FUEL FILLING FIASCO

rswyan · Jun 10, 2005

After buying what I thought was a decent lever pump (GPI HP-90) for my bulk fuel storage and having it take several hundred strokes before it would even prime, let alone pump, I returned and exchanged it for an electric. It wasn't cheap but ya can't beat being able to unscrew the cap on the tractor, flip the switch, stick the nozzle in and squeeze the trigger and fill up in less than a minute.

Freds · Jun 10, 2005

I've got the crank type and it works well for the little amount of filling I do compared to farmers and the like. If I'm thinking... I don't let the tank get too far down, but that's hard to do on my lawn tractor because all I have is an orange idiot light that can't be seen on a bright day /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif . I've had the sound of the tractor's engine let me know a couple of times that I was getting far too low on fuel.
The auto shut-off on the nozzle is a nice feature, but I can also see into the tank as I'm filling.

AntrimMan · Jun 10, 2005

I use 5gal plastic jugs with a two foot length of clear tubing slid onto the nozzle. Patience can be learned. I stand on the front tire and hang the jug above the loader hoses which are also in the way terribly. I would change two things on my tractor if given the opportunity...
1) make it easier to refuel while keeping the same fuel cell protection.
2) reverse the radiator fan direction so I don't have to sit in all that heat while using the hoe. (back hoe, don't get any other ideas).
Other than that , I'm a might too thrifty to buy a fuel rig but I do accept donations sent to the Antrimman Home for Less Fortunate.
Best of luck,
Martin

BoneheadNW · Jun 10, 2005

AntrimMan-

Probably a stupid question, but what fuel cell protection are you talking about?

With regard to the refueling issue, I'm thinking of getting a cheapo siphon hose as suggested by someone here earlier.

It might take longer to refuel (my tractor only holds 5 gal) but it avoids being soaked in diesel fuel.

Cheapo Siphon

AntrimMan · Jun 10, 2005

bonehead,
by protection I mean the fact that the tank is way up high and tucked in. There is little chance of poking a hole or snagging a line.
If it were down low it would be easy to fill but perhaps more vulnerable.
Perhaps under or behind the operators seat would be a decent location, I think boomers are built that way.
Yeah, the bulb type siphon pumps are a good alternative to having to hold the jug way up high. I've used them with the old kero heaters, they may be a little slow but time is irrelevant unless you are on the clock.
Martin

JimMorrissey · Jun 11, 2005

Walt,

Until you come up with something more practical, I'd get (as others have said) a big funnel. Mine is galvinized steel and it's pretty heavy so it stays put. What a royal pain filling 5 gallon containers and lugging them up onto the loader arms. I've got to find another solution.

-Check the fuel and oil discussion too. There must be countless threads on this same topic.

BoneheadNW · Jun 11, 2005

Senor Morrissey (sorry , I couldn't help myself- I am listening to Carlos Santana right now)-

I read on the post below that galvanized containers (or possibly funnels) are a problem with diesel. Do you know anything about that?

Galvanized container post

Bonehead

JimMorrissey · Jun 11, 2005

Negative Senor Bone....It's just a funnle and the diesel is only on it for a few minutes, if that. I clean it with a shot of carb cleaner before I use it to get the grit off the sides.

I will be doing something different soon. Just have to add it to "The List".....the endless list.

BTW: I seen Santana nearly 10 times in the last 15 years.

BoneheadNW · Jun 11, 2005

OYE COMO VA! Carlos is a master!

A related question: Are there any CUTs whose fuel filler cap is on the side (i.e. not with the inlet parallel to the ground)? My JD lawn tractor fills to the side of the seat but the cap is parallel to the ground. Since it is lower than the Kubota, filling with fuel is not as big a problem.

Bonehead

tnuke · Jun 11, 2005

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I will be doing something different soon. Just have to add it to "The List".....the endless list.
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By the way is a tool box in that endless list Senor Morrisey. I would like to see pics if you have one. Seems to me like you mentioned you did some time back. I need somewhere to put a chain etc.