An easier way to refuel your tractor

   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #101  
Hello All-

A couple weeks ago, I asked what people were using to refuel their tractors. I originally posted my question in the JD Owning / Operating forum, but was soon pointed to other forums where the same question had been asked several times. After combing through numerous threads, it was apparent I was not happy about the fuel filler location on my new tractor.

After reading numerous posts, it was pretty set on getting a 25-30 gallon gas caddy, however I did not like the fact that a 30 gallon caddy would weigh a lot and would be tough to load and unload from my truck. What I did like about the caddy was the fact that it had a manual pump which meant that I would not have to deal with keeping a battery around to power the pump.

While scouring the net, I came across the Flo Fast product on Global Industrial site and thought that this could be what I was looking for. When I went to Flo-Fasts website, I saw that they actually had a bunch of options to choose from, including some options that would work with my existing 5 gallon jugs. I ended up calling the company and speaking with the owner for a bit and although they were more focused on the boating and racing industry, I was told that their pumps and containers work just fine for diesel tractors.

Since my new Deere 4720 holds 15 gallons, I ended up ordering their 15 gallon tank, heavy duty cart, and professional pump. The parts arrived this past week, and I finally had a chance to try it out. The fuel jug is pretty thick, yet it is easy enough to toss into the back of my truck and fill it up. Since we are only talking about 15 gallons, I like the fact that I don't have to worry about fuel sitting around for too long, especially during winter. The cart is solid, and has no issues moving the filled container around. As an added bonus, it folds up nicely and does not take up a lot of space. The pump moves up to 8 gallons a minute, so you have to be careful or else it is somewhat easy to overfill your gas tank (ask me how I know this). While using the system, there were no leaks which kept everything nice and clean.

About the only downside I can see to this system is that the fuel jug weighs about 100 pounds when full, so it is pretty dang heavy to lift out of my truck bed. If I were to do this again, I would probably consider going with the two 7.5 gallons cans as those will be much more manageable. Depending on which package you choose, the options can get pricey, however the quality is there, so you do get what you pay for. Overall, I really cant complain, and am very happy with this purchase (and so is my back and shoulders).

Well, there you have it. I have gotten so much good information from this forum ever since I purchased my first Deere 4310 back in 2002, so I hope that this review / information will help some of you out there who are also looking for a smarter / better way to get work done using our tractors.

Dano-

You have a tractor with a bucket. Slid the full fuel tank from your truck bed into the bucket of the tractor. No lifting required. I do this with my 30gal fuel tank.
Steve
 
   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #102  
If you are stuck using normal 5 gallon jugs with the typical safety spouts that take forever to dispense 5 gallons there is a cheap and easy trick to help it breath and flow better. Get a tire valve stem for a tubeless tire and remove the guts from it. Drill a hole and install the valve in the back side of the jug where the vents use to be. Remove the valve stem cap to let it breath and flow better when filling up. It took mine from about 6 minutes to 2 minutes to empty a 5 gallon jug.

How to install a vent in a plastic gas can - YouTube

best idea ever!
 
   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #105  
If you are stuck using normal 5 gallon jugs with the typical safety spouts that take forever to dispense 5 gallons there is a cheap and easy trick to help it breath and flow better. Get a tire valve stem for a tubeless tire and remove the guts from it. Drill a hole and install the valve in the back side of the jug where the vents use to be. Remove the valve stem cap to let it breath and flow better when filling up. It took mine from about 6 minutes to 2 minutes to empty a 5 gallon jug.

go to Ebay and search gas can vent, or look here
2 Yellow Fuel Gas Can Jug Vent Cap Chilton Brigg Rotopax Gott Rubbermaid Anchor 6527313;)9 | eBay
 
   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #106  
Why lift those 5 gal cans at all when you can use a pump like this:
61mc7PjE1SL._SL1500_.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HOXQ5E0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The hose is long enough to reach the hood fill port with the can on the ground. Takes less than 2 minutes to empty the can. The pump uses 12VDC or 110VAC and is rated for gas or diesel.
 
   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #107  
If you are stuck using normal 5 gallon jugs with the typical safety spouts that take forever to dispense 5 gallons there is a cheap and easy trick to help it breath and flow better. Get a tire valve stem for a tubeless tire and remove the guts from it. Drill a hole and install the valve in the back side of the jug where the vents use to be. Remove the valve stem cap to let it breath and flow better when filling up. It took mine from about 6 minutes to 2 minutes to empty a 5 gallon jug.
Been doen it that way a long long time. And those valve stems make a excellent primer port for those briggs that are a little difficult to start. To put a squirt of gas in the carb throat don't need to remove the filter cover for this hard starting twin.
 

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   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #108  
Any method where you don't end up with spilled Diesel or it on your hands is a GOOD way.
 
   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #109  
   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #111  
I very recently purchased the "Flo-Fast" pump and containers. The containers come in several sizes (5, 7.5, 12 Gallons etc.).

