Gas Tank Location

[Geotech]

The topic of the gas tank location came up in another thread and I was curious what y'all's experience has been. Most of the newer tractors have tanks on the back. Kubota L Series still has it under the hood. So does Deere in most of their small tractors. I feel like under the hood is a little more hassle for filling, but it seems like there are advantages to having the tank tucked out of the way with fuel lines no longer than necessary. What has been your experience?

 

[MossRoad]

My late 70's IH2500b had the tanks on the sides under the rear fenders and over/behind the rear axle. It kept the filling away from the engine compartment, the fuel sediment bowl and fuel shutoff valves were easily accessible under the right tank, and it added ballast over the rear axle as well. Granted, it was only 20 gallons, so a tad over 125#, however, everything counts when it all adds up. Add the weight of probably 30# per tank, and you're looking at an additional 185# over the rear axle with full tanks.

 

[DaddyFlip]

I don't have any experience other than observations while shopping, but I do have a preference. Most/all of the Korean made tractors have the same tank assembly on the left under the step up. That contributes to center of gravity. All of the 3 series JD's have the tank high up behind the seat. Orange is under the hood on small tractors whereas the Grand L's are low and to the right. I personally like the low tanks for COG and filling convenience. Some are scared of damage so if heavy off-road is an issue, then you need a different tractor or make a guard for the tank.

 

[jeff9366]

I am seventy-one years old. I am more secure standing on the ground when fueling through the waist high filler on my L3560 than I was fueling my B3300SU standing in the operators station and pouring diesel into the filler from above.
Balance is not so great these days and have to consider posaability of a fall when handling five gallon fuel cans.

I work in jungle. The underside of my tractor is armored with nine gauge expanded steel screen.

The L3560 and its heavier Grand L siblings are about five inches higher to the top of the ROPS with the fuel tank under the tractor, relative to the similar weight MX series. MX will fit in an 84" entry garage with ROPS folded, Grand L probably will not.

 

[oosik]

The fuel fill on my M6040 is right behind the seat - fuel tank is under the floor boards on left hand side. I find it to be a GENUINE PITA to lift a full five gallon Jerry can and fill the tractor.

However - I have yet to find some other means(small pump, etc) that looks to be much better.

It won't be much longer and I will HAVE to find some alternate - those full Jerry cans are not getting any lighter.

I have not yet fallen doing anything with the tractor but my annual spring thinning of my pines. I don't feel like I'm doing anything if I don't trip on a downed small pine and fall - some years two or three times. Falling "correctly" is an art - I'm an artist at falling.

 

[TerryR]

My 20-year-old JD 870 has the fuel tank mounted crossways behind the seat, with the filler near the right fender. Using 6-gallon plastic fuel cans I can lift them up and rest them sideways on the fender until they are nearly empty, then turn them up to empty out. At least I could last week when I was 76 -- hope I can still now. <g>

The one issue with this mounting is the outlet is way over on the right side of the tank. So when the tractor is on a sidehill (always on my property) with the left side low it runs out of fuel at about a third of a tank.

 

[Jchonline]

The M62 is accessed through the hood, over the engine. My solution is going to be to get a 50-100 gal pump onsite so I don't have to lift anything. I will build a wood reinforced pallet and mount the tank on it. Put it in the truck and run to the station when I need to fill it up. I do like the tank far away from the underbelly. Lots of wood pieces around my place to puncture a tank mounted closer to the ground. As it stands the underside of the M62 is pretty well protected. No hoses anywhere that I saw. I want to keep it that way!

 

[mred2]

I have had them high and low. A lot easier to have them low. Don't have to lift as high. On my dozer it is high and on the back. I back my pickup with the tail gate down. Standing on the tail gate, I can fill it up without having to lift too much. On my ISEKI, it is to the back of the engine, fill on top. I have to lift it up and hold it. But it only holds 10 gallons, I only put 5 in at a time, as it will run all day on that. I don't clear brush with my tractor, that is what a dozer is for. No flats on it.

 

[RjCorazza]

My previous L3410 had the tank under the hood, with a door to access. It was not easy to fuel with cans, which is when I switched to a transfer tank with Fill-Rite pump and auto shutoff nozzle.
The L4060 tank is under the floorboard, with the filler neck at waist level. Very easy to fill, plus the weight is lower.

 

[Jstpssng]

The fuel fill on my M6040 is right behind the seat - fuel tank is under the floor boards on left hand side. I find it to be a GENUINE PITA to lift a full five gallon Jerry can and fill the tractor.

However - I have yet to find some other means(small pump, etc) that looks to be much better.

It won't be much longer and I will HAVE to find some alternate - those full Jerry cans are not getting any lighter.

I have not yet fallen doing anything with the tractor but my annual spring thinning of my pines. I don't feel like I'm doing anything if I don't trip on a downed small pine and fall - some years two or three times. Falling "correctly" is an art - I'm an artist at falling.

Have you tried a "shaker" siphon hose?Google Express

They are a little slow, but easier than standing there holding the can. I started using one after my high tech, fancy spill proof environmentally friendly plastic spout folded up spilljng fuel all ovef the place as it couldn't handle the weight of the five gallons of diesel in the can.

 

[oosik]

I'll be darned - this is my "learn something new every day" item. Thanks much Jstpssng - I've never seen nor heard of this item.

It says 2 to 3 gpm. That would be plenty fast enough in my case. I fill my tractor EVERY time I use it - so its never even five gallons.

