Installing Fuel Tank Bollards in Michigan & Ohio Equipment YardsFuel storage is one of the most critical—and most vulnerable—assets in any farm or equipment yard. In Michigan and Ohio, where operations often involve tight yard layouts, heavy machinery movement, and seasonal congestion, the risk of accidental impact with fuel tanks is higher than many operators realize. At Mills Equipment, we’ve seen how a single collision—whether from a tractor, skid steer, or delivery vehicle—can lead to costly damage, fuel spills, environmental risk, and operational dow...
Protecting Farm Fuel Pumps from Texas & Arizona HeatIn regions like Texas and Arizona, heat is not just a seasonal inconvenience—it’s a constant operational factor that can significantly impact equipment performance and lifespan. Farm fuel pumps, often installed outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight, are particularly vulnerable. At Mills Equipment, we’ve seen how prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, UV radiation, and sudden weather changes can lead to premature wear, reduced efficiency, and unexpected downtime. Implementing proper far...
Choosing the Right Micron Rating for Farm Diesel FiltersFuel filtration is one of the most overlooked factors in diesel equipment reliability—until something goes wrong. On farms across the U.S., especially in high-use regions like Colorado and Texas, clogged filters, injector wear, and unexpected downtime are often traced back to a simple mismatch between fuel conditions and filter micron rating. Mills Equipment works with agricultural operators nationwide who assume “a filter is a filter,” only to discover that improper farm diesel filter micron...
How Often Should You Test Farm Fuel? A Sampling Schedule That WorksFuel problems rarely announce themselves early. On most farms, diesel issues show up only after filters clog, injectors fail, or equipment stalls during critical work windows. By that point, the damage is already done. Across the U.S.—and especially in high-use agricultural regions like Colorado and Texas—routine fuel testing remains one of the most effective yet underused tools for preventing downtime. Mills Equipment works with farm operations nationwide that assume fuel is “fine” until tes...
Diesel Algae in Farm Tanks: How It Starts and How to Kill ItDiesel fuel is often viewed as stable, long-lasting, and reliable—especially on farms where bulk storage tanks power tractors, harvesters, generators, and irrigation equipment. Yet across the U.S., and particularly in high-volume agricultural regions like Colorado and Texas, diesel contamination caused by microbial growth remains one of the most costly and misunderstood fuel problems. Mills Equipment works with operations nationwide that discover diesel algae only after equipment failures, cl...
Fuel Polishing: When It Makes Sense (and When It’s a Waste of Money)Fuel polishing is often marketed as a cure-all for diesel fuel problems. For farm operators managing bulk storage tanks, it can sound like a straightforward solution: circulate the fuel, clean it up, and move on. In reality, fuel polishing sits in a gray area between smart preventive maintenance and unnecessary expense—depending entirely on when and why it’s used. Mills Equipment works with agricultural operations across the U.S., including heavy-use regions like Colorado and Texas, and one p...
Why Fuel Sampling During Bulk Delivery Saves EnginesMost fuel-related engine failures don’t start in the engine—they start the moment fuel enters the farm tank. By the time clogged filters, injector damage, or warranty disputes surface, the original cause is often impossible to prove. Across agricultural operations in Colorado, Texas, and throughout the U.S., bulk fuel delivery sampling on farms has become one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to prevent contamination, protect engines, and avoid expensive finger-pointing later. Mill...
Ethanol Phase Separation: Why Small Engines Fail FirstEthanol-blended gasoline has become the standard fuel across the United States, but for farms, ranches, and rural operations, it has introduced a quiet and costly failure point—especially for small engines. From irrigation pumps and generators to UTVs, chainsaws, and standby equipment, small engines are consistently the first to fail when ethanol fuel goes bad. Mills Equipment works with operators nationwide, including high-volume users in Colorado and Texas, who experience repeated small-eng...
