Fueling My Kubota Tractor the Easy Way (#5)

Passing on some ideas that may make fueling your tractor easier.
Kubota L3901 HST Tractor
Howe’s Diesel Treatment
Super Easy Siphon Hose: amzn.to/2HuatUc
Howes Diesel Treat Diesel Conditioner and Anti-Gel: amzn.to/2G1tiNW
DaveKnowsHow Channel:
/ @daveknowshow
Visit DIYMyWay.net: diymyway.net/

[@cynthcmm]

First-time tractor owner, this video is the best.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you! You might find this video helpful too: Truck Bed Fuel Can Holder 2.0: A Better Way to Transport Fuel Cans! (#174) kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnnLonSFZ8yYd5Y

[@johnlcallaway]

I've had a couple of those siphon hoses for several years, they are common on ocean sailboats because spilling diesel overboard comes with stiff penalties. Now that I'm a landlubber piloting a Deere instead of a sailboat, I've found the things i learned still have value. One of those things learned had been a dislike for bungee cords. Too flexible from my experience, and too many failures. I either use a strong length of rope or ratchet straps. Takes longer, but things don't move around. I made a similar rack for my truck, but rather than strap it down i built it to wedge between the wheel wells and tailgate. It doesn't need the fourth side that is next to the tailgate. It's also great for going grocery shopping! Thanks for sharing!

[@ronaldschatte1383]

Great practice for securely transporting the fuel cans, filling at the pump then back home and into the tractor! Thanks for the tip on diesel fuel additive to remove water AND clean fuel injectors!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks for watching, Ronald!

[@borysnijinski331]

Bungee cords will not hold full cans.

[@marenaumovitz252]

Wow, an answer to prayer. Trying to put diesel in my tractor with half of the fuel leaking out (@$6.39 a gal) yrying to lift up. So glad to find your video. Thank you

[@MrIndyjoe]

The frame for transporting the fuel containers is a great idea. I am going to make one. Thanks!

[@geraldgarrison3928]

Good for refueling in the field and not having to come back to a main tank, saving time and travel.

[@funfarmhappy]

Great ideas thank you for sharing with all of us

[@daveknowshow]

well isn't this ironic! I laughed so hard because believe it or not I wrote a reply to your comment talking about mentioning your channel. I said that purely based off the name of your channel and how you worded your comment. I just had this feeling about the caliber of your content. after I left that comment I came over here and of all the videos you have online this one caught my attention. " again the title" what got me laughing was the fact you mentioned me in this video! that's just amazing! I absolutely love it! thank you so much you have no idea how grateful I am to you for doing that. most people 99% come to my channel learn what they can and then make their own video on the subject but never once mention where the learned what they learned. you actually not only did that but you added your own twist in making that transporter rack for the fuel cans. that is a great idea! I may have to build me one as well. I been debating on building a 55gallon fuel station but I really don't need that much fuel at once on hand. the 15 gallon set up is likely a better fit for me as well. thanks again peace love and respect Dave in Virginia

[@DIYMyWay]

Well Dave, credit where credit is due. Yes, a 55 gallon setup is too much for me now as well.

[@keithrayeski3147]

Dave Knows How is a great channel!

[@DIYMyWay]

Yes, it’s a great resource for tractor owners. Thanks for watching!

[@glfnrtrvr]

Thanks! Great tip! I spill more than I should when tipping the diesel can to fill the tank.

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad you found it helpful, Casey! Thanks for watching!

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

The Dave Knows How channel is a really good one, isn't it? I have watched his videos over and over. Just found your channel.

[@DIYMyWay]

Yes, it is! I am always learning something from Dave. Thanks for watching!

[@davehoward2791]

Awesome solution to holding a 5 gal container up high til it empties, and if I may offer a suggestion for those with bad backs- Harbor Freight offers a 2 D-cell powered fuel transfer pump for about $8.00 that can be had for $6.50 with a coupon that will pump 5 gal of fuel from a jug on the ground to your fuel tank in just a couple of minutes. I've had mine for about 3 months and it works great. I'll never hoist another fuel jug up onto my seat or hood again! Even if I only get one season out of it I'll buy another for $6.50 and enjoy another year of not having to break my back lifting heavy fuel jugs high up on the tractor. You only need to buy a few feet of fuel line to go from the short output line of the pump to the filler of your tank for a couple of bucks at the auto parts store and you're good to go. Near 30 yrs in military helicopters all but destroyed my back, I need all the help I can get. Happy tractorin'! 👍

[@DIYMyWay]

That’s a great suggestion, Dave! I’ve seen those little pump on other videos and I’ll probably have to start doing that before long. Thanks for watching!

