How do you store your diesel?

[keving]

I currently store mine in multiple 5gal cans. I'm considering getting a 275 gallon tank and having the off-road diesel delivered. I am currently using about 35 gallons per month. I'd appreciate your experience or suggestions.

[thatguy]

I am using two 5 gallon can method as well.. I cant imagine me ever being in a situation were I needed more fuel than what was in the tank PLUS 10 gallons though...

If you can go with the 5 gallons cans you atleast know you are turning it frequently.

Brian

[crbr]

Originally Posted by thatguy

I am using two 5 gallon can method as well.. I cant imagine me ever being in a situation were I needed more fuel than what was in the tank PLUS 10 gallons though...

If you can go with the 5 gallons cans you atleast know you are turning it frequently.

Brian

Same here.

However at 35 gal. / month, I feel certain that your uses and mine vary greatly.

[ToadHill]

I store mine in the fuel tank. If I used as much as you do, I'd talk to a fuel supplier and see what options they could offer. Sometimes they have 100 or 125 gal tanks. I'd not store more than I can use in about 3 months.

[PSDStu]

I have a 100 gal combo tank/toolbox in my pickup truck bed along with a 12v Fill-Rite pump....may not be for everyone...but works for what I need.

[jbrumberg]

Recently I have been using approximately 5 - 10 gallons per month. Right now I am using a plastic 5 gallon jerry can. It is inconvenient, but I know my ULSD is "fresh". Jay

[Dargo]

Originally Posted by keving

I am currently using about 35 gallons per month. I'd appreciate your experience or suggestions.

With the size tractor you have and the amount it takes to fill the tank, combined with your use of 35 gallons per month, I'd certainly look into getting a different method of storing fuel. Besides being more convenient, you will likely save money on the fuel cost by buying in bulk. I've been using a 275 gallon tank for many years and find it very convenient. I have it filled about 3 times per year and that frequency seems fine for all of the fuel delivery companies in my area. Most of them have a 150 gallon minimum for delivery without incurring a delivery fee. I've mentioned before that I don't miss the days of holding up 5 gallon cans to fill my tractor and watching sweat drip off of my nose in the summer months! If you look around, you may be able to get a deal on one of those tanks. There were millions of them sold in this country for home heating oil. I paid $50 for my tank. I don't regret it one bit.

[Farmwithjunk]

With every fill/empty cycle of a jerry can, you run the risk of dirt/moisture contamination. A little bit here, a speck there, and before you know it, plugged up filters (or worse) A properly filtered storage tank with "gas station" type nozzle is not only EXTREMELY convenient, you'll keep your fuel in better condition.

When I was farming, I had a 375 gallon tank. Our local Co-Op serviced the account. At certain times of the year that was barely a months supply. During the winter, use was less, but I burned diesel (in conjunction with wood) to heat my shop. It never had the opportunity to get "stale".

Then I quit farming and moved to a much smaller place. Fuel consumption was cut down to 20 or 30 gallons a month in the busy season at first. Fortunately, there's a gas station just minutes up the road with an off-road diesel pump out back. It was oh, so simple to just drive up the road and fill there.

Then I had an attack of ambition. I started up a bush hogging business with my son and son-in-law. We're burning as much as 250 gallons a week on regular basis. Because of the mobile nature of the business, we've set up one truck as a service vehicle. It has an air compressor, generator/welder, tools, tire repair equipment, and a 200 gallon transfer tank that is filled as needed at that same gas station.

I'd just as soon take a beating as fool with 5-gallon cans.

[AlanB]

I use 55 gal drums on a spill pallet. 55 is about right for my use, keeps it fresh, without too much running around.

[sdf]

Does diesel go bad? I know regular gasoline has a shelf life, but my neighbor who works with locomotives that have been sitting still for years assured me recently that diesel can sit for pretty much forever without trouble. Now I'm wondering....

Same neighbor recently bought a 55 gal drum and a hand crank fuel pump with a nozzle on the end. A much better way to fuel your tractor...but a little spendy.

For myself, I'm thinking about getting a "15 gallon fuel station" from Tractor Supply. It is a gravity feed system (still has a nozzle, though) and I'm thinking I can lift it in my bucket when I need to top off the tank.

I believe it is made by Blitz and they also have a 10 gallon version.

sf