Anchoring Aboveground Farm Fuel Tanks in Kansas & Nebraska WindsHigh Plains weather patterns in Kansas and Nebraska regularly produce sustained winds above 30 mph and gusts exceeding 60–80 mph during storm events. In open agricultural settings with minimal windbreak protection, these forces can create uplift, sliding, and overturning risks for fuel storage systems. Proper anchoring of aboveground farm fuel tanks is essential to maintain structural stability, prevent environmental spills, and protect operational safety. This technical guide outlines wind c...
Concrete vs. Gravel Tank Pads in Georgia & Alabama Clay SoilsConcrete vs. Gravel Tank Pads in Georgia & Alabama Clay Soils In the Southeast, choosing the right farm tank pad, concrete vs gravel foundation, is not just about cost — it is about moisture control, soil stability, and long-term performance in high-clay environments. Georgia and Alabama soils often contain expansive red clay that retains water, swells when saturated, and shrinks during dry periods. These seasonal shifts directly impact fuel tank foundation stability. This practical guide...
Farm Fuel Tank Pad Drainage Tips for Iowa & Illinois Spring ThawSpring thaw in the Midwest creates one of the most challenging conditions for farm fuel storage infrastructure. Freeze-thaw cycles, saturated soils, snowmelt runoff, and heavy spring rains can undermine foundations and create standing water around tanks. Proper farm fuel tank pad drainage design prevents erosion, reduces corrosion risk, and protects above-ground storage systems during Iowa and Illinois spring conditions. This guide outlines technical drainage and pad design considerations spe...
Preventing Phase Separation in Ethanol Gas for Small EnginesEthanol-blended gasoline has become standard across the United States, with E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) now the most common fuel at retail pumps. While this fuel works well in cars and trucks designed for it, small engines on farms—such as mowers, ATVs, augers, generators, and other equipment—are more vulnerable to problems caused by ethanol. The biggest concern is phase separation, when water mixes with ethanol in gasoline, separates from the fuel, and causes starting issues, corrosion, ...
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...
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...
Installing Fuel Tank Bollards in Michigan & Ohio Equipment Yards
Fuel storage is one of the most critical—and most vulnerable—assets in any farm or equipment yard. In Michigan and Ohio, where operations often involve tight yard layouts, heavy machinery movement, and seasonal congestion, the risk of accidental impact with fuel tanks is higher than many operators realize. At Mills Equipment, we’ve seen how a single collision—whether from a tractor, skid steer, or delivery vehicle—can lead to costly damage, fuel spills, environmental risk, and operational dow...
Protecting Farm Fuel Pumps from Texas & Arizona Heat
In regions like Texas and Arizona, heat is not just a seasonal inconvenience—it’s a constant operational factor that can significantly impact equipment performance and lifespan. Farm fuel pumps, often installed outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight, are particularly vulnerable. At Mills Equipment, we’ve seen how prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, UV radiation, and sudden weather changes can lead to premature wear, reduced efficiency, and unexpected downtime. Implementing proper far...
Choosing the Right Micron Rating for Farm Diesel Filters
Fuel filtration is one of the most overlooked factors in diesel equipment reliability—until something goes wrong. On farms across the U.S., especially in high-use regions like Colorado and Texas, clogged filters, injector wear, and unexpected downtime are often traced back to a simple mismatch between fuel conditions and filter micron rating. Mills Equipment works with agricultural operators nationwide who assume “a filter is a filter,” only to discover that improper farm diesel filter micron...
How Often Should You Test Farm Fuel? A Sampling Schedule That Works
Fuel problems rarely announce themselves early. On most farms, diesel issues show up only after filters clog, injectors fail, or equipment stalls during critical work windows. By that point, the damage is already done. Across the U.S.—and especially in high-use agricultural regions like Colorado and Texas—routine fuel testing remains one of the most effective yet underused tools for preventing downtime. Mills Equipment works with farm operations nationwide that assume fuel is “fine” until tes...