[@marenaumovitz252]

Wow, thank you. Going to check this out

[@sandrarichardson2713]

Hi...Just watched another video of yours (my first) on maintaining the fuel line, filter, etc. Had asked how much of the Howe's additive to add in the 5 gallon can....you answered that in this video. Nice. And I do use those little siphon hoses like you have. They are great. Never stop learning, huh? Big help on this channel. Looking forward to seeing more. Jesus bless.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Sandra! I’m so glad to know my videos have been helpful to you. Thanks for watching! P.S. You may find it helpful to look through my playlists to find videos that may be helpful to you. I have them organized by various topics.

[@johnambro7181]

Nice tip on the siphon, Forever learning something new. Cheers.

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad you found it helpful, John! Thanks for watching!

[@marclesieur3395]

Thanks for reminding me of the fuel siphon...and sharing the tank rack idea. cheers.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks for watching, Marc!

[@mikebailes172]

Great Video. Really like the container caddy. Thanks Martin.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Mike! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@houndsmanone4563]

Enjoyed this Martin. Dave got me hooked on the diesel fuel hose contraption as well (smile). Enjoyed the full video and the cup f coffee (smile). Have a fine week.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks Don! You too!

[@tonygreen1067]

After 3 back surgeries I need all the help I can get. Thanks!

[@DIYMyWay]

I know what you mean, Tony! Thanks for watching!

[@FromSteelToWood]

I should look into that siphon device. Since the 5 gallons have no vent, this is so terrible using them. Thanks for sharing!

[@DIYMyWay]

Yes, it’s a great convenience. When the fuel gauge gets to about 1/4 tank, 5 gallons will bring it to full, so I don’t have to worry about overfilling.

[@adventureDad1976]

Great idea for gas cans!! Thank you sir

[@DIYMyWay]

You are welcome! BTW, my 2.0 version of the fuel can holder is much better: Truck Bed Fuel Can Holder 2.0: A Better Way to Transport Fuel Cans! (#174) kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnnLonSFZ8yYd5Y

[@henryrodgers3409]

I know that this is an older video but what the heck . First saw on of those hoses at the Sportsman Show in Toronto quite a few years ago . They are great . I've got one for gas and one for diesel . Great for any kind of liquid .They empty almost the entire can if you tilt the can near the end . Best money I ever spent . No need to hold up a heavy can of fuel and strain your back . I use a green box for kitchen scraps and it's the perfect height . If you use a can that hasn't got much fuel in it it's kinda hard to start the siphoning . Well that's what I've found . But then the can is not too heavy and it's easy to dump it by hand . Glad I recently found your channel . Take care .

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Henry! Yes, the Siphon hose is great. I love that I can start it going and then go do other stuff and in six minutes almost all the fuel is in the tractor tank. The last little bit I can pour in. Thanks for watching!

[@houndsmanone4563]

Martin, I enjoyed watching this video again. I like the fuel container caddy you built. I use an easy-pull ratchet rope through the handles and it keeps the jugs from sliding and tipping. I too have had wandering fuel containers in the bed of my truck. Now that made an eventful travel from the fueling station (ha). Enjoyed another full-watch. Have a fine week.

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad to hear it Don! The caddy has been really convenient to have. Thanks for watching and hope you have a fine week too!

[@1rustytree]

Another great tip ! I have a siphon like that but I need to get a square fuel container with the side spout to sit it on the tractor hood and loader like that.

[@DIYMyWay]

Yes, it's nice to be able to start the siphon and walk away. In fact I filled the tank yesterday and timed it again and it took just under 6 minutes.

[@CrazyCanuckFitness]

Great stuff. I have the same type of syphon hose. Works great

[@tractorman4461]

Cool idea. I read Dave's comment below and applaud you for giving him credit for the idea. I cheat a little on hauling fuel. My brother gave me an old 125 fuel tank with a hand pump. But the hand pump finally went bad so now I'm digging out an different one to adapt to it. (I should do a video on that.) lol. Before that I hauled four or five containers in my flatbed strung up with a 1" ratcheting strap to hold 'em in place. Good video...your voice over could be on PBS documentaries. You sound like a pro.

[@DIYMyWay]

I won't deliberately take credit for someone else's idea. Yeah, you should do a video on your fueling system. I'd like to see it. Thanks for the feedback on the voice! A lot of people seem to like it.

[@tractorman4461]

I just played a portion of your voice-over for my wife and she too seemed to think you are either a 'natural' speaker or you have experience in the field. Either way, I stand by my earlier statement. Btw..she's a speech pathologist for our local school district for nearly 40 years. I on the other hand, sound like the farm bred poor boy that I am....lolol. Thanks for the reply sir.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks for that! I’ve done some voice over work before, but not professionally.

