EASY way to keep the tarctor fueled?

JimGnitecki · Dec 9, 2006

Hi! I'm new to this board.

I have a 3720 with cab, and of course the fuel filler is located about 4 feet above ground on the left rear fender.

I got the correct YELLOW (Diesel) 5-gallon plastic can at Tractor Supply, and it has the new "improved" pour system that does NOT include a flexible fill line, but rather a stiff 5 inch long assembly that has a built in flow valve that you activate by pressing the circumference against something solid (if you haven't bought a fuel can lately, this is the new high-safety, anti-spill technology).

I appreciate the safety thoughts behind the new design, and you actually CAN avoid spilling fuel everywhere this way, BUT trying to hold 5 gallons of fuel upsaide down, 4 to 5 feet above ground level, while simultaneously trying to keep the valve open and keep fuel going INSIDE the fuel filler, seems NOT like the way to do things!

The tractor is my ONLY diesel fuel user, and I only operate it mostly on weekends, so I actually am running fuel preservative within the 5 gallon can and the tractor fuel tank. What I am trying to say here is that a 100 gallon or larger, high-mounted permanent fuel tank with gravity feed is not really an attractive solution when you use only a few gallons per weekend, and you really don't want to spend hundreds of dollars AND have the fuel get stale.

There HAS to be a better way though than this 5 gallon can comedy act, that leaves my jacket smelling like diesel fuel for days.

What clever solutions have others come up with?

Jim G

ronjhall · Dec 9, 2006

I have a problem with my back not liking me lifting a 5 gallon fuel can 4' in the air. Purchased a battery powered kerosene pump from TSC to transfer fuel from can to tank. Takes longer than pouring. But no back pain.
I also have a 12" funnel that I use to fill the tank. I always make sure there is enough room in tank for the full 5 gallons. Then just pour the whole can into the funnel. I learned the making sure there is room in the tank the hard way.

Fuel all over the place and funnel still has a gallon in it.

YASH2520 · Dec 9, 2006

12 volt fuel transfer pump from harbor freight works well.

SPYDERLK · Dec 9, 2006

Set the fuel can on the fender and use one of those squeeze starter siphons. That way you dont have to hold it - just come back in a few minutes.
Larry

ChrisJD4320 · Dec 9, 2006

I understand your problem well. My 4320 has the fuel filler located high and center behind the steering wheel. At least I can climb onto the operator station and rest the can on the wheel. It's still a pain. My dad gave me a brand new gravity fed fuel station. I was going the set it on top of the shelves in the garage but then i though about having to lift it when full and I haven't messed with it. I have resorted to emptying the fuel from the yellow can into a red can I bought at a motorcycle shop. This can has a long flexible hose that makes things much easier. It's from a company named Scribner Plastics. They make them in all different colors, including yellow. From looking at their web site they don't sell the hose assembly. My hose has a fitting that screws into the top of the jug. Hope this helps

ChrisJD4320 · Dec 9, 2006

Update.... VP Racing has some nice fuel containers in yellow. Don't get the CARB compliant one. They also have the Deluxe hose.

pruntyc · Dec 9, 2006

You guys think you have problems. I have an inoperable aneurysm on my aorta, and not suppose to lift hardly anything. So am really trying to figure out what to do. I'm sure I'll come up with something, but its won't be lifting the can. My wife died, and now this, maybe its time to quit, but I don't want to.

NoMo · Dec 10, 2006

I'm in the same position with regards to the tractor being the only oil-burner in the fleet. Was laid up for a week (bad back) after trying to fuel the tractor this Summer. So I bought THIS PUMP for $17 that screws right into the Blitz yellow diesel jugs.. It doesn't move a lot of fuel very fast, but it'll sure save your back!

kenwyatt · Dec 10, 2006

I have a 3320 and got tired of spilling fuel all over my inst cluster. Bought a couple of 2.5 gal cans with the type of filler spout you mentioned and turn it up set it into the fuel filler and leave it until it is empty. Takes 2 or 3 times but it keeps me and the tractor from getting covered in fuel. they do have some nice small tanks at TSC with pumps designed to spray chemicals but haven't gotten around to rigging one up. I only burn about 10 gallons every other 3 weeks so it isn't a big deal