fuel additives yes or no ?

[tonyvkubota]

Help appreciated, I just bought a Kubota 2013, model B3200, Its kept in heated garage. I have neighbors say due to diesel fuel today, I should put in additives in fuel tank, for different reason, such as lubrication and other reason. The dealer tells me todays engines are designed to run on the fuel on the market today. He points out of if gelling in fuel due to low temps is not a problem do not put in additives. Advice from everyone appreciated.

 

[GWD]

My advice is to do a search on this site and other tractor forums. More information than can be digested on the topic.

No reason to reinvent the wheel.

 

[Bluegill]

I haven't used any in 30 years and never had any problems...

 

[bearbait]

I was wondering the same thing so I asked the dealer where I bought the tractor. They told me that Kubota doesn't recommend using any additive.

 

[BAP]

You might want to consider a diesel additive for water and algae control. Keeping it in a heated garage and taking it out in the cold and back again, can lead to condensation in the tank. That will lead to water that could freeze and contribute to algae growth. A little bit of additive can prevent problems down the road.

 

[Lil Foot]

Mine is stored in an un-heated garage, (-7 a week ago) so I use Power Service to prevent gelling when the temperature dictates…. other than that, no additives.

 

[hodge]

No offense to anyone, but I wouldn't trust the dealership- they aren't always as versed as they should be. Read your owners manual, and do what it says. That is straight from the horse's mouth.
I use Powerservice in my truck, two tractors, and skid steer. I have dealt with gelling, and prefer not to, again. I have also dealt with bacterial fungus, also no fun. Kubota can't design a fuel delivery system that keeps gelling and fungus from happening. That is controlled by the fuel itself.

 

[bees1st]

I was wondering the same thing so I asked the dealer where I bought the tractor. They told me that Kubota doesn't recommend using any additive.

This is interesting . Because my local Kubota dealer sells one that says Kubota on it .

 

[hodge]

This is interesting . Because my local Kubota dealer sells one that says Kubota on it .

See? The arm doesn't always know what the brain is doing.

 

[skeets]

I use power service and ever once in a while I toss in some sea foam,, just cause I have it ,,,, I have a Bud that puts in a couple oz of MMO every time he fills up,, does it help, does it hurt,, I duno

 

[RCW]

I've used Power Service (white bottle) since I bought the tractor in April.

After my run-ins with ethanol gasoline over the last couple years, I'm more apt to use an additive.

My old (22 years) Stihl FS-86 trimmer was killed by ethanol. After tearing carb down, used Seafoam. Ran for a month, then quit. Bought a new FS-130 4-cycle trimmer to replace it.

Tore old FS-86 apart again, and started using Startron. The ol' fart has a heavy brush blade on it now, and it runs damn good. I like it better than the new one.

While the ethanol p***ed me off - at least it didn't get my 046 Magnum...yet. Startron and Stabil go in all gas now.

Its one thing for a $400 trimmer - a $1,100 chainsaw is a different story. I use the same theory for a $15,000 tractor. As someone said; it's the fuel, not the machine its in.

Ok - I'm better now.

Just my $0.02.

 

[tonyvkubota]

I've used Power Service (white bottle) since I bought the tractor in April.

After my run-ins with ethanol gasoline over the last couple years, I'm more apt to use an additive.

My old (22 years) Stihl FS-86 trimmer was killed by ethanol. After tearing carb down, used Seafoam. Ran for a month, then quit. Bought a new FS-130 4-cycle trimmer to replace it.

Tore old FS-86 apart again, and started using Startron. The ol' fart has a heavy brush blade on it now, and it runs damn good. I like it better than the new one.

While the ethanol p***ed me off - at least it didn't get my 046 Magnum...yet. Startron and Stabil go in all gas now.

Its one thing for a $400 trimmer - a $1,100 chainsaw is a different story. I use the same theory for a $15,000 tractor. As someone said; it's the fuel, not the machine its in.

Ok - I'm better now.

Just my $0.02.

I understand what your pointing out with the power tools. For many many years, my chain saws, snow blower,weed wackers, leaf blower, push mower, house generator, all never give trouble. I have a two step program that's working for me. I use Stabil all year long, and all power tools get run for five minutes every three months like religion. But, with the tractor being a big buck purchase I wanted to make sure I do the right thing with the fuel. I sure picked a tough topic to ask for advice....lol.... Seems the jury is split so far 50/50....lol....

