School me on diesel fuel

[dougtrr2]

If you decide to do your own additive there are some practical factors to consider. How big is the tank on the tractor, how much fuel are you using. I am not a big user of fuel so sometimes I have to think about using the additive in late summer to ensure that the tank is full of treated fuel by winter.

Doug in SW IA

 

[rd_macgregor]

I have had my outdoors, cabbed Kioti DK45 since 2006 and have never added anything to the fuel. A few years ago, I switched to heating fuel as a cost-saving measure; so far, so good. I figure that since many homes have their heating fuel tanks outside, gelling should not be a big risk. I buy 40 liters at a time in 20l diesel cans. I use it at a fast enough pace that I don't worry about it "going bad". I almost never use the block heater; if it is really cold, I may cycle the glow plugs twice before cranking...so far, if it cranks over, it starts (I'm now on my third battery).
I used to live in Ohio, in Powell, north of Columbus, and would assess central Ohio winters as slightly milder than ours here, on average.

 

[Diggin It]

My plan is to fill a few 5 gallon containers at the local gas station with a year round additive. Any suggestions for a cheap hand pump so I don't have to fight a 5 gallon tank so high up?

Buying diesel that way may not be your best option as you'll be paying full price. If you're in an Ag area with farmers using bigger machines that have fuel delivered, see if you can strike a deal with one to buy 20 or 30 gallons at a time.

 

[GamblerAcres]

If you decide to do your own additive there are some practical factors to consider. How big is the tank on the tractor, how much fuel are you using. I am not a big user of fuel so sometimes I have to think about using the additive in late summer to ensure that the tank is full of treated fuel by winter.

Doug in SW IA

Hard for me to say how much I'll be going through with this tractor since I can only compare it to my previous tractor, a '48 Ford 8n. I can estimate about 3 hours a week during the winter and at least double that during the summer. I don't think I'll have to worry about a lack of turnover, just gelling during the winter.

Either way, I see the additive as a cheap insurance and don't mind the extra expense.

 

[iflywhatevr]

Buying diesel that way may not be your best option as you'll be paying full price. If you're in an Ag area with farmers using bigger machines that have fuel delivered, see if you can strike a deal with one to buy 20 or 30 gallons at a time.

Great advice. Around here 100 gallons is the minimum to avoid a delivery charge that cancels out an fuel saving for off-road diesel. My neighbor brings over his cans when I fill my tank to get his 20 gallons at a time lol.

 

[GamblerAcres]

Buying diesel that way may not be your best option as you'll be paying full price. If you're in an Ag area with farmers using bigger machines that have fuel delivered, see if you can strike a deal with one to buy 20 or 30 gallons at a time.

Great suggestion, thank you. It will be for Ag use so that would save me a bit in tax. I'll have to look into that.

 

[dalola]

If you go with small direct dispense containers, I like these: New Gas Can | SureCanUSA Pricey, but the best I've found for their intended purpose. I'm guessing your MX holds way more than the 6 gallons for a BX, so may not be practical for you.

 

[Ford850]

Keep it simple. Add Howes Lubricator Diesel Treat, or Power Service white bottle juice to your fuel can when filling, starting in the late fall. Treat according to the bottle instructions for winter use starting then, regardless of your current temps. CHEAP insurance. My dealer, a big ag dealer, warned me about fuel when I bought from him years ago. I follow his simple instructions that I listed above and have never had a problem. I buy from reputable gas stations with a lot of diesel traffic to make sure I don't get bad fuel. I take this stuff seriously since I need the tractor to start 100% of the time to clear my long drive. Without it, I cut off all deliveries and any emergency responders (fire or ems), not to mention we can't get out for work or supplies.

 

[CobyRupert]

For fueling from small 5-6 gallon containers, I found these self-priming siphon hoses to be great.
I just set the jug on the fender, stick the hose in the can and jiggle it a few times, then walk away, check the oil, grease things etc..., few minutes later the jug is empty.
No wrestling the jug while fighting those stupid spouts that don't work.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Seachoice-19141-Self-Priming-Siphon-Pump-1-2-x-6/52331867?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227040923292&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=99516680057&wl4=aud-566049426705la-244689287297&wl5=9004939&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=52331867&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo4eu1qj83gIVtY1bCh0EFggdEAQYAiABEgJ9avD_BwE

 

[TractorNH]

Keep it simple. Add Howes Lubricator Diesel Treat, or Power Service white bottle juice to your fuel can when filling, starting in the late fall. Treat according to the bottle instructions for winter use starting then, regardless of your current temps. CHEAP insurance.

Since Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel lacks the lubicity of old time diesel it was suggested by my dealer (and several others) to ALWAYS use an additive like Howes or Power Service because they replace the lubricity required to prevent fuel system problems long term. Like you said, cheap insurance. I treat all of my diesel when I get it home (I buy in 5 gallon cans). As the bottles say, adding too much is okay too so if you're in doubt as to whether the fuel was treated, then add treatment.

As far as saving on the road taxes, in my state (NH) as long as you use more than 100 gallons of fuel per year in off-highway applications then you can submit a form with your receipts to get a reimbursement for the highway taxes. Off-highway applications includes the use of gasoline in landscaping equipment as well.