Fuel Capacity & Usage rate

[bbxlr8]

Hi all - Not enough hours yet, but have some questions that you all can hopefully set me straight on.

My L2501 is listed as 10G capacity. I think I am going crazy or missing something really basic, but when it's down to the bottom on the gauge, I refuel with just a 5G jug and it goes to above Full (know it is just a float etc.)

1. This does not seem like it is 10G across the range - why does it read like this?
2. Is there a good method or practice to fill other than "lift & dump" and try not to make a mess...
3. Lastly, about how many hours is typically the norm for a tank @ PTO RPM level work?

Thanks!

 

[Goz63]

Can’t answer all your questions but I typically fill my 2501 with a 5 gallon can when just below half and that works well for me. I would say my tractor burns about 0.8 gallons an hour give or take a 0.1 gallon. There are some alternatives to lift and pour bit have not found one I like for the time it takes or resources to purchase. YMMV

 

[TheOldHokie]

Hi all - Not enough hours yet, but have some questions that you all can hopefully set me straight on.

My L2501 is listed as 10G capacity. I think I am going crazy or missing something really basic, but when it's down to the bottom on the gauge, I refuel with just a 5G jug and it goes to above Full (know it is just a float etc.)

1. This does not seem like it is 10G across the range - why does it read like this?
2. Is there a good method or practice to fill other than "lift & dump" and try not to make a mess...
3. Lastly, about how many hours is typically the norm for a tank @ PTO RPM level work?

Thanks!

I think the L2501/3301/3901 capacity is listed as 11 gallons. I have an L3901 and the fuel gauge on it is also pessimistic. Run it all the way to E and maybe get 7 -8 gallons in it.

Dan

 

[TheOldHokie]

Can’t answer all your questions but I typically fill my 2501 with a 5 gallon can when just below half and that works well for me. I would say my tractor burns about 0.8 gallons an hour give or take a 0.1 gallon. There are some alternatives to lift and pour bit have not found one I like for the time it takes or resources to purchase. YMMV

i have adopted a cheap siphon sold for filling kerosene heaters. Not the fastest in the world but no tipping or spillage.

Dan

 

[NvRudder]

Hi all - Not enough hours yet, but have some questions that you all can hopefully set me straight on.

My L2501 is listed as 10G capacity. I think I am going crazy or missing something really basic, but when it's down to the bottom on the gauge, I refuel with just a 5G jug and it goes to above Full (know it is just a float etc.)

1. This does not seem like it is 10G across the range - why does it read like this?
2. Is there a good method or practice to fill other than "lift & dump" and try not to make a mess...
3. Lastly, about how many hours is typically the norm for a tank @ PTO RPM level work?

Thanks!

Now that my local dealer thinks he found an L2501DT...I am looking at the list of items needed once I finally get the tractor, with a Diesel fuel container being one of the first things needed.
Knowing the Lift & Dump option for 5 or 7 gallons will only get harder as I get older...I settled on buying two (2) 5 gallon Tuff Jugs, with Ripper Cap spout. You only have to lift then rest on the filler neck to fill...they also have auto-shutoff, so spilling should to be minimal.
I am choosing a white container with yellow spout for Diesel.
List is $42 each.

 

[Chanceywd]

Hi all - Not enough hours yet, but have some questions that you all can hopefully set me straight on.

My L2501 is listed as 10G capacity. I think I am going crazy or missing something really basic, but when it's down to the bottom on the gauge, I refuel with just a 5G jug and it goes to above Full (know it is just a float etc.)

1. This does not seem like it is 10G across the range - why does it read like this?
2. Is there a good method or practice to fill other than "lift & dump" and try not to make a mess...
3. Lastly, about how many hours is typically the norm for a tank @ PTO RPM level work?

Thanks!

I have a L2501DT which I think gets a little better fuel use than the HST. I too found the gauge way off. I average about 0.5 gal per hour. I have taken a flat wooden molding about an inch wide and less than an eighth thick about 2 ft long. I can tip it with the top towards the front of the tractor and the bottom towards the steering wheel and get it way down in to check to see if it will take 5 gals so when I am pouring I don't get surprised. I tried once I figured out the rate of 0.5 and ran it lower seeing then the gauge will get down after awhile but go by the hours for the most part. I thought about making it with the old 8N paint stick method by adding a gallon at a time but haven't done it yet

It sure isn't a very accurate gauge.

Bill

 

[RCW]

I have a L2501DT which I think gets a little better fuel use than the HST. I too found the gauge way off.

It sure isn't a very accurate gauge.

Bill

I have a BX. Fuel capacity is 6+ gallons.

Like Bill, one of my first observations was fuel gauge was way off.

