Fuel Barrels

A couple of old fuel barrels at a set of buildings that haven't been occupied in many years. Perhaps the farmer that is currently farming the place used 'em, I just don't know.

The diesel barrel still has a wee tad of fuel in it; the gas barrel is pretty much empty.

I'm wondering if a fella could just screw on new filter assemblies, hoses, spigots and fill 'em up. They appear to be capped off and in fairly good shape, considering their age.

Whadda think?

Allan

Along with the half section of land that they are settin' on. I've already talked to the tenant farmer; all he wants is his machinery, of course.

The fuel barrels are listed on the purchase agreement, which has been signed by all concerned.

Allan

Install new filters and hoses (stick with 1", at least on the diesel) and you have that covered. On the left tank, also put an elbow on so the hose hangs naturally, it will last longer. Make sure both tanks have valves on them in case you break a hose you don't lose a whole tank full. I would put on new valves, these are likely to drip. Make sure they are made for petroleum. I like the 1/4 turn ball valves myself, but they are about $20 for an inch one.

You don't need to worry about those tanks moving - they won't, even though they aren't bolted down. As far as structure, about the only thing you need to worry about is the wood planks that the stands sit on. If they are rotted or non-existant, the stand could settle one way or the other and topple.

I would slope the tanks slightly to the rear so any junk settles to the back and doesn't plug your filters. I would also buy the spin on filters and not the cartridge style with the plastic bowl.

If it were me I would pour a slab to set them on and build a cinder block wall around them. Does not need to be high with those small tanks. 1 or 2 blocks high. Just enough to contain any spills should the tank start leaking one night.

If a fuel tank leaks on to the ground you loose a lot more than the fuel. You loose the farm if the EPA finds out because they will want to dig any and all contaminated dirt out and dispose or incinerate it. And guess who pays the bill?????

Watched my dad one time take one of those old 300 gallon cast iron boiler tanks of around the 1930s era, hook a hose and nozzle to it and used it for thirty years as a diesel tank.

Then, I took the thing down off it's stand and put it on a wagon running gear and then used it to nurse Eptam sprayer for the beans for another half a life time.

Never did worry 'bout the rust; if it plugged up something, just cleaned out the flakes and continued on. :>)

Allan

The bulk trucks are equipped with the 'climb-steps' and walkways. 'Sides, these guys are used to these things; they are everywhere.

Now, makin' sure that they put the right fuel in the right tank is another matter. :>)

Allan

Thanks, that's kinda what I figured on doing.

I wondered about the wind too, as the things aren't even bolted down to the stands.

But they set to leeward of the buildings and the whole barnyard is protected by a nice established bi-directional shelterbelt, which is 6 or 7 rows deep and is stacked correctly as far as evergreen/seasonal varieties.

Thanks again,

Allan

steveormary