I've had the exact same experience with my low tech nozzle - five gallons gets too heavy - stupid plastic nozzle is just to weak and limp. Diesel fuel all over the place and all over me. The diesel smell is kind of like being hit by a skunk - you can shower till your skin is raw and you still have the whiffs of diesel.

Again - thanks Jstpssng - Exactly what I probably need - about as low tech as it can get.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I'll be darned - this is my "learn something new every day" item. Thanks much Jstpssng - I've never seen nor heard of this item.

It says 2 to 3 gpm. That would be plenty fast enough in my case. I fill my tractor EVERY time I use it - so its never even five gallons.

I've had the exact same experience with my low tech nozzle - five gallons gets too heavy - stupid plastic nozzle is just to weak and limp. Diesel fuel all over the place and all over me. The diesel smell is kind of like being hit by a skunk - you can shower till your skin is raw and you still have the whiffs of diesel.

Again - thanks Jstpssng - Exactly what I probably need - about as low tech as it can get.

My New Holland 1720 and Workmaster 50 had tanks mounted up top with the filler neck behind the steering wheel. A real pain to fill. I purchased a 12V pump off eBay. Worked great. Would empty a 5 gallon can in no time. My T4.75 has the tank mounted at the steps entering the cab. Much easier to fill but more exposed to debris, sticks, etc...Still much preferred IMHO.

 

[Jstpssng]

At the end of winter before I unload my snowsled from the company truck for the last time I pull up next to my Ranger and drain the sled into the pickup. That siphon works pretty slick; despite all of the new formulations of both gasoline and diesel, they still haven't improved the flavor when you get a mouthful siphoning the old fashioned way. Bleah!!

 

[MossRoad]

For those of you that don't have the strength or balance to hold up 5-6 gallon cans, get 2 gallon cans, and a squeeze-start siphon from Walmart for about $6. They work great. Set your large can up on a cinder block and your smaller can on the ground. Stick the siphon into the large can, the output hose into the small can, give it a couple squeezes to get it started and you'll transfer 2 gallons in a couple minutes. Then, if you have the strength or balance, fill the tractor with the 2 gallon can, or, put the 2 gallon can on the fender, hood, wherever, and use the siphon pump to transfer it into the tractor.

I'm fortunate in that I'm strong and have good balance, and even I struggle with a full 6 gallon can with a short filler tube until I get a couple gallons out of it. The squeeze siphons really do work. Yes, they take longer, but hey, being down for a couple days due to a thrown out back is no good.

 

[MossRoad]

Here's some examples...

$2.99 at Autozone
Victor Siphon pump 782-8

$5.68 at Walmart
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sunshine...MIjOe0wZKy3gIVilYNCh1g1QZTEAQYByABEgKls_D_BwE

Here's a really nice one that has both the jiggler to start it and a squeeze ball to start it, shut off clips, 8' hose, says it can do up to 4gpm. $23 at Amazon
Amazon.com: Siphon Pro XL - Largest Siphon for Water - Gas - Diesel - See Video - It’s a Pump or Siphon – Get Work Done Fast! 8' & Shut Off Clip - USA: Automotive

 

[Gem99ultra]

I picked up on of these inexpensive transfer pumps for about $14 on Amazon. Runs what seems to be forever on 2 D-cell batteries, and is good for diesel, gasoline, water, and even hydraulic fluid. Transfers about 5 gallons per minute and, since the inlet valve is at the bottom of the intake pipe, it doesn't drip fluid all over the place. You can forget about lifting and spills with this little guy.


Sierra Tools Battery-Operated Liquid Transfer Pump, Model# JB5684

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HEBR3I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[CMV]

Mine is low on left side in front of the step. I saw this as a HUGE improvement over my last one which was rear middle of hood. While this location is incredibly convenient and easy to fill from anything, I worry about it being so low and somewhat exposed. No issues yet from it being there other than positives like not spilling fuel or struggling with a 5 gal can at awkward angle.

 

[MossRoad]

I picked up on of these inexpensive transfer pumps for about $14 on Amazon. Runs what seems to be forever on 2 D-cell batteries, and is good for diesel, gasoline, water, and even hydraulic fluid. Transfers about 5 gallons per minute and, since the inlet valve is at the bottom of the intake pipe, it doesn't drip fluid all over the place. You can forget about lifting and spills with this little guy.


Sierra Tools Battery-Operated Liquid Transfer Pump, Model# JB5684

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HEBR3I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The literature says 5-6 quarts per minute, not gallons. But it's still better than trying to pour and balance.

 

[Zebrafive]

I use 6 gallon plastic containers.
My JDF 2030 is front of engine, through top of hood. PITA to fill, I stand on a platform or a front tire, not easy.
My JD 6415 fill to front of left steps, much easier. That tank has guard for the bottom.


Weight distribution and center of gravity are not a concern for me.

I hope to replace the 2030 with maybe a 5065M that fills front of left steps. But main reason to replace the 2030 is to upgrade from the collar shift transmission to something that shifts on the go.

 

[iflywhatevr]

The Under hood one suck because you inevitably spill fuel which goes all over the hood and eventually destroys your paint. The behind the van is great because everything back there with the 3 point hitch and PTO is already dirty/greasy/etc. the only issue there is sometimes getting between the tractor and implements to fill it and then if I use a standard plastic treehugger approved can I can’t empty the full contents into the tank because the can hits the back cab window on my CK3510 when you try to tip it up all the way to empty it . I solved that by buying a refueling tank and regular gas station nozzle setup.