 

[hodge]

What does your owner's manual state? Do that. No split jury, and you adhere to the warranty by doing what it says.

 

[Bluegill]

I've used Power Service (white bottle) since I bought the tractor in April.

After my run-ins with ethanol gasoline over the last couple years, I'm more apt to use an additive.

My old (22 years) Stihl FS-86 trimmer was killed by ethanol. After tearing carb down, used Seafoam. Ran for a month, then quit. Bought a new FS-130 4-cycle trimmer to replace it.

Tore old FS-86 apart again, and started using Startron. The ol' fart has a heavy brush blade on it now, and it runs damn good. I like it better than the new one.

While the ethanol p***ed me off - at least it didn't get my 046 Magnum...yet. Startron and Stabil go in all gas now.

Its one thing for a $400 trimmer - a $1,100 chainsaw is a different story. I use the same theory for a $15,000 tractor. As someone said; it's the fuel, not the machine its in.

Ok - I'm better now.

Just my $0.02.

I just run non-ethanol gas in am 2smoke mix.

Have at least $3000 in chainsaws here.

 

[Jim-Iowa]

Like several others i am a believer in using Power Service in winter or anytime i think the tractor is pushing enough black to indicate dirty injectors.
It is arguable as to whether it is needed due to cold weather and gelling.
Todays fuels are to be blended for cold weather.
Here is the hitch, the fuel is blended at the depot when the tanker is loaded based on current temperature. That may be fine if the temps do not take a 20-30 degree change?
I use the additive to be sure and since I will only use a few bottles per year consider it cheap insurance.

 

[RCW]

I just run non-ethanol gas in am 2smoke mix.

Have at least $3000 in chainsaws here.

Wish I could!

I have the 2 Stihl trimmers, 046 chainsaw, and the little guy MS-211 that I just bought used last year.

We live in a very rural area. I can't get non-ethanol gas 'round these parts reasonable. A station 45 minutes away did advertise 93 octane that was ethanol-free, but they've since changed hands. I'm stuck with high test with ethanol.

I have a B.S. in Forestry from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) in Syracuse. Never was employed as a Forester, but cut ALOT of wood in my day. My chainsaw is my favorite tool....Many years ago I cut spruce pulp with a Stihl 056 Super. Wrong saw for the job, but I was young.

 

[Bulldog]

As sorry as the fuel is now days I think all of us need a good additive.

 

[tonyvkubota]

What does your owner's manual state? Do that. No split jury, and you adhere to the warranty by doing what it says.

I can`t argue with what you point out about the owners manual and adhering to the warranty. And personally I believe that myself. With the large mix opinions I believe their is some old school beliefs on the subject due to older tractors. Thanks for taking the time for the advice. New to the forum, and I see its going be a great place for info and fun reading.

 

[SLIMSHADIE]

The best advice is get your fuel where they sell alot of diesel fuel. They are in business for a reason, reliability. Keep it fresh as possible. As stated earlier, todays fuel is blended for today temps, winter being the concern. Algae is a concern, if a preventative treatment is used once in the spring then also in the fall, any problems would be eliminated. Todays engines are ment to run on todays fuel standards. Where I get my fuel, they add a summer additive and also a winter additive already, which they post. They sell alot to businesses and the last thing they want is a customer sitting along side the road. I am they

 

[Bluegill]

Wish I could!

I have the 2 Stihl trimmers, 046 chainsaw, and the little guy MS-211 that I just bought used last year.

We live in a very rural area. I can't get non-ethanol gas 'round these parts reasonable. A station 45 minutes away did advertise 93 octane that was ethanol-free, but they've since changed hands. I'm stuck with high test with ethanol.

I have a B.S. in Forestry from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) in Syracuse. Never was employed as a Forester, but cut ALOT of wood in my day. My chainsaw is my favorite tool....Many years ago I cut spruce pulp with a Stihl 056 Super. Wrong saw for the job, but I was young.

I used to think there was no eth-free here either. Very rural here to. Then got to diggin and found several places that have it but do not advertise it. Closest place it 30 minutes and I get 15 gallons every 4-5 months. Worth the trouble to me!

Yep, 056 is a little overkill for pulp!

My favorite saw is a 346xp, but I'm getting older and like the lil hot rod saws...