While it may seem like an extra hassle, there’s a lot you can gain from keeping your machinery’s diesel tank full, whether you’re working on a farm or a construction site.
7 Reasons You Need to Keep That Tank Topped Up
1. Reduced Condensation
When the fuel tank is only partially filled, the remaining space can fill with air. This can lead to condensation forming on the inside of the tank. In turn, water may build up, which can cause serious problems with the fuel system and engine.
2. Reduced Risk of Leaks
Keeping air out of your tank has another benefit too. It also makes it less likely for leaks to occur. This is because there is uniform pressure throughout the tank. When there are pressure differences, it makes the tank expand and contract. This can put stress on the tank’s seams and connections, potentially causing leaks. Of course, you need some air in your tank, that’s why a diesel fuel tank needs a breather. But what the breather provides is plenty, so keep that tank topped up!
3. Reduced Downtime
Keeping the fuel tanks full can reduce downtime caused by having to refuel the machinery frequently. If you thought having to go and fill up your car at the petrol station was a nuisance, it’s much more frustrating when you’re dealing with big machinery! You can then use this saved time for other more productive pursuits.
4. Reduced Fuel Costs
Keeping a full tank can save money on fuel costs in the long run, as fuel prices can fluctuate, so if prices increase you will be paying less per litre. You’ll also save money in the long-term when it comes to transporting fuel to and from your machinery for filling up, as you can do it all in one go.
5. Easier Maintenance
When the fuel tank is full, it can be easier to perform maintenance on the fuel system and engine, as there is less chance of air entering the system and causing problems.
6. Increased Fuel Efficiency
Keeping the fuel tank full can improve the fuel efficiency of the machinery. This is because when the tank is only partially filled, the fuel can slosh around and cause the engine to run less efficiently.
7. Improved Reliability
By keeping the fuel tanks full, you can help ensure that the machinery has a reliable supply of fuel, which can reduce the risk of the engine shutting down or stalling due to a lack of fuel. The last thing you want is to be halfway through a job and then be forced to stop because you didn’t check the fuel tank.
It’s worth noting that these benefits may be offset by the cost of having to purchase a large amount of fuel at once, which can be more expensive than buying smaller amounts over time. Additionally, when storing the machine for longer periods of time, it’s always a good idea to prepare the tank and add fuel stabiliser to keep the fuel fresh, while preventing tank corrosion.
So, How Can You Store All That Fuel?
Depending on your machinery requirements, you might now be looking at storing a lot of fuel on your property to keep those tanks topped up. Here’s what we recommend:
- Keep it in a cool, dry place: Diesel fuel can degrade over time, so it’s important to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This should also be somewhere that is not prone to flooding or where the container can be physically damaged.
- Use a suitable container: Always store diesel fuel in an approved, properly labelled container that is designed for fuel storage. Avoid using containers that are not specifically designed for fuel storage, as they may not be able to handle the flammable nature of the fuel.
- Use fuel stabiliser: If the diesel fuel will be stored for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to add fuel stabiliser to the fuel, which will help to prevent the fuel from breaking down and becoming less effective.
- Keep away from children and animals: Keep the diesel fuel stored in a secure location that is not accessible to children or animals to avoid injury.
It’s important to follow all safety guidelines and regulations when storing diesel fuel, and to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for any specific recommendations for storing and maintaining the fuel. Always practice caution and use common sense when handling and storing diesel fuel.
How Long Can You Expect to Get Out of Your Diesel Fuel Tank?
Along with knowing how to store and stock up on your fuel, you also need to understand what the life expectancy of your fuel tank is. This can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the tank, the conditions in which the tank is used, and the level of maintenance that is performed on the tank.
Some diesel fuel tanks may last for several decades, while others may need to be replaced in as little as a few years. On average a diesel fuel tank can last around 10–15 years under normal operating conditions, with proper maintenance and usage.
Factors that can affect the life expectancy of a diesel fuel tank include:
- The materials used to construct the tank: Some tanks are made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials that can last for a long time.
- Exposure to harsh conditions: If the machinery is regularly exposed to dust, heat or extreme temperatures, it can cause the tank to degrade more quickly.
- Quality of fuel storage and maintenance: regular cleaning, using diesel stabiliser, keeping the tank in a clean environment, not letting it run low frequently, and avoiding overfilling can prolong the life of the tank.
It’s important to note that there may be additional factors that could also play a role in determining the life expectancy of a diesel fuel tank. It is always a good idea to consult the equipment manual for any specific recommendations on the life expectancy of the fuel tank and the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance.
Getting More Out of Your Diesel Tank
Of course, if you want to get the full working life out of your diesel fuel tank and machinery, there’s some things you can do too.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for fueling and maintaining the tanks. These guidelines will provide specific recommendations for keeping the tanks in good working condition and can help you to identify potential problems before they become serious.
- Check the fuel filters regularly: Regularly check and replace the fuel filters, as dirty or clogged fuel filters can reduce the efficiency of the engine and cause damage to the fuel system.
- Check for leaks: Regularly check the fuel tanks and fuel lines for leaks or damage. Leaks can lead to lost fuel, reduced efficiency, and potential fire hazards.
- Keep the tanks and fuel lines clean: Keep the tanks and fuel lines clean, as dirt and debris can cause clogging and other problems.
- Monitor the fuel consumption and levels: Keep track of how much fuel your machinery is using and at what rate, this can help you identify any problems that are affecting the efficiency of the engines or fuel system.
- Keep accurate records of maintenance and repairs: These records can help you to identify patterns or issues that may be affecting the performance of your machinery.
- Address potential issues promptly: If you notice any potential issues or problems with your fuel tanks, act quickly to help prevent them from becoming more serious and costly to fix.
Remember, the better you care for your machinery, the longer and more efficiently it will work for you and that includes your fuel tank. Regular maintenance, inspections, and repairs will ultimately save you money and downtime.
Start Filling It Up Today!
If you’re looking for storage for your diesel fuel tank supply, or some new machinery to treat with that extra care for an even better investment, be sure to check out Bunyip Equipment. With a wide range of agricultural equipment and years of industry experience, they can sort you out.
