean fuel is important.

Kubota L3560 fuel consumption overall average 1/2 gallon per hour.
Your TYM T474 is just a fraction lighter than my Kubota L3560.

TYM T474​

ROPS Weight	3230 lbs 1465 kg
Cab Weight	3605 lbs 1635 kg

I averaged 300 tractor engine hours per year in Gilchrist County.

I had three diesel fuel options with three miles (six miles round trip) of my residence.

 

[GSVette]

I use a 25 gallon fuel caddy with a crank type barrel pump. Have a water/fuel separator on it as well as a low micron sediment filter. Generally use about 30-50 gallons/ year- will go up when we permanently relocate.

 

[Torvy]

My tractor tank is 17 gallons. I have a 5 gallon yellow jug for my diesel, but I am leaning toward adding a cart style that holds at least 17. May be better off with a 55 gallon drum on a Pallet. I can only get off road diesel about 20 miles away, filling 4-5 cans seems like a PITA. I don't want a transfer tank taking up my bed space.

 

[5030]

I also agree that the small battery powered pumps aren't fast.

That kind of depends on the level of charge in the batteries. Have a couple of the 10 buck HF battery pumps and they do eat dry cell batteries so what I did was buy a 4 pack of Li-Ion batteries and I charge them up in a plug in charger, I use 2 at a time, the other 2 sit on the shelf, 100% charged and when the pump slows down, I just exchange batteries and the ones in the pump I took out, go on the charger. I use them to fill the gas motors on the zero turns. Much less messy than these new fangled gas cans that dribble everywhere.

 

[2manyrocks]

Almost all diesel engine related tractor problems reported here are fuel related. When I lived in rural Gilchrist County, Florida, a paid the higher price for fully taxed highway diesel at a high volume BP service station, rather than buy "red" less taxed offroad diesel from the Citgo. The Citgo offroad diesel was often dirty.

I second CH4Ohio's recommendation of buying diesel in 2 X 5 gallon or 3 X 5 gallon or 4 X 5 gallon increments. Fresh, clean fuel is important.

I had three diesel fuel options with three miles (six miles round trip) of my residence.

I buy from the high volume place even though I pay highway fuel tax for the same reason.