Fuel Sampling & Testing: Water, Sediment & Cloud PointFuel quality is critical to farm productivity. Diesel and gasoline stored on-site power tractors, combines, irrigation pumps, and generators—equipment that cannot afford downtime during planting, harvest, or irrigation cycles. Unfortunately, stored fuel naturally degrades over time, accumulating water, sediment, and microbial contamination that clog filters and damage engines. Add to that the challenges of winter, when cloud point and cold filter plugging point (CFPP) issues can disable entir...
Anchoring Aboveground Tanks: Wind, Flood & Seismic TipsAboveground storage tanks (ASTs) play a central role in farm fuel management, providing on-site diesel, gasoline, or heating oil to power tractors, irrigation pumps, and backup generators. But while tanks are built to meet safety standards like UL-142, they remain vulnerable to natural forces. High winds, flooding, and seismic activity can shift, topple, or rupture unanchored tanks, leading to spills, fire hazards, and costly damage. At Mills Equipment, we’ve seen how environmental hazards ca...
Farm Fuel Tank Setbacks & Siting: Wells, Buildings & Property LinesThe safe placement of farm fuel tanks is one of the most important decisions a farmer can make for both operational efficiency and compliance. Improper siting not only increases the risk of fire, spill, or contamination but also exposes farms to liability, fines, and possible denial of insurance claims. The EPA, NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), OSHA, and state fire codes all have standards governing setbacks from wells, buildings, and property lines. At Mills Equipment, we’ve guid...
Hose Management: Reels, Length & Diameter for Faster FuelingOn any working farm, time is money. Whether it’s filling tractors before planting, topping off combines at harvest, or fueling irrigation pumps, the efficiency of your fuel system directly affects productivity. One often-overlooked factor in fueling efficiency is hose management—the way hoses are stored, the length and diameter used, and whether or not reels are part of the setup. At Mills Equipment, we’ve helped many farmers upgrade fueling systems that were slowing them down—hoses that were...
Spill Kits for Farms: What to Stage at Tanks & in the FieldFuel storage and handling are a daily part of farm operations, but with it comes the unavoidable risk of spills. Even small leaks from aboveground storage tanks, transfer pumps, or fueling nozzles can contaminate soil and water, create fire hazards, and put a farm out of compliance with federal and state regulations. That’s why spill kits are a critical piece of on-farm safety equipment. At Mills Equipment, we’ve seen that farms with properly staged and stocked spill kits not only minimize th...
DEF Storage on Farms: Temperature & Cross-ContaminationDiesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) has become a standard part of farm operations, powering tractors, combines, and other Tier 4-compliant diesel engines. While DEF is not a fuel, it is critical to emissions systems, helping reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ensuring compliance with federal emissions regulations. But unlike diesel or gasoline, DEF is highly sensitive to temperature changes and contamination. Improper storage can degrade DEF quality, damage equipment, and create costly downtime during p...
Split Farm Tanks for Gas & Diesel: Configurations, Pros & ConsFuel storage is a central part of farm management, keeping tractors, trucks, irrigation pumps, and small engines running day after day. Most farms rely on both diesel—for tractors, combines, and generators—and gasoline—for pickups, ATVs, and small engines. The question many farmers face is whether to use split farm tanks (single tanks divided into compartments for multiple fuels) or maintain separate tanks for each type. At Mills Equipment, we’ve worked with farms of all sizes to evaluate fue...
Year-End Fuel Equipment Budgeting Tips for 2026As the final quarter of 2026 approaches, operations across industries—from construction and agriculture to logistics and energy—are reviewing what’s left in their budgets and how to invest wisely. One of the most overlooked but impactful areas to target before year-end: fuel equipment. Strategic investments in fuel storage and handling systems can improve efficiency, reduce compliance risks, and qualify for valuable tax incentives before December 31. Why Q4 Is Ideal for Fuel Equipment Plannin...
Farm Fuel Tank SPCC Self-Certification Checklist (2025 Update)Staying compliant with federal fuel storage regulations is not only a legal requirement but also a critical responsibility for protecting your farm’s operations and the environment. At Mills Equipment, we understand how challenging it can be for farmers to keep up with updated regulations, particularly when it comes to Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans for fuel tanks. With 2025 updates now in effect, it is essential to revisit your self-certification checklist to ensu...
Nozzle Choices for Farm Use: Auto-Shutoff vs. ManualFueling farm equipment is a constant part of daily operations, and while it may seem straightforward, the type of nozzle you choose can affect safety, efficiency, and even regulatory compliance. Farmers often debate whether auto-shutoff nozzles—the kind most people know from commercial fuel stations—or manual nozzles, which require continuous operator control, are better suited for farm tanks. At Mills Equipment, we’ve helped farmers select fueling equipment for a wide variety of operations, ...
Insurance Requirements for On-Farm Fuel StorageFuel storage is essential for farm operations, powering tractors, irrigation pumps, generators, and transport vehicles. But for insurers, farm fuel tanks also represent a risk: potential spills, fires, and environmental contamination. To protect farmers and manage liability, insurance underwriters impose specific requirements on how diesel, gasoline, and heating fuel are stored on agricultural properties. At Mills Equipment, we regularly help farms bring their tanks into compliance not just w...