FLO-FAST Official Site - World's Leading Portable Fluid Transfer Systems

I bought two of the 7.5 gallon diesel containers since I figured, once full, I could still lift them to move them around.

I got their "Professional" model Pump with a filter on the end of the dip tube. They also sell carts that can hold the tanks and make it easier to move them around. I didn't get that..... yet.......

The pump is a crank type and it can pump in either direction, meaning, it can pump fuel OUT of the container and into your tank, or suck it out of your tank and into the container.

The fuel fill opening on my B3000 is in the middle of the hood right in front of the cab windshield.

I used my old 5 gallon can with the spout a couple of times and realized I HAD to do something different (easier).

It wasn't cheap. I spent around $400 bucks for the two cans and the pump, but I figured it was still cheaper than back surgery !

I can leave the container on the ground and turn the crank to pump in the fuel, but I could not see into the tank to know when to stop pumping, so I used a light weight aluminum ladder to stand on to peer into the tank once in a while.

After my first use.... I was convinced it was a worthwhile investment.
 
   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #112  
Why lift those 5 gal cans at all when you can use a pump like this:
An easier way to refuel your tractor-61mc7pje1sl-_sl1500_-jpg

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The hose is long enough to reach the hood fill port with the can on the ground. Takes less than 2 minutes to empty the can. The pump uses 12VDC or 110VAC and is rated for gas or diesel.

I saw that and decided to try it. Have had it/used it for 3 fillings so far and am extremely pleased! Works just great, no mess, spillage, and simple to set-up. Recommend it. Greg
 
   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #113  
Why lift those 5 gal cans at all when you can use a pump like this:
An easier way to refuel your tractor-61mc7pje1sl-_sl1500_-jpg

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The hose is long enough to reach the hood fill port with the can on the ground. Takes less than 2 minutes to empty the can. The pump uses 12VDC or 110VAC and is rated for gas or diesel.

I saw that and decided to try it. Have had it/used it for 3 fillings so far and am extremely pleased! Works just great, no mess, spillage, and simple to set-up. Recommend it. Greg

Greg, that link didn't work for me. Is it the same as post #106?
 
   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #114  
JMC, Sorry about the link not working? It was another TBN'rs reply that I copied, pasted, and was attempting to respond to. Post 106 was the post I intended to quote and state that I had purchased the same pump and am happy with mine. I did not attempt to open the link, thus I didn't know it wouldn't work. The picture is an exact replica of the pump I bought off of Amazon. Sorry bout that. Greg
 
   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #115  
JMC, Sorry about the link not working? It was another TBN'rs reply that I copied, pasted, and was attempting to respond to. Post 106 was the post I intended to quote and state that I had purchased the same pump and am happy with mine. I did not attempt to open the link, thus I didn't know it wouldn't work. The picture is an exact replica of the pump I bought off of Amazon. Sorry bout that. Greg

I only mentioned it to make sure I wasn't missing another good solution.
 
   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #116  
The last tractor that I traded in was a really good unit but with the tank mounted on top I had to opt for an electronic pump found on eBay. It was aggravating to use and a pain in the rear end but did it's job.

As I have aged and used various types of equipment one of my requirements now are for low mounted fuel tanks. My current tractor has a low mounted fuel tank that allows me to fill it with minimal effort. My mower and utility vehicle are the same. My tractor, mower, and utility vehicle all have wide filler necks that allow removing those awful spouts on current fuel tanks.

Good thread and information.
 
   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #117  
Before my B3000, I had a B2150 and it was pretty easy to re-fuel it. The tank was behind the operators seat and not too high. (Still high though.)

I was able to stand behind the tractor and lift up my 5 gallon can and lean it against the Roll bar.

I didn't dread re-fueling like I do (or did) with the B3000.
 
   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #118  
Over a year ago I started using one of those battery operated cheapo wand style pumps. I liked it so much I bought a second one when HF started carrying them. No more funnels or spilled gas from the safety fuel cans. Yes I have to lift it up onto the hood of the tractor or backhoe like I did when I had to pour it. I also use it for other stuff with a gasoline engine.
 
   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #119  
I use one of these.
https://www.amazon.com/No-Spill-Diesel-Can-Gal/dp/B00AAI6FU6

Yes, still need to put it up on the hood. I do that from the operator station. Not sure why the guy with the Kubota in the video did it from the front tire. Since the fuel is dispensed only when the button is pushed AND the 'can' is basically flat on all sides, I put the can on the hood with the spout in the fill port. The spout doesn't hit the bottom of the strainer in the fill port. Thus, no need to balance the can while you fill, just hold the button in until the tank is full.
 
   / An easier way to refuel your tractor #120  
I made this years ago.
It's a universal 12 volt fuel pump, rubber fuel hose (any length you want), a switch and a rechargeable 20 volt battery.
Battery I found at Wal-Mart, clearance price $5. Battery even has built in led charge gauge. Total cost would be about $35 everything.
You could simply buy a pump (eBay $15-$20), two wires with clip leads on end. Clip it to tractor battery.View attachment 60386520190508_203746.jpgView attachment 603866
 

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