[@FromSteelToWood]

@@tractorman4461 and DIY MY Way, you both got my attention because of the way you speak. You have a very clear way of explaining things. You have an organized speech, nice attention to details, proper words, etc. Then you cover subjects I enjoy most! Thanks!

[@tractorman4461]

Joe Lesage thank you for the great compliment. And that compliment being thought of even slightly in the same camp as DIY My Way.... don’t set the bar too high because that’s waaaaayyy too much pressure. Lolol. Thanks again sir.

[@DougBittinger]

I think you've had too much coffee. But I really like the fuel can holder. The quick fuel siphon is a neat trick too, better than a mouthful of diesel. UPDATE: Scratch the coffee crack, I discovered my playback speed got boosted. That's why EVERYBODY is talking too fast.

[@DIYMyWay]

🤣 Yep, I’ve never been accused of talking too fast. If you liked that version of the fuel can holder, I think you’ll like this one better: Truck Bed Fuel Can Holder 2.0: A Better Way to Transport Fuel Cans! (#174) kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnnLonSFZ8yYd5Y Also I fuel my tractor differently too: The NEW Easy Way I Fuel My Tractor: TeraPump Fuel Transfer Pump (#176) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWiroJ2Ih6h9kJY Thanks for watching!

[@DougBittinger]

@@DIYMyWay Thanks, I'll check them out. This time at the right speed.

[@dwayneloftice2326]

Great solution....once again!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Dwayne!

[@skycop3855]

Awesomeness as always, thanks again!

[@DIYMyWay]

My pleasure!

[@andylamm5571]

Great Tips as usual. Thank you.

[@DIYMyWay]

My pleasure, beefan. Thanks for watching!

[@cmja2012]

Looks good, but i have always tried to use the KISS method. I use 1 small ratchet strap that I keep in my truck. I run it through the handles and hook it to the tie down locations on either side of truck bed. I don’t have to store a special jig, just 1 small strap that goes under my seat. K.I.S.S. - keep it simple stupid

[@damonsticher2934]

Is this the scepter brand can ? Where did you get the caps for the cans ?

[@DIYMyWay]

I bought the cans at WalMart. The caps were the ones that came with the cans. Thanks for watching!

[@sunjaybedi4389]

Nice idea, will build one myself.

[@DIYMyWay]

It's an easy and inexpensive project. Thanks for watching!

[@nicklausmisiti5204]

I'm looking at a new Kubota L3901 but am a little concerned about these emission modifications. I could also go a few years older and avoid this. How are others seeing the emission changes working?

[@DIYMyWay]

Nothing to worry about from my experience, Nicklaus. I’ve had my L3901 for almost 4 years and over 660 hours on it and the DPF has worked just fine. I only have to rev up the tractor to PTO speed for about 10 minutes or so when the DPF tells it me needs to do a cycle. Thanks for watching!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Nice set up. A bit slow on the filling don't you think? But it certainly is easy and the best part, no spills!!! The holder for the fuel containers is a great idea too. Nicely done buddy!!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Mike! Yes, it would be too slow if I had to stand there and hold the can, but I don’t have to so it’s no problem. In those six minutes, I can walk away and do other stuff like load the carry all or grab my camera gear. And I never have to worry about overfilling the tank as long as I wait until it is between a half and a quarter tank.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

That's a good plan too. So you 'Multi-task' Awesome. I've read about that !!!LOL!!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Ha! You should try it Mike! It can be very efficient! 😄

[@toddgeorge1569]

You are awesome thank you for your videos…

[@DIYMyWay]

You are so welcome! Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!

[@ddsgala4405]

We found you threw dave love both of your vidios

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you! I have more than two. I hope you enjoy them!

[@TinMan0555]

Good stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks for watching!

[@rickyyeldell7262]

Good idea.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Ricky! For a better idea, you might want to see this video: Truck Bed Fuel Can Holder 2.0: A Better Way to Transport Fuel Cans! (#174) kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnnLonSFZ8yYd5Y

[@oby-1607]

I have to wonder if the fuel conditioner absorbs the water and then goes through the entire fuel system instead of being separated by the water separator. I don't think water is good for the fuel pump or the injectors due to the extreme pressures involved in operating. Maybe I am overthinking it.

[@DIYMyWay]

That is a good wonder to wonder about! It’s possible that the fuel conditioner reacts with the water in a way that forms a harmless hydrocarbon that can be burned with the fuel. All I know is that the water separator hardly collects any water since I’ve been using it, but then again my tractor now lives in an insulated shop building so it doesn’t get nearly as cold for condensate to form in the tank. Thanks for watching!

