Oil & Fuel How do you fuel your TC30?

djradz · Mar 6, 2006

When I had my 1720 (essentially same as TC-30) which had a similar hood design, I use to open the hood most times. That way your 5 gallon fuel container could be held lower, and I don't think I ever spilled. In the rare case there was some minor spillage, it went down the little drain hose, but I can't honestly ever remember having any. Also, with the hood open, I could rest the gas can on a part of the engine, (maybe it was the air cleaner or power steering reservoir) and not have to hold the entire weight.

LBrown59 · Mar 9, 2006

( Since I have a diesel pickup as well, I bought a standalone 275 gallon oil tank from the local heating supply company, and installed a 110V AC diesel pump with a standard fuel nozzle (similar to what they have at a gas station) ordered online from Northern Tool. No more mess, and no more hefting a jerry can. Getting bulk fuel delivered is cheaper as well, not including the tax break because it's a business expense.

I do wish I'd spent a couple more dollars for an auto-shutoff nozzle and a flow meter. )
********** I do wish I'd spent a couple more dollars for an auto-shutoff nozzle and a flow meter. >>

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Can't you still add that now.?
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BadDog · Mar 9, 2006

Well sure I can... but then I'd have to toss the nozzle I have, wouldn't I? That's a waste of money, and I'm far too Scottish. If I'd just ordered the fancy-schancy thing to begin with... there's no turning back for us stubborn Scotties... you wanna buy it? Five bucks+shipping and its yours, nitwit.

I can put the flow meter on... but the tank has a float valve on it...so I can see if its got anything in it, and thats all I care about.

Frankly the point is moot... wife just accepted a very tasty relocation offer and we're selling the whole farm and moving to Pa... going down this weekend to scout out a new home for Bad Dog Stables...

Woohoo - I get to start again with a clean slate!

HRS · Mar 11, 2006

Well, I finally made it out to look at some of the suggestions for fueling without making a mess. The Handy Pump that is sold at TSC looks interesting, but I'm not sure the hose is long enough.

However, seeing as how the tank on the TC30 only holds 7 gallons, what I think I will do is go with a large funnel and three 2 gallon gas cans. With such a small amount in each can, approx. 20 lbs, it should be rather easy to hold and ring the funnel while fueling. I came about this idea while browsing around W-Mart after striking out at TSC.

henryjacobjosh · Mar 11, 2006

I have 100% faith in the same cans that Derek has. I have 2 of them and have never spilled a drop of fuel while filling my TC30. The CARB cans were my solution to the same problem that you have. I had doubts at first on the plastic construction but since my dealer sells them I figured it can't hurt. When the tank is full the valve will stop the flow and you can turn them upside down and never lose any fuel.

jwstewar · Mar 12, 2006

Like I said, I've already replaced the hose on my Han-D-Pump. What I do with my 24 is set the 5 gallon jug on the running board of the tractor and then stick the nozzle in the fuel tank. It is plenty long enough for that. You won't want to sit the tank on the ground as then you'll have to bend down to pump it. If you do find that it is too short (I highly doubt that it is), You could just replace the entire hose w/ longer 3/8" fuel line. I would rather have that then have to worry about filling 3 cans each time I go to the station as that is 3X the chance of fuel to leak in the back of the truck/car.

LBrown59 · Mar 12, 2006

Have you tried them using Mr. Funnel?

henryjacobjosh · Mar 12, 2006

No, I have never had to use anything other than just the cans. Just open the fuel tank cap and align the neck of the can. Set the tab of the neck on the edge of the tractor fuel tank and push downward. The fuel flows until the tank is full or untill the can is empty and lift it out. It's that simple.

