A diesel tank is a great way to store and transfer diesel whether you’re on the farm or worksite. However, to really get the most out of this convenient piece of equipment, you need to do your research first. Luckily, this is what this blog is all about!
Why Do You Need a Diesel Fuel Tank?
What is the important function of a diesel tank? As a highly flammable liquid, diesel needs to be contained securely in a specialised storage location. Within this space, there needs to be zero risk of spillage or leakage, so as to reduce the potential fire risk. Providing this storage is the most important function of a diesel fuel tank. But that’s not all there is to a diesel storage tank.
For many diesel tank owners, it’s the convenience and savings that make these tanks worth their weight in gold. Picture this: you go to start up your tractor and it coughs and splutters, before you realise you’re out of diesel. Now you’ve got to grab your jerry cans, hop in the car and head off to the local petrol station. This can seriously put your workday out of whack. But that won’t be the case if you have a diesel refuelling tank. Simply set it up to transfer some diesel into your tractor and you're good to go in next to no time. What’s even better is if you have a portable diesel fuel tank and you can easily move it around to fuel up all your vehicles and machinery as you need!
And what about those savings? Well, with fuel prices jumping around from week to week and seemingly getting to all-time highs over and over, being able to bulk-buy fuel is an excellent cost-saving measure. All you need is a place to safely store it! Enter your brand new diesel fuel tank.
Choosing the Right Diesel Fuel Tank for You
Remember Size Matters When It Comes to Tanks
There’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to diesel fuel tanks. It is size alone that will be one of the biggest factors in picking the right diesel tank for you. Fuel tanks come in a range of sizes, from compact options that store up to a hundred or so litres, to bulkier choices that can hold thousands of litres. What you need will depend on how much fuel you get through regularly. For instance, if you’re wanting to fill up all of your machines at any given time, you’ll probably want to opt for something in the thousands of litres category. Alternatively, if you’re just looking to carry and store some extra diesel for ‘just in case’, a 100-litre caddy will get you out of strife.
While it may seem like a case of bigger is better, you don’t want to have diesel sitting around for years. We’ll explain more in a little bit.
Choose a Material That’s Made to Last
Loss of product is loss of money and not only is it a fiscal benefit to keep diesel from spilling out, keeping it safely contained is in your best interest to avoid fire and contamination risks.
Diesel needs to be stored in a diesel-safe tank, as it differs from other petrol and oils. Bunyip Equipment’s range of diesel-grade tanks are UV stabilised, durable and are specifically built to carry and store diesel, with the added bonus of being relatively lightweight compared to a traditional steel tank.
Decide If You Want to Make Transfers Easier
One distinction you’ll find between diesel storage solutions is their transfer features. It’s one thing to get your fuel into the tank, it’s another to get it back out when you need it. This is why you’ll see some tanks with built-in transfer features, including pumps and hoses. Others may be lacking these key parts but that doesn’t mean they’re out of the race just yet. You can always purchase different diesel tank accessories to get more use out of a tank. However, it can be more convenient to have a specially built-in transfer system, rather than having to source the accessories and match them to your tank and needs.
Safe Storage & Maintenance Tips to Set You & Your Tank Up Right
Regardless of the diesel fuel tank you choose, it’s important to know how to keep your tank in good nick to ensure the viability of your fuel, as well as prevent accidents.
Choose the Right Spot for Your Tank
Ideally, you want to set your tank up on a stable flat surface. This helps equalise stress across the tank, so no one section is fatiguing more quickly than any other. At the same time, it’s a good idea to have a layer of something, like concrete, between your tank and the ground. This helps minimise the likelihood of diesel seeping into the soil below if your tank should leak or fail.
At the same time, you want to keep your tank away from residences or important buildings. This is because of the inherent risk presented by diesel fuel. You’ll want to have some fire fighting equipment handy too in case the worst does happen. However, if you’ve done your due diligence and picked a suitable, high-quality tank, this will only ever need to be a precaution.
Similarly, it’s best to keep your tank out of sunlight. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to water mixing with the fuel. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can also hasten fuel evaporation and degradation.
Know How Long Your Fuel Has Been in the Tank
Contrary to popular belief, diesel fuel can ‘go off’. Realistically, 12 months is about how long diesel can sit in a tank. After that, it may not work as well or at all. However, you can use diesel stabilisers to get some extra time out of your fuel.
Learn to Check for Water in Your Diesel Fuel Tank
Condensation can be a real issue for diesel fuel tanks. Similarly, water can seep in through cracks and seams, and play havoc with your fuel. And if you have a metal tank, it can cause your tank to rust from the inside. So how do you check if there’s water in your tank?
There are a couple of ways you can do this. Firstly, there are a number of ‘water-finding’ chemicals on the market. Using one of these can give you a firm answer. Alternatively, you can closely watch the performance of any machinery or vehicles that use the diesel from the tank. If they’re idling oddly or producing abnormal smoke, you could be in trouble. Then, you can use a fuel additive to strip the water out, or you can drain it. However, it’s much less hassle to keep the water out of there in the first place!
Find Quality, Reliable Diesel Tanks for Sale at Bunyip Equipment!
If you’re looking to start storing diesel fuel, you’ll find a range of great and safe options at Bunyip Equipment. From 100-litre caddies to tanks boasting thousands of litres of capacity, our selection has you covered. We also have plenty of accessories, including transfer kits. And if you’re not quite sure what tank is right for you or you want a few more tips, you can always ask our expert team. So, set yourself up for success, convenience and savings with a diesel fuel tank from Bunyip Equipment!
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