Bulk fuel at home

MReeter · Apr 17, 2001

Mutt,I also looked for a tank that would suit our needs,everything I came up with was too big to put inside the shop.So,I had one made to my specs and it works out great.Cost of the tank was $200,I did the clean up and painting.The 120 volt pump,filter and fittings was around $250.It will hold a little over 100 gallons,I had it filled last Fall at 102.9 per gal.Today Diesel was 149.9 at the pump.That $450. was the best money I have spent in a long time,it is sooo handy to pull up to the tank,flip a switch,fill up with fuel and take off again,almost as quickly as Dale Jarretts Pit Crew.Well,almost.

M. Sullivan · Apr 17, 2001

Just watch the age of the fuel. Diesel absorbs water (hydrolocizes (sic), I believe) even from the air to a considerable extent. Likely not an issue for a tractor (guess it has a low speed fuel pump). But watch uing older fuel in newer diesel trucks with high speed fuel pumps--they tend to emulsify the fuel/water and it goes right through the injectors/engine. Blow-by gets it in the crankcase, etc..

Wish I had the option here; MI requires you farm 40A I believe for a permit to escape the road taxes. Maybe next year.

Joeinindy · Apr 18, 2001

Just curious about the different fomulations for winter and summer in the diesel fuel. Both the Kubota dealer and the co-op said it makes a difference in performance. I have a 300 gallon tank that just needs a new filter and hose, so I'm about set up to store fuel in bulk, but it would take me a long time to go through even 50 gallons for my use.

M. Sullivan · Apr 18, 2001

Believe I'm getting 6-7 hours on 5 gallons with my 2710. So 50 would last me about 70 hours, or close to a year. With seasonal temp. changes here in MI would be concerned about having summer grade left in the winter....

Anonymous Poster · Apr 18, 2001

Explain it to your supplier... it's for Ag use, and at the present time you "expect lower than normal usage", so please only deliver about 75 gallons, and you'll call for the refills.

Most suppliers would appreciate "any" business now {and suspend any "minimum" delivery gallons}.../w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

MJB · Apr 18, 2001

I asked my local fuel supplier (Agway Energy Products) what the difference was between their #2 heating fuel oil and their "off-road diesel". They told me the only difference was that they mix the off-road diesel 50/50 with kerosene in the winter and they add a fuel conditioner. It is true that your fuel mileage will be slightly lower when running on "winter mix" but I doubt you will notice a significant difference. I am going to take fuel for my tractor out of my heating oil tank and add a fuel conditioner and mix with kerosene as necessary. Since I will also be heating with the same oil it will not be sitting in the tank for more than 6-8 months worst case. Good Luck

Fugitive from the Cubicle Police

HR_Mutt · Apr 18, 2001

Well I asked and the great crew from TBN came thru/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.My wife will have the phone lines zinging tomorrow.MReeter,that is a sweeeet tank you have there!Even inside, you have me dreaming now!
regards
Mutt

HarleyBob · May 5, 2001

I am looking for a good manual pump to use on my 500 gallon tank. Who has a good one to recommend and where to order. It will need a supply tube of at least 40 inches or so and an 8 foot nozzle/hose.
The tank has a 2" fitting. At 8 gallons or so per fill, I don't think I need a 12 volt pump.

Anonymous Poster · May 5, 2001

Best & cheapest place to find one... local farm equip. auction.

Look for Gasboy or similar... I picked one up last year for $2....Works Great! /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

An auction two weeks ago, had pump and 300 gallon tank for $40.

Good luck!/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

gerard · May 5, 2001

I use my heating oil too right out of the tank in the garage. Just add a conditioner in the winter. Any of the farm supplies will have hand pumps, also Harbor Freight, Gemplers, and Northern Equipment. Mine cost about $20 and screws right inot he 2in bung opening in the fuel tank. Like you said for the amount of fuel you pump per time electric would be a luxury, not a necessity.