[@Dan-oz4qb]

I don't know if I can subscribe..... Guys like you are so organized it makes me realize what a mess my shop is 😲

[@DIYMyWay]

Go ahead and click that subscribe button! I have confidence in you!

[@francoislaplante3184]

Hi, just found your channel, very Nice , you got a new subscriber😀

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you, Francois! Welcome aboard and thanks for watching!

[@peri4940]

Fully agree ! Good topics, quite useful, well explained with the detaulled information. Applicable in few minutes for your own activities. Congrats ! Great job ! Keep it up ! ... You got a new subscriber as well 😎

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks for the kind words and for subscribing, Peri!

[@peri4940]

🙌. 🚜. 🙌

[@VideosfromNH]

Nice video. Where do you store your fuel cans? In the garage, or a separate enclosure away from the house? I'm looking for a safe place to store diesel in above freezing temperatures in the winter.

[@DIYMyWay]

I used to store them in the garage but moved them to my insulated shop building after it was built. So they are a safe distance from the house. I live in Georgia so the winters are mild and it hasn’t gotten below freezing in there yet. Your fuels best defense is to use a fuel additive like Howe’s Diesel Treat to prevent condensation and gelling in cold weather. Thanks for watching!

[@VideosfromNH]

@@DIYMyWay Thanks for the reply

[@DIYMyWay]

You are welcome!

[@robertwikeljr-1522]

Noce set up, BUT in Ohio and other states it is illegal to fill portable tank in a motor vehicle. Had to respond to a fire at a gas station that a person did that.

[@pshep123]

Can you take the cans out, put them on the ground, fill, then put back in?

[@thebubbacontinuum2645]

Ordered. Thanks.

[@Quilustrucu]

I livein Quebec. Once while at a service station to pick up gazoline and diesel, I was told that I had to put the 5 gal containers on the ground while filling them. Safety reasons. Do you have the same restriction?

[@DIYMyWay]

Yes, but I don’t think it’s an issue with diesel since a static electric spark won’t ignite it. For gasoline, it’s a must to put the can on the ground. Thanks for watching!

[@wlsteffen]

Great idea, thanks for the informative video.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks for watching, Wayne!

[@patrickcorbett8361]

Very good ! ..Thanks

[@stephengmeiner3264]

Nice! However I already bought the Kubota inverted fuel can.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Stephen! What the heck is the Kubota inverted fuel can??

[@stephengmeiner3264]

@@DIYMyWay sorry I didn’t have the exact name of it when I commented. It’s called a Tuff Jug Ripper Cap style can. Takes about 20 seconds to fill your tank and you won’t spill it. Kubota had them made but I’m having a hard time Googling it. Part # 77700-02133 It is yellow and my L3301 needed an adapter to make it work properly. They’re a little pricey but worth it in my opinion.

[@DIYMyWay]

That sounds intriguing! I’ll have to look into it. Thanks for telling me about it!

[@alittleofthisandalittleofthat]

Are you not worried about scratching your hood?

[@DIYMyWay]

Hasn’t seemed to but a rag over the hood would ensure that it didn’t. Thanks for watching!

[@MrDoyle07]

Great stuff!

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching!

[@toddgeorge1569]

In your experience what is the best way to wash a tractor?

[@DIYMyWay]

Most often, I blow it clean with a leaf blower. Occasionally, I wash it with soapy water and a rag and rinse it with a garden hose. I NEVER use a pressure washer. Thanks for watching!

[@codybrown4591]

Where did you buy the yellow gas tanks?

[@DIYMyWay]

From Walmart. Thanks for watching!

[@foldingchaise8387]

Why do you use Green diesel , Red off road is state or fed tax free !!!!

[@1925sk]

Times have changed. They won’t let you refill Jerry cans while they’re in the vehicle anymore.

[@borysnijinski331]

Bungee cords are not going to do anything to hold full cans in place…empty cans for sure, but not full ones.

[@dixiechileranch]

It's dangerous to fill fuel cans in the bed of a truck because they are not grounded and the potential for an explosion exists from a static electricity discharge. While not as dangerous as with gasoline a danger still exists.

[@hogwelder505]

I like to use a Battery Operated Liquid Transfer Pump from Harbor Freight, at $10.00 does the job.👍

[@DIYMyWay]

I've considered getting one to speed up the filling process faster than just the siphon. Thanks for watching!

[@hogwelder505]

I got the ideal from my brother-in-law. I have I have had both shoulders worked on so picking up my jerry can and holding it is not my ideal of fun. I like the frame, I have turn over a few gas cans in my time. Thanks for the ideal.

