My fuel station build (55 gallon drum with portable RD 8 Fill Rite pump)

[powerscol]

Its been raining a lot so I had a chance to put together most of my 55 gallon drum filling station.

First I used a Fill Rite RD 8 portable 12 v pump. It comes in several configurations, but I got the one with the barrel bung and suction pipe. I used stainless fittings, except for the top 90 (store was out of the SS ones) I went with the smaller pump as I dont need a lot of flow. After the pump I installed a large fuel filter (Water Block element). I went with cam lock fittings so I can remove the pump when I go to fill. It also allows the pump to swivel some. The fuel cap came from TSC. Got it out of their sale bin as the package had been opened..

I haven't filled it yet as I am still working on how to secure the barrel to my plastic pallet. I went with the plastic for long term durability. I tried just strapping it down, but the bottom will slide too easily on the pallet. I am thinking of picking up some 1.5" aluminum L channel, and slicing on side so it can bend around the barrel base and then bolting the bent L section down with bolts with fender washers to keep the barrel bottom in place. Any other ideas. The barrel used to contain ethanol so should be good for diesel per the oil dealer I got it from. The warning stickers also cam from TSC - required here.

 

[murphy1244]

How much you got in that? Nice setup. I like it.

 

[Budweiser John]

I did much the same thing except scored a 100 gallon transfer tank at a local auction. Mounted the tank on skids so it can be moved with pallet forks and added a 110V electric pump. Fuel company fills it up when empty and I haven't spilled a drop of fuel in years. One of my better investments at somewhere less than $400. The lions share of the cost was the pump.

 

[CreekyB]

I have been fighting 5 gallon cans since I purchased my tractor. I was thinking of doing something just like this. I have been going back and forth over using a plastic barrel VS using a heavy gauge steel barrel. I have access to an unlimited supply of any kind of 55 gallon barrel at work for free.

I am thinking of doing my own "pallet" for it out of steel with wheels. Setting it up with fork pockets in the base and wheels underneath to roll around my little barn area easily. Have not decided on using locking wheels on the base or having the base be two part so that I can lift it off of the wheeled base to sit in the truck.

Good job!

 

[powerscol]

How much you got in that? Nice setup. I like it.

Barrel was $10
Pallet I got for about $60 on Amason
I want to say the pump was $200 but not sure. Got it online for a song compared to others. ZORO.com
Fittings are about another $50, but I shopped local - probably cheaper on line.
Fuel filter was about $60, but I got extra filters and a spare bowl. Circle C Country Supply circlecsupply.com had the best price

Hope this helps

 

[hslogger]

ALWAYS I enjoy everybody's input on this stuff. I have had used an oil drum for thirty five years, tucked away in my woodshed with an ol Tolkiem hand operated pump and a see through filter bowl with filter. It was always a hassle loading up and unloading it when full. This summer I nicked it with my FEL, and I was able to patch it after wrestling it and laying down on its' side. I figured I was pretty lucky and spewed two or three gallons and that it was time to get proper unit.

I went down to the farm store and bought a rectangular container, mounted it on a small pallet I made and because I have SSQA forks, I have now made me a nice portable fill station that is a heck of a lot more stable and easier to handle.

I don't use enough to justify packing a permanent transfer tank in my pickup.

 

[dragoneggs]

Nicely done! been looking to do the same and when I have forks I won't have an excuse.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

I tried just strapping it down, but the bottom will slide too easily on the pallet. I am thinking of picking up some 1.5" aluminum L channel, and slicing on side so it can bend around the barrel base and then bolting the bent L section down with bolts with fender washers to keep the barrel bottom in place. Any other ideas.

No need to bend or wrap anything. Just cut 3 or 4 4" sections of angle iron (or aluminum, if you prefer) and bolt it to the pallet at either 90 or 120 degree intervals. You don't need 100% contact with the barrel to keep it in place, just enough to stop it from moving in that direction. Trap it in three or 4 directions and you have it secured.

 

[Oldtink]

These work well and I just choke a couple nylon straps around the drum to pick it up with the front loader.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_18567_18567

 

[Gary Fowler]

Just make sure your fill cap is not completely air tight or you might collapse the plastic drum after pumping out several gallons of fuel. Otherwise it looks like a pretty workable fuel storage system.
I opted for a Craigslist posted used storage system with 15 GPM pump, hose and filter on a 100 gallon rectangular tank. I actually found 2 for $350 each, one went to my brother in law. He just placed his on timbers under his leanto shed. I placed mine on steel swivel rollers and it is housed inside my enclosed shed where I keep my boat and lawnmowers. I also picked up a 275 gallon TOTE tank (FREE)which I filled up with fuel along with my 100 gallon tank recently at $1.67 per gallon. The cost per gallon may go down even further, but I am satisfied with that figure. That is going to last me for several years but diesel doesn't go bad like gasoline.

My only issue is that I have to remove the pump from the 100 gallon tank and put it in the 275 TOTE tank when I need to top off my smaller tank but that happens only once every year or so.
I get free home delivery with 200 gallon purchase which is why I have the 275 tote. They do allow me and my brother in law to combine the total since we are only about 200 yards apart