Storing Fuel
We use a lot of diesel on the farm to keep our equipment running. I have used the 5-gallon gas cans, but it usually requires more than one to fill a large gas tank.
Gas cans are messy and frustrating, especially if you have the new EPA-friendly nozzle cans. It’s never enjoyable to have fuel all over your hands and pants.
Running out of fuel halfway through your chores is always frustrating, so we built our own DIY fuel tank. A 55-gallon farm fuel storage tank allows us to have fuel on hand when needed.
Farm Fuel Storage Guidelines
There are some key elements to remember when storing fuel.
Types of Storage Tanks
There are different styles of storage tanks like steel tanks, double wall tanks and blue plastic drums. We use blue plastic drums because of their cost and weight.
Keeping the fuel in a darker container will prevent sunlight from deteriorating the fuel. If stored properly, you can use diesel for up to twelve months.
Ventilation
Having your fuel storage tanks in a well-ventilated area is necessary. We placed our 55-gallon drum under our lean-to. The lean-to is a well-ventilated area while still protecting your tanks from the weather.
Dedicated Containers
Always keep your diesel and regular gas separate. Label your tanks or have different colored tanks to store your fuel. Using the wrong fuel in your equipment can cause permanent damage, which can be very costly.
Off-Road Diesel for Farm Fuel
We use “red” off-road diesel. This diesel is dyed red to show the difference between diesel fuel and off-road diesel. Off-road diesel is taxed differently and is cheaper than ordinary diesel. The purpose of red fuel is for off-road vehicles and farm equipment.
Not all gas stations sell off-road diesel, so you need to research the closest gas station to obtain your red off-road diesel.
Supplies Needed
- 55-Gallon Drum – You can buy a 55-gallon blue plastic drum made for diesel and regular gas at any farm store or find one on Craigslist. If you purchase a used drum, wash it out with water and let it dry completely before filling it with fuel.
- Diesel Fuel Pump and Hose – This will allow you to pump your fuel from the drum to your equipment quickly and without a mess. You will have to put the part together yourself, following the directions. This pump is not for gasoline. Pro-tip: Make sure all connection points are connected tightly.
- 12 Volt Battery – Use the battery to connect your pump so that you can pump your gas out of your fuel storage.
- 5-Gallon Bucket with a Lid – This bucket is excellent for storing the hose and pump while you are not using them.
- Gloves – This is optional but putting gloves on while working with fuel will protect your skin from fuel.
Farm Fuel Storage Step by Step
- Put together the fuel pump and hose kit. Make sure all connections are secure.
- Fill the drum with red off-road diesel. Pro-Tip: Don’t fill the 55-gallon drum all the way up because the plastic drum does not have a vent.
- There are usually two lids; one course and one fine threading. Open the white lid with the course threading on the 55-gallon drum.
- Set the cap aside in a clean place.
- Drop the filter and hose into the drum and the fuel.
- Connect the pump to the battery. Pro-tip: Make sure the pump battery is off before connecting. If it’s not, it could cause a spark. You don’t want sparks around fuel!
- Put the nozzle in the equipment tank you want to have filled.
- Turn the pump on and pull the nozzle handle to fill your equipment tank. This pump works fast, so be alert when filling your tanks.
- After all your farm equipment is completely full of fuel, you will want to remove your hose from the drum. Pro-Tip: I recommend draining the hose out and storing the pump and hose in a 5-gallon bucket until you need to use it again. Storing the pump and hose will keep them clean and free from dirt and bugs between uses.
It feels good to have a large supply of fuel on hand. At the time of this filming, gas was very affordable, at this point now, we’re not so fortunate, but when you find a good price, being able to stock up and take advantage of those prices is smart.