[@n7hevn]

Get a bigger diameter hose when dispensing... I do this same thing, and 5 gallons is down in about 90 seconds!

[@DIYMyWay]

I didn’t know you could get one of these self priming hoses in a larger diameter. I’ll look into it. Thanks for the tip and for watching!

[@Randall-kr3gm]

Several comments about scratching the hood of your tractor. Have to admit, I would not really like to scratch mine. Any way, in my particular case I got tired of hefting a five gallon container of fuel to fill my mower or tractor. A bit heavy and I am getting a older. So my solution was to purchase a cheap fuel pump off e bay (life time warranty on my $13 .00 fuel pump by the way - ha), put a fuel line on each side, clamp it and stick one line in the fuel container on the ground, in the truck, up a tree whatever and the other end into the mower or tractor. Fuel pump runs off battery power so I just use an alligator clip for now to utilize the battery on the mower or tractor. Could do any number of things to make a better connection - just have not done so as yet. Could also use a different battery source. Only two negative issues encountered so far - first - I have to pretty much stay in close proximity so that i can manually disconnect the fuel pump when the tank gets full or the container gets empty (over flow or burn up my very expensive fuel pump. Second - I had a bit of an issue with the hose that went into the fuel container in that the end of the hose did not always access all the fuel when the container got low. So to address this I used a couple of plastic zip ties to attach short piece of stiff plastic to the hose (pvc or in my case one of those green plastic things to hold up a bush in the yard) so that I could direct the end of the hose into the corner of my container. Now I am not overly mechanical so there my be issues with what I am doing but so far so good. Pretty careful just for safety sake. Had some concerns about fuel pump working, over heating or who knows what. I know nothing about these things. But I do know that I no longer have to heft any containers up to set up high or hold to pour. As far as I can tell the fuel pump does not seem to care how long the hose is or where the container sets. Then again I just might have been lucky so far.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Randall! Yeah, I'll probably have to come up with a pump system too, since those 5 gallon diesel cans are getting heavier the older I get. Sounds like you have figured out a system that works well for you. Thanks for watching!

[@pistonlegs3097]

Great ideas! Ideally, fuel cans should be filled with the cans on the ground to avoid static electricity sparks and explosions.

[@ML-lg4ky]

Piston Legs guy it’s diesel. You could throw in a lit match and it wouldn’t burn.

[@lacnibor]

Being new to the tractor family, thus new to diesel fuel I was wondering about this too. Good to know it’s safe.

[@MichaelMcbratney]

Didn't work for me.....I threw it away...

[@DIYMyWay]

Bummer, Michael! Mine is still working for me...and I still have it. Thanks for watching!

[@jhamric95161]

^^^THESE ARE NOT LAWS BUT, RECOMMENDATIONS... Construction workers and others in small businesses who often work with gasoline-powered equipment commonly use portable gasoline containers. Homeowners use gasoline cans for their lawnmowers and other equipment. • Avoid the hazardous practice of leaving the portable gasoline containers in pickup trucks or cars when refueling! • Before filling, always remove the containers from the vehicle and place them on the ground at a safe distance from the vehicle (provides path to dissipate static charge to ground). • Touch the container with the gas dispenser nozzle before removing the container lid (provides another path to dissipate static charge to ground). • Keep the nozzle in contact with the container inlet when filling (to dissipate static charge buildup from flow of gasoline). Additional measures for prevention include the following: • Manufacturers or retailers: Place a hazard label on all plastic liners being sold warning workers not to fill portable gas containers in the bed liner of the truck but always to place the containers on the ground before filling. • Gas stations: Display a warning notice near gas pumps to place all portable gas containers on the ground before filling. • States: Provide a warning notification to owners and users when new vehicles are licensed or when license plates are renewed. • Manufacturers: Build bed liners that can be grounded to the metal truck bed, thereby dissipating potential electrostatic charge.

[@shawnevans5690]

once again you are very good. The only thing is you drive a ford. lol. Better than a dodge.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Shawn! You must be a Chevy man. Well, nobody is perfect. LOL! Thanks for watching!

[@shawnevans5690]

Yes sir. You do a very good job. I just bought another product that you showed. The telescopic stabilizer bars. Was looking at the one Kubota offers. I decided to go with the ones you showed. Thank you.

[@jerrylittle8922]

👍

[@joetterolison4093]

I bought one off of Amazon Used it once Now the hose is as hard as a rock 18 inches from the check valve Not Happy Ken

[@DIYMyWay]

Sorry to hear that, Ken! Mine is 3 years old, had a lot of use and is still very flexible. Thanks for watching!