Oil & Fuel Home delivery of fuel

[chelydra]

Was talking to the heating-oil delivery man today. He convinced me that what he pumps really is the same as I get at a gas station, except for absence of an anti-gelling additive in winter. He routinely fills large farm and construction vehicles directly, as well as storage tanks for diesel.

Since home heating oil is about a dime cheaper than off-road diesel at the one local station that has it, I asked if he can fill my little five-gallon plastic cans. Turns out he's got a special spout for that right in the truck.

Any reason not to have him fill my pails when he's at the house?

-Chelydra
Kioti CK20HST

 

[schmism]

ive hear of guys running their tractors off the "heating oil" and saying its basicly the same thing as #2 diesel.

 

[scott_vt]

Yep, no difference ! We have 2- 55 gallon drums in the barn and use it on all the diesel tractors. No problems !

 

[MadReferee]

Actually, since you are from Easatern Mass, home heating oil (HHO) and off-road diesel fuel are different. They are stored at the bulk distribution center in Revere in seperate tanks. However, you should be able to use it with no problems in your tractor but I would add some Power Service to the fuel.

 

[BTDT]

I don't think it would be a problem, but (heaven forbid) if you were to have a fuel related problem with tractor, I wouldn't volunteer that information to dealer when he asks "what happened to this, where you get your fuel, etc." Well, that void$ your warranty.

 

[N80]

Slightly off topic but I have a few questions about home delivery. Is home delivery of diesel cost more or less than buying at the filling station? Also, do the delivery guys have a minimum amount that you have to buy? Finally, how long does diesel stay 'good'?

The reason I'm asking is that my B-I-L gets home delivery (huge tank) and he lives right down the road. I could get a 55 gallon drum and a hand pump and just have the guy stop at my place when he comes to my B-I-L's. I suspect 55 gallons would last me 3-4 months. So the main issue is whether he would deliver that small of an amount and if so, would it 'keep' that long.

And by the way, where can you get a 55 gallon drum?

 

[MadReferee]

Slightly off topic but I have a few questions about home delivery. Is home delivery of diesel cost more or less than buying at the filling station? Also, do the delivery guys have a minimum amount that you have to buy?

Absolutely no one here on TBN can accurately answer that question unless they buy from the same distributor as you. It is most definitely a local distributor issue as some will deliver with a minimum order and some will not, some charge more while others do not. You should be calling the distributor and ask about HIS delivery policy.

how long does diesel stay 'good'?

That's another loaded question. It could stay "good" for years. It all depends on how and where it was stored and what additives were in the fuel.

And by the way, where can you get a 55 gallon drum?

Lots of places. Do you want steel or plastic? If buying used you need to know what was originally in the barrel and how well it was cleaned. I have bought plastic drums from US Plastic with good results. Just make sure you get one that is rated for diesel fuels.

 

[N80]

Absolutely no one here on TBN can accurately answer that question unless they buy from the same distributor as you.

That's fine, I wasn't looking for dollars and cents or pints or ounces, just looking for general ideas. There are _lots_ of things that depend on local specifics but that doesn't mean I can't benefit from other's experiences.

It is most definitely a local distributor issue as some will deliver with a minimum order and some will not, some charge more while others do not. You should be calling the distributor and ask about HIS delivery policy.

That's true enough and that's what I'll do once I get an idea if it is remotely practical. The more I use my tractor the bigger a pain it gets toting 5 gallon jugs to and from the filling station.

That's another loaded question. It could stay "good" for years. It all depends on how and where it was stored and what additives were in the fuel.

Okay, thats why I mentioned storing it in a 55 gallon drum (the right kind of course) and that it might take 3-4 months to use it all. Otherwise, the drum would be stored in an open shed. I don't know anything about additives.

Do you want steel or plastic?

I have no idea. Whichever is best. The prices on new ones, plastic or steel, are not that bad. I'm open to suggestions. And thanks for the link. Are the plastic ones stout enough to handle/support a hand pump on top?

 

[MadReferee]

Okay, thats why I mentioned storing it in a 55 gallon drum (the right kind of course) and that it might take 3-4 months to use it all. Otherwise, the drum would be stored in an open shed. I don't know anything about additives.

3-4 months will not be any problem, even less of a problem when stored in a closed container. I just let about 8 gallons stay in a fuel tank for almost 10 months and the engine started right up.

Are the plastic ones stout enough to handle/support a hand pump on top?

My 33 gallon drum will support a large heavy electric pump. A hand pump will be no problem whatsoever.

 

[bx23barry]

I delivered fuel for a chevon distributer for college money and I filled alot of 55 drums with diesel in people's garages. Prices varied by customer. But it was the '70s fuel crisis too. (never had a fuel problem filling my truck at the refinery).