LBrown59 · Mar 12, 2006

( No, I have never had to use anything other than just the cans. Just open the fuel tank cap and align the neck of the can. Set the tab of the neck on the edge of the tractor fuel tank and push downward. The fuel flows until the tank is full or untill the can is empty and lift it out. It's that simple. )

Don't you filter your fuel before putting it in your tractor?

henryjacobjosh · Mar 13, 2006

No, Always use fresh fuel and stick to the service schedule religiously (fuel, air, hyd. etc. filters). I have had a few tractors in my day and never had a water or dirt problem.

dqdave1 · Mar 13, 2006

Hank; It may be wise to look at a filter for fueling (ie: Mr funnel) as there has been many cases of bad fuel or should I say dirty fuel coming directly from the dealer. Many threads have shown up with the cause being bad or dirty fuel. I was one of them. Ran into a case of fuel with trash in it. Seems like this began when fuel prices began to go up and up. I now fuel at a diesel service center and most truck drivers I speak to while fueling all talk about dirty fuel across the USA. I now fuel through a Mr. Funnel and will find "things" in the Mr. Funnel from droplets of water to what looks like rust. Not all the time but on occassion.

HRS · Mar 14, 2006

Sounds like a lot to be concerned about. Is the diesel sold for cars/trucks any better? Do you ever filter from can to can to make the process easier, or is it filter straight to the tank?

henryjacobjosh · Mar 14, 2006

I was not aware of a widespread problem. Maybee I will check into a filter setup.

dqdave1 · Mar 14, 2006

Never really thought about filtering from can to can; but that is what is great about this web site; someone always has a new or different way. I set my Mr. Funnel in the tank filler where ever I fill up at. It could be a can or at a dealer. My bad ( dirty fuel) came from a Sunoco station that fuels trucks and autos. I do not want to say it is a wide spread problem but if you read most of the threads relating to starting and running problems ; it usually is bad fuel. I will start a thread asking how many readers have noticed dirty filters lately.
Dave

HRS · Mar 15, 2006

Well, considering how long I have been anticipating a new tractor, I think I will take the extra precaution. After all, I will not be burning more than a tank full per month. As much as fuel cost today, you would think that it was at least being filtered properly. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

SteveInMD · Mar 16, 2006

I've got a filter after the pump on my 275 gallon tank. I looked at it after 3 fills (about 800 gallons) and there was nothing in it. It's good insurance though.

LBrown59 · Mar 16, 2006

( I was not aware of a widespread problem. Maybee I will check into a filter setup. )
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Widespread or not one got ya is more than you want.
A 20 dollar funnel is a cheap insurance policy.

I Take Mr. Funnel to the service station place it in the can and put the nozzle in it and fill the can.
Haven't found anything in it yet but will be glad I used it when I do.

When I fill The tractor from The can I put the funnel in the tank and pour the fuel from the can into it.
This way each can of fuel is filtered twice.

=====PS do you add Power Service to your fuel?

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jwstewar · Mar 17, 2006

( PS do you add Power Service to your fuel? ) Only in the winter time and the fuel will be in the tank for awhile. Never do I filter the fuel.

henryjacobjosh · Mar 17, 2006

I believe this thread has gotten off track.

( When I fill The tractor from The can I put the funnel in the tank and pour the fuel from the can into it.
This way each can of fuel is filtered twice. )

Is the Dirty Fuel Gremlin contaminating your fuel?
I only know from my experience that I have never had a problem and I love the fuel cans I use. I believe the fuel goes thru a filter at the pump also which should block if it is that dirty.
I'm not saying that it can't happen just that I think it is not likely.

P.S.: I don't use Power Service.

HRS · Mar 26, 2006

OK, I completed the first fueling just a while ago, and it went great. This is what I did.

I picked up three two gallon cans and a funnel. The funnel has a float attached to the bottom. The cans, I placed in one of those rectangular, plastic, storage totes. By doing this, any spills will be caught and not allowed to get all over bed of truck, etc. It was a good thing I had one of these too. I did not know that diesel foams. I made quite a mess with the first can I filled. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

When I got it all home, I lifted the hood, just is case, inserted the funnel, and began fueling. It was pretty close to 1/2 when I started, and it took two of the cans. Three should do a pretty good job of filling it up, but I will probably pick up a fourth can.

Fueling was very easy, only having to hold two gallons in the air at a time was easy, of course, and the funnel worked very well. I really like the float. When the tanked filled, the float sends up a stem attached to it. Therefore, I didn't have any overflow problem with the filled tank. Now if I can get a handle on filling the cans without causing a mess with the fizz, I'll be happy.