fuel tank for heavy equipment

[shendren]

i just cleared 20 acres of south florida swamp and had to rent several pieces of heavy equipment. they sucked a lot of fuel. i was not too prepared. i just bought road fuel and siphoned it in via 15 gal chemical tanks from the tailgate of my truck. i will have a second phase of land clearing soon. i think i will get a big fiberglass marine tank and put in the back of the truck and buy some kind of manual hand pump. i can get 50 gallon tanks for $150. i don't need one of those permanent tanks in the back of my truck. does this sound like a good alternative? thanks for any input. scott.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Might want to make sure the tank is DOT rated for fuel. I would also make sure the tank is strapped in securely to prevent it sliding. The thing is to be careful because a spill could cost you bit bucks. If you have a junkyard close by maybe you can pick up a truck saddle tank. I can pick up aluminum tanks for cheap but have not found the shape I want yet. I want to replace my steel rectangular tank. I think Northern sells the hand pumps. The ones I used years back kept you pumping for a time but since it's only limited use, no big deal there.

 

[Rosco]

Did you look to see what it would cost to have a company come down with a site truck and fill your equipment for you. It may be less money than buying a tank and pump especially if it's only temporary.

 

[bmoeller]

You can have it delivered. They charge 6-10 c/gal extra around here for delivery. Don't know if there are any in Florida, but get our fuel from Farm Service (FS) or CO-OP.

 

[shendren]

thanks guys. i wasn't thinking about spills. i guess i will maybe have a tank delivered. scott.

 

[WDaniels]

Rosco is right. Also if you get them to deliver and it is for off road use in heavy equipment, the road taxes are not on the delivered fuel. During the summer we go through 5,000 gallons of #2 every week and the savings from the road taxes more than makes up for the delivery charge.

WD