Right-Sizing Day Tanks for Irrigation Pumps & GeneratorsOn modern farms, irrigation pumps and backup generators are vital to keeping crops healthy and operations reliable. These systems depend on a steady fuel supply, and that means properly sized day tanks—the intermediate storage tanks that deliver fuel to equipment on a daily or weekly basis. A day tank that’s too small risks frequent refilling and downtime. One that’s oversized may encourage poor fuel turnover, microbial growth, and wasted investment. At Mills Equipment, we work with farmers a...
Concrete Pad vs. Compacted Gravel: Best Base for Farm TanksFuel storage is a cornerstone of modern farming, with diesel and gasoline tanks supplying tractors, combines, and irrigation equipment every day. But just as important as the tank itself is the foundation beneath it. An improperly installed tank base can lead to corrosion, uneven settling, and even fuel spills. Farmers often ask: Which is better for farm fuel tanks—a concrete pad or compacted gravel? At Mills Equipment, we’ve helped farmers set up both concrete and gravel foundations, and we’...
Stopping Diesel Algae: Water, Biocides & Farm Tank ProtectionFarmers depend on diesel fuel to power tractors, combines, and irrigation equipment, making reliable fuel storage essential for uninterrupted operations. Yet, one of the most overlooked threats to farm tanks is microbial contamination—commonly referred to as diesel algae. At Mills Equipment, we’ve seen firsthand how algae and microbial growth can clog filters, damage engines, and compromise farm productivity. The good news is that with the right preventive measures, you can keep your fuel cle...
UL-142 Labeling, Vents & Overfill: A Farm Operator’s ChecklistFarm fuel storage is highly regulated to protect both agricultural operations and the environment. Among the most widely used standards is UL-142, which sets requirements for aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) that hold diesel, gasoline, and other fuels. Farmers who rely on UL-142 tanks must ensure that labeling, venting, and overfill protection meet current safety standards to avoid hazards and regulatory penalties. At Mills Equipment, we work directly with farm operators to help them stay com...
Comparing Single-Wall vs. Double-Wall Fuel TanksChoosing between single-wall and double-wall fuel tanks is one of the most important safety and compliance decisions for any job site, farm, or facility that stores fuel. Each option offers distinct advantages in terms of installation, cost, environmental protection, and long-term performance. Understanding the key differences helps ensure you're making a choice that aligns with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and your operational needs. Understanding the Structural Difference ...
Fuel Sampling & Testing: Water, Sediment & Cloud Point
Fuel quality is critical to farm productivity. Diesel and gasoline stored on-site power tractors, combines, irrigation pumps, and generators—equipment that cannot afford downtime during planting, harvest, or irrigation cycles. Unfortunately, stored fuel naturally degrades over time, accumulating water, sediment, and microbial contamination that clog filters and damage engines. Add to that the challenges of winter, when cloud point and cold filter plugging point (CFPP) issues can disable entir...
Anchoring Aboveground Tanks: Wind, Flood & Seismic Tips
Aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) play a central role in farm fuel management, providing on-site diesel, gasoline, or heating oil to power tractors, irrigation pumps, and backup generators. But while tanks are built to meet safety standards like UL-142, they remain vulnerable to natural forces. High winds, flooding, and seismic activity can shift, topple, or rupture unanchored tanks, leading to spills, fire hazards, and costly damage. At Mills Equipment, we’ve seen how environmental hazards ca...
Farm Fuel Tank Setbacks & Siting: Wells, Buildings & Property Lines
The safe placement of farm fuel tanks is one of the most important decisions a farmer can make for both operational efficiency and compliance. Improper siting not only increases the risk of fire, spill, or contamination but also exposes farms to liability, fines, and possible denial of insurance claims. The EPA, NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), OSHA, and state fire codes all have standards governing setbacks from wells, buildings, and property lines. At Mills Equipment, we’ve guid...
Hose Management: Reels, Length & Diameter for Faster Fueling
On any working farm, time is money. Whether it’s filling tractors before planting, topping off combines at harvest, or fueling irrigation pumps, the efficiency of your fuel system directly affects productivity. One often-overlooked factor in fueling efficiency is hose management—the way hoses are stored, the length and diameter used, and whether or not reels are part of the setup. At Mills Equipment, we’ve helped many farmers upgrade fueling systems that were slowing them down—hoses that were...
Spill Kits for Farms: What to Stage at Tanks & in the Field
Fuel storage and handling are a daily part of farm operations, but with it comes the unavoidable risk of spills. Even small leaks from aboveground storage tanks, transfer pumps, or fueling nozzles can contaminate soil and water, create fire hazards, and put a farm out of compliance with federal and state regulations. That’s why spill kits are a critical piece of on-farm safety equipment. At Mills Equipment, we’ve seen that farms with properly staged and stocked spill kits not only minimize th...