Early on, realized as soon as needle nudged off "F" a little, I can put almost 3 gallons in it. ....so half a tank....

The tanks on all these tractors are really funky shaped if you look at them outside of the tractor. Not sure if it's related.

No way in hell I'm ever going to let it slide down to 1/4, etc.

Too many demons can affect the fuel system. Air, dirt, leaves, algae, etc. to clog things up.

So many times here on OTT, the thread will start with "I ran out of fuel, now I can't get the tractor to run again....."

 

[armylifer]

Get a 2 gallon can and refuel after each use. Then you don't have to lift a heavy 5 gallon can. The other important benefit is there is much less chance of condensation forming in the fuel tank if you refuel after each use.

 

[RichardAaronlx2610]

I have 6 of these “no spill” cans, from 1 gallon, 2.5 gallon and two 5 gallon diesel cans, have had them all for over a year and none of them leak or have any issues while transporting, and Very easy to use, they rest on the rim of your filler neck, and best of all, haven’t had one leak on me yet while fueling! Can be had at tractor supply and Amazon as well.

No-Spill Plastic Diesel Can 5 gal Mfr# 1467 - Ace Hardware

No-Spill fuel cans feature a unique thumb controlled fuel spout for easy, controlled pouring. The design allows for more precise product fueling, reducing spills and overflows. High Flow Rate (up to 3 gallon/minimum), Child Resistant.Find the DIESEL CAN NO SPILL 5GAL at Ace.

www.acehardware.com

 

[Mak65]

HST, 10 gallon capacity, at just a hair above 1/4 on the fuel gauge 5 gallons will top mine off. I don’t let it get below 1/4 on the gauge.

 

[DDCD]

I use flo fast to fill mine. Pricey but I can remove fuel also and move it to another tractor, generator, etc.

 

[jimh406]

It seems like I can fill my L2501 with a 5 gallon can most of the time too. When I work mine hard, I’m using about 1 gallon per hour and that is running a grader/scraper up/down hills.

Since I don’t have a reason to see what it’s like to run out, I just fill up when I get close to empty on the gauge.

 

[Nicksacco]

Here are some different fueling ideas.
Recently I came across a 15 gal "hot dog" style tank on Craigslist that I purchased for $45.
I am looking for hose and a pump since I can't use a "gravity" system.

Ebay

HERE

AND HERE

AND HERE

AND HERE

 

[bbxlr8]

Thanks for the info all.

I definitely don't want to run the new Kubota dry & figure bleeding out in the field. I was in a world of hurt the first time I did it with my Ford (BTW have that down to a science now after 25Y.)

Going to avoid but is there anything I should know about this JIC?

I am used to lifting and dumping 5G, but was wondering because the fill is higher and the area around the neck is not well contained AND over the engine if you miss (like I tell my kids "NOT a good plan")
It would seem that there would be a simple design fix that could minimize a common issue right...?

I knew tank/float was not linear due to design & shape but did not expect the gauge to be this much off. Drives me crazy & freaks my wife out on new cars where the bottom half drops off quickly and then shows Empty & "0" miles to go with at least a quarter to a third capacity left. Of course, I know it is designed to the least common denominator and contaminants / other issues with running newer cars dry!

 

[orksnork]

Thanks for the info all.

I definitely don't want to run the new Kubota dry & figure bleeding out in the field. I was in a world of hurt the first time I did it with my Ford (BTW have that down to a science now after 25Y.)

These smaller Kubotas dont need bleeding. If you run it dry, fill it with fuel and crank it and it will turn over.

Messick's says the same:

 

[tanuki]

Look on amazon, there are a number of battery operated pumps for ~ $30. They run on 2 d cell batteries and work great. I've run ~ 100 gal through and I'm still on the original batteries. You still have to pick up the jug but for me pouring was always the worst. They even have an auto shutoff so you don't have to worry about overfilling.

 

[JimmyJazz]

Check out the Fill-Rite rotary hand pumps online. Not the cheapest possible solution but a quality piece that should provide years of service. You can buy a steel barrel cheaply in whatever size you fancy and stick the fill-rite pump on it . Good luck.

 

[OntheRidge]

Hi all - Not enough hours yet, but have some questions that you all can hopefully set me straight on.

My L2501 is listed as 10G capacity. I think I am going crazy or missing something really basic, but when it's down to the bottom on the gauge, I refuel with just a 5G jug and it goes to above Full (know it is just a float etc.)

1. This does not seem like it is 10G across the range - why does it read like this?
2. Is there a good method or practice to fill other than "lift & dump" and try not to make a mess...
3. Lastly, about how many hours is typically the norm for a tank @ PTO RPM level work?

Thanks!

Amazon.com

I use this, works great, although you still need to lift can up.