Diesel Algae in Farm Tanks: How It Starts and How to Kill It
Diesel fuel is often viewed as stable, long-lasting, and reliable—especially on farms where bulk storage tanks power tractors, harvesters, generators, and irrigation equipment. Yet across the U.S., and particularly in high-volume agricultural regions like Colorado and Texas, diesel contamination caused by microbial growth remains one of the most costly and misunderstood fuel problems. Mills Equipment works with operations nationwide that discover diesel algae only after equipment failures, cl...
Fuel Polishing: When It Makes Sense (and When It’s a Waste of Money)
Fuel polishing is often marketed as a cure-all for diesel fuel problems. For farm operators managing bulk storage tanks, it can sound like a straightforward solution: circulate the fuel, clean it up, and move on. In reality, fuel polishing sits in a gray area between smart preventive maintenance and unnecessary expense—depending entirely on when and why it’s used. Mills Equipment works with agricultural operations across the U.S., including heavy-use regions like Colorado and Texas, and one p...
Why Fuel Sampling During Bulk Delivery Saves Engines
Most fuel-related engine failures don’t start in the engine—they start the moment fuel enters the farm tank. By the time clogged filters, injector damage, or warranty disputes surface, the original cause is often impossible to prove. Across agricultural operations in Colorado, Texas, and throughout the U.S., bulk fuel delivery sampling on farms has become one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to prevent contamination, protect engines, and avoid expensive finger-pointing later. Mill...
Ethanol Phase Separation: Why Small Engines Fail First
Ethanol-blended gasoline has become the standard fuel across the United States, but for farms, ranches, and rural operations, it has introduced a quiet and costly failure point—especially for small engines. From irrigation pumps and generators to UTVs, chainsaws, and standby equipment, small engines are consistently the first to fail when ethanol fuel goes bad. Mills Equipment works with operators nationwide, including high-volume users in Colorado and Texas, who experience repeated small-eng...
Anchoring Aboveground Farm Fuel Tanks in Kansas & Nebraska Winds
High Plains weather patterns in Kansas and Nebraska regularly produce sustained winds above 30 mph and gusts exceeding 60–80 mph during storm events. In open agricultural settings with minimal windbreak protection, these forces can create uplift, sliding, and overturning risks for fuel storage systems. Proper anchoring of aboveground farm fuel tanks is essential to maintain structural stability, prevent environmental spills, and protect operational safety. This technical guide outlines wind c...
Concrete vs. Gravel Tank Pads in Georgia & Alabama Clay Soils
Concrete vs. Gravel Tank Pads in Georgia & Alabama Clay Soils In the Southeast, choosing the right farm tank pad, concrete vs gravel foundation, is not just about cost — it is about moisture control, soil stability, and long-term performance in high-clay environments. Georgia and Alabama soils often contain expansive red clay that retains water, swells when saturated, and shrinks during dry periods. These seasonal shifts directly impact fuel tank foundation stability. This practical guide...
Farm Fuel Tank Pad Drainage Tips for Iowa & Illinois Spring Thaw
Spring thaw in the Midwest creates one of the most challenging conditions for farm fuel storage infrastructure. Freeze-thaw cycles, saturated soils, snowmelt runoff, and heavy spring rains can undermine foundations and create standing water around tanks. Proper farm fuel tank pad drainage design prevents erosion, reduces corrosion risk, and protects above-ground storage systems during Iowa and Illinois spring conditions. This guide outlines technical drainage and pad design considerations spe...
Preventing Phase Separation in Ethanol Gas for Small Engines
Ethanol-blended gasoline has become standard across the United States, with E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) now the most common fuel at retail pumps. While this fuel works well in cars and trucks designed for it, small engines on farms—such as mowers, ATVs, augers, generators, and other equipment—are more vulnerable to problems caused by ethanol. The biggest concern is phase separation, when water mixes with ethanol in gasoline, separates from the fuel, and causes starting issues, corrosion, ...
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...
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...
