Back saving tractor fueling

TOMLESCOEQUIP · May 28, 2003

After lifting 5 gallon cans of diesel for years, I finally got smart.......here is a picture of my home fueling setup........Lo-buck approach. Drum pump (Harbor freight 1/2 price sale @ $9.99) fuel filter (TSC $20.00) hose and fittings (TSC $25.00) and a lever action 3/4" ball valve(local hdwe. store $7.99). I installed the ball valve on the tractor end of the hose.........Leave shut....place hose nipple in tractor tank, open valve and pump fuel...........When done pumping, allow hose to drain, close ball valve at tractor end of hose.........."NO DRIP FUELING" !!!!!!!!!!! Hose nipple stores in vent hole of drum.........Neat and easy........... Used Drum was free( local dist. also has new ones @ $15.00)........cleaned and re-labeled diesel only.........I fill it at my local bulk fuel distributor and transport sealed drum in my pick-up......Install pump at home...........Good to go.....No lifting !!!!!!!!!!! A drum usually lasts the mowing season.........TOM

dourobob · May 29, 2003

Great idea!! - as copying is the highest form of flattery, consider yourself flattered /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I've been thinking about a back saving solution for a while now and you've actually done it. Thanks

Bob

Anonymous Poster · May 29, 2003

/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif That looks exactly like the setup we used to refuel our Caterpillars in the late forties and early fifties before we could afford decent fuel storage equipment. We were always aware of the ability of drums to collect condensate and as such we had a place where the drums sat on a steep angle so that the water would collect in an area that the pump stem could not reach. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif We went one step further and used a threaded pipe cap on the discharge nozzle to keep even the slightest amount of dirt out. You could consider putting a screw-on oil filter on the barrel vent to prevent any entry of dust particles, and then just hang the screw-cap protected nozzle on the pump itself. You just can't be too clean when it comes to diesel. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif The way our WWII army surplus tank refuling barrel pump worked, you could turn it backwards and slurp the hose dry after refueling. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Chief · Jun 11, 2003

Nice clean setup you made there! I may just try the same thing. Thanks for posting the info. & pics.

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Jun 11, 2003

Since my wife does most of the mowing, I had to come up with a more "wife friendly" fueling system............Previously we had been using the cans and the fueling was left up to me............I always like to fuel the tractor each time I put it away so running out of fuel is never an issue......... now she can do it............I also have her trained on the grease gun and power washer............It's rare for me to get much seat time in the summer..........But she'll let me plow snow whenever I want !!..........Hmmmm........Go figure...............TOM

Boomer33 · Feb 2, 2004

I'll try to post a photo of my fueling area next to garage. Buying fuel in bulk doesn't save any money, but it is convenient!

JerryG · Feb 2, 2004

Where is the attendant? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Junkman · Feb 2, 2004

What is the pedestal mounted pump attached to.... an underground tank or is it just for display? I would like to see a better picture of this pump.....

Boomer33 · Feb 2, 2004

Junkman: The pedestal pump is attached to a burried (or underground) 500 gal. tank. The tank is 14' to the left of the pump. The tank was originally intended as a fuel oil tank for a hot water heating system. I opted for electric heat before the house was completed and was left with an extra tank. By using oversize pipe (1- 1/4") from a reducing bushing on the tank (2"-1-1/4") to the base of the pedestal and a reducing elbow (1-1/4 to 3/4) to the pump riser, I have enough power and suction to put 8 GPM at the nozzle. I use this arrangement for diesel since it is environmentaly safe. The tank on legs is for gasoline. For many reasons you DON"T want to bury a tank for this fuel!!! Both tanks are fitted with electric pumps and both are made by Gasboy! They are easy to use and have both been in service for 17 years without a problem! The pump on the gasoline tank has a cabinet surrounding it, but the pedestal or remote pump does not. It was just a matter of availability at the time. If you are a large user of these fuels and are remotely located, I strongly advocate the bulk purchase option if your area allows it!!! In the unfortunate event where this country once again experiences "gas lines", you will have established an allowance quota with your supplier and will be ensured of recieving deliveries based on your quota history. Who knows for sure what supprizes the Mid-East has in store for us!

mjncad · Dec 4, 2006

TOMLESCOEQUIP said:
After lifting 5 gallon cans of diesel for years, I finally got smart.......here is a picture of my home fueling setup........TOM

Out of curiosity Tom, is that an MCC (Motor Control Center) or other electrical panel with the "NO SMOKING" sign next to your fuel station?

If so I can just picture the local fire marshal having a heart attack if he saw that.

I'm not out to pick an argument, just concerned for your safety.