What do you use for diesel transfer storage?

[Too many Kubotas]

FWIW: The tractor uses 5-20 gallons a month, currently fed out of 5 gallon jerry cans, but I would like to have closer to 50 gallons on site for winter storms. I don't really want too much more, because I know I can't keep it turned over and fresh.

There's no reason to worry about keeping diesel fresh. At least not for the first 10 years after buying it. Keep the tank(s) free of water and there's no risk for bacteria, and/or treat the fuel accordingly.

When in CA I was about to use an old propane tank to store fuel in, since nobody pays attention to those. Also considered keeping it in a water buffalo, but with my luck the fire department would hook up to it if I wasn't there. Ended up fleeing the state instead.

Here I started with jerry cans, which was a pain. Literally. Bought one Lee Agra 200-gallon tank, liked it a lot and got a second one for gasoline. Then four 325-gallon plastic totes to replenish the Lee Agra tanks with, and two of them have their own pumps, but not batteries and solar panels.

For the generator I use a small covered trailer with a 135-gallon tank, back it up to the generator as needed and let gravity do its thing.

All fuel is being delivered, which saves both time and money. I think the minimum is 300 gallons, but tend to exceed that by at least 1,000 when having a delivery about every two years.

 

[MTGreen]

Ended up fleeing the state instead.

Sounds like you had the right idea

 

[bmaverick]

Thick walled HDPE is fuel resistant plastic and typical for the 5-gallon fuel cans on the market today.

I have a set of 15-gallon drums for $8. This way, when full, I can move them with a dolly very easy.

And for less than $9 with coupon, I have a fuel transfer pump using 2X D-sized rechargeable batteries from Harbor Freight.

It's been EZ PZ for the past 4 years like this.

I treat each 15-gallons of diesel before winter with 1 bottle of Seafoam.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I have been using metal Jerry cans for diesel storage, and I am considering a transfer tank. Any recommendations? I suspect that we don't use enough per year to make it worthwhile to have fuel delivered, so it might need to be a tank that can be loaded and unloaded from a pickup easily. (I have forks)

Steel vs aluminum vs plastic? Size? (1 month? Six months?) For fuel quality reasons and for fire risks, I am reluctant to go too large, so tanks on stands are probably out.

Thanks in advance!

Peter

I used to use 5 gal cans and switched to a 26 gal poly tank with a hand pump when they got too awkward for my aging bones to lift. I mounted the poly tank on a cart that I rolled into the bed of my pickup.

My tractors are larger now and hauling the extra fuel became a chore. I don't use enough to have it delivered. I have oil heat and the solution was to install a transfer pump on my 1000 gal fuel oil tank. I installed the filler hose & filter inside the garage next to the door:

Of course this isn't an option if you don't have oil heat.

 

[plowhog]

so I can fork it into the pickup and I set it on a custom dolly in the barn to roll it into the using place.

I just acquired an excellent condition Fill Rite 100 gal tank with 12VDC pump, hose, and meter. For the unbelievable price of $200 if you can believe that.

I'm trying to figure out how to move it around and see the hooks on top like your tank has. I don't usually have forks on the front -- have you lifted your tank using the hooks and a chain?

 

[MTGreen]

I just acquired an excellent condition Fill Rite 100 gal tank with 12VDC pump, hose, and meter. For the unbelievable price of $200 if you can believe that.

I'm trying to figure out how to move it around and see the hooks on top like your tank has. I don't usually have forks on the front -- have you lifted your tank using the hooks and a chain?

Wow you got a screaming deal! Congrats on that score!

 

[scootr]

I just acquired an excellent condition Fill Rite 100 gal tank with 12VDC pump, hose, and meter. For the unbelievable price of $200 if you can believe that.

I'm trying to figure out how to move it around and see the hooks on top like your tank has. I don't usually have forks on the front -- have you lifted your tank using the hooks and a chain?

Initially I thought of doing that but the manufacturer said those hooks were only to be used when the tank was empty. Which makes sense as the tank will be considerably heavier when it's full

 

[bmaverick]

Initially I thought of doing that but the manufacturer said those hooks were only to be used when the tank was empty. Which makes sense as the tank will be considerably heavier when it's full

I went back and forth of large tank vs small. The conclusion was, 15-gallon tanks are easy to move with a hand cart dolly should I need to. Then again, my fuel tank on the tractor is almost 6 gallons. A single 15-gallon tank would last all summer. My machine sips fuel, not drinks it down.

 

[masscity]

As I was getting older, now 77, I knew I needed to do something, it was getting harder to put the 5 gal can on the hood of the tractor. The most I ever used was 75 gal in one year, but use much less now most of the time.

Went to Tractor Supply and bought a 50 gal cube and a 120v pump, about $400.00. On my B7100 I have to hold the can in the air to fuel it.

When I need fuel I take 6 cans to town and fill them up. When I get home it only takes me less than 15 minutes to pour them into my cube, then I'm good for months. One of the best things I did.

 

[Long Roof]

Welcome!

If you don't need the higher flow rate, 3/4" hose is more flexible. I would not use steel reducers; brass or stainless are probably better choices.

Tractor Supply sells fuel hoses. You could stop by for a look, and see what you think. My guess is that your hose is older and transfer hoses do get stiff over time. There are some hoses that are marketed as being "flexible", but I would file it as perhaps "more flexible". Good fuel hose will always have grounding wire built in, so it will be stiffer than regular hose, and more like hydraulic hose.

Does that help?

It would be great to see a picture of your setup.

All the best,

Peter

My first filup was only 50 gallons as I wanted to see that everything worked correctly. I found out the pump is old enough that Fill-Rite does not have parts for it, but it does seem to run fine. I filled up my two tractors then tucked the tank away in the corner. I think it will work out for me. I can load the tank in my truck with forks and use the dolly to roll it out of the way when not needed. I do think I will look into a hose upgrade.