Add fuel maintenance to your spring planting checklist

From checking spare parts inventories to squeezing in one more maintenance check, equipment is always top of mind as you prepare for spring planting. And while it’s crucial to ensure engine components and moving parts are operating at peak performance, checking your fuel practices should carry equal weight. Your equipment is only as good as the fuel used in it, so it pays to get into the habit of keeping fuel clean.

Two key factors affect the quality of your fuel supply: maintaining your bulk fuel storage properly and choosing the right fuel. These preparations are essential for keeping equipment moving during one of the busiest times of year for the agriculture industry.

Better bulk fuel storage

If there’s one thing farmers should do during planting prep, it’s cleaning dirt and other debris that has accumulated in the tank. That debris can be pumped into your equipment where it will cause engine build-up that leads to less-than-optimal performance and eventually can require expensive repairs. To reduce the risk, best practices call for fully cleaning out fuel tanks at least once per year and switching out filters each quarter.

Equally as important as getting rid of debris in your tank is keeping water out of your fuel supply. Fuel contaminated with water can cause decreased acceleration, loss of horsepower and, in some cases, engine damage that spells costly downtime. Water in your fuel also allows for microbial growth to form