L3800 Fuel guage

[turdburgular]

How many hours can you go on a tank of diesel on a L3800? I have 5hrs on my new L3800 and the gauge hasnt moved...just curious.

 

[78-79fordman]

10 hours and it runs out .

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Really depends on what RPM your running the motor at, and what your doing with it.

 

[apeckham]

Wolfman hit the nail on the head.

I can tell you that when I'm using my 6' finish mower I go through a little more than a gallon an hour. Just doing light FEL work or hauling the wife's yard stuff around it is really easy on fuel. I've also noticed the top quarter of the guage seems to go quicker than the rest, maybe something to do with the shape of the tank?

I would think after 5 hours you should have seen some movement. Let us know what you find out.

 

[Benhameen]

I don't recall exactly how many hours but wolfman is right, it depends on what your doing. I can tell you that the tank holds a majority of the fuel toward the top of the tank. So the gauge doesn't reflect the actual amount of fuel in the tank. Wait until it shows half a tank on the gauge and you will see that it will appear to be burning thru fuel a lot quicker, even though it is not, its just the shape of the tank.

 

[Bluegill]

10 hours and it runs out .

I don't remember exactly what my does, but it's a lot better than that. Seems like 7-10 hours on 5 gallons with a 5" bush hog and better yet using loader, box blade... But it does take more fuel to spin that HST.

 

[gpreuss]

It also makes a difference whether or not you have the FEL attached, and the weight of your ballast and implements. The FEL weighs half as much as the tractor - about 1200 lbs; makes a big difference if you have hills. Loaded up, I think the 10 hours is pretty close.
Don't worry, the tractor does use fuel, and sooner or later the gauge will show it.
If the gauge shows anywhere close to E, put more fuel in it..(quick!)

 

[Bluegill]

It also makes a difference whether or not you have the FEL attached, and the weight of your ballast and implements. The FEL weighs half as much as the tractor - about 1200 lbs; makes a big difference if you have hills. Loaded up, I think the 10 hours is pretty close.
Don't worry, the tractor does use fuel, and sooner or later the gauge will show it.
If the gauge shows anywhere close to E, put more fuel in it..(quick!)

Ah yes, another good reason to take the loader off when mowing. Must be why mine uses so little fuel with the hog on there.