DEF Storage on Farms: Temperature & Cross-Contamination
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) has become a standard part of farm operations, powering tractors, combines, and other Tier 4-compliant diesel engines. While DEF is not a fuel, it is critical to emissions systems, helping reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ensuring compliance with federal emissions regulations. But unlike diesel or gasoline, DEF is highly sensitive to temperature changes and contamination. Improper storage can degrade DEF quality, damage equipment, and create costly downtime during p...
Split Farm Tanks for Gas & Diesel: Configurations, Pros & Cons
Fuel storage is a central part of farm management, keeping tractors, trucks, irrigation pumps, and small engines running day after day. Most farms rely on both diesel—for tractors, combines, and generators—and gasoline—for pickups, ATVs, and small engines. The question many farmers face is whether to use split farm tanks (single tanks divided into compartments for multiple fuels) or maintain separate tanks for each type. At Mills Equipment, we’ve worked with farms of all sizes to evaluate fue...
Year-End Fuel Equipment Budgeting Tips for 2026
As the final quarter of 2026 approaches, operations across industries—from construction and agriculture to logistics and energy—are reviewing what’s left in their budgets and how to invest wisely. One of the most overlooked but impactful areas to target before year-end: fuel equipment. Strategic investments in fuel storage and handling systems can improve efficiency, reduce compliance risks, and qualify for valuable tax incentives before December 31. Why Q4 Is Ideal for Fuel Equipment Plannin...
Farm Fuel Tank SPCC Self-Certification Checklist (2025 Update)
Staying compliant with federal fuel storage regulations is not only a legal requirement but also a critical responsibility for protecting your farm’s operations and the environment. At Mills Equipment, we understand how challenging it can be for farmers to keep up with updated regulations, particularly when it comes to Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans for fuel tanks. With 2025 updates now in effect, it is essential to revisit your self-certification checklist to ensu...
Nozzle Choices for Farm Use: Auto-Shutoff vs. Manual
Fueling farm equipment is a constant part of daily operations, and while it may seem straightforward, the type of nozzle you choose can affect safety, efficiency, and even regulatory compliance. Farmers often debate whether auto-shutoff nozzles—the kind most people know from commercial fuel stations—or manual nozzles, which require continuous operator control, are better suited for farm tanks. At Mills Equipment, we’ve helped farmers select fueling equipment for a wide variety of operations, ...
Insurance Requirements for On-Farm Fuel Storage
Fuel storage is essential for farm operations, powering tractors, irrigation pumps, generators, and transport vehicles. But for insurers, farm fuel tanks also represent a risk: potential spills, fires, and environmental contamination. To protect farmers and manage liability, insurance underwriters impose specific requirements on how diesel, gasoline, and heating fuel are stored on agricultural properties. At Mills Equipment, we regularly help farms bring their tanks into compliance not just w...
Right-Sizing Day Tanks for Irrigation Pumps & Generators
On modern farms, irrigation pumps and backup generators are vital to keeping crops healthy and operations reliable. These systems depend on a steady fuel supply, and that means properly sized day tanks—the intermediate storage tanks that deliver fuel to equipment on a daily or weekly basis. A day tank that’s too small risks frequent refilling and downtime. One that’s oversized may encourage poor fuel turnover, microbial growth, and wasted investment. At Mills Equipment, we work with farmers a...
Concrete Pad vs. Compacted Gravel: Best Base for Farm Tanks
Fuel storage is a cornerstone of modern farming, with diesel and gasoline tanks supplying tractors, combines, and irrigation equipment every day. But just as important as the tank itself is the foundation beneath it. An improperly installed tank base can lead to corrosion, uneven settling, and even fuel spills. Farmers often ask: Which is better for farm fuel tanks—a concrete pad or compacted gravel? At Mills Equipment, we’ve helped farmers set up both concrete and gravel foundations, and we’...
Stopping Diesel Algae: Water, Biocides & Farm Tank Protection
Farmers depend on diesel fuel to power tractors, combines, and irrigation equipment, making reliable fuel storage essential for uninterrupted operations. Yet, one of the most overlooked threats to farm tanks is microbial contamination—commonly referred to as diesel algae. At Mills Equipment, we’ve seen firsthand how algae and microbial growth can clog filters, damage engines, and compromise farm productivity. The good news is that with the right preventive measures, you can keep your fuel cle...
UL-142 Labeling, Vents & Overfill: A Farm Operator’s Checklist
Farm fuel storage is highly regulated to protect both agricultural operations and the environment. Among the most widely used standards is UL-142, which sets requirements for aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) that hold diesel, gasoline, and other fuels. Farmers who rely on UL-142 tanks must ensure that labeling, venting, and overfill protection meet current safety standards to avoid hazards and regulatory penalties. At Mills Equipment, we work directly with farm operators to help them stay com...
Comparing Single-Wall vs. Double-Wall Fuel Tanks
Choosing between single-wall and double-wall fuel tanks is one of the most important safety and compliance decisions for any job site, farm, or facility that stores fuel. Each option offers distinct advantages in terms of installation, cost, environmental protection, and long-term performance. Understanding the key differences helps ensure you're making a choice that aligns with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and your operational needs. Understanding the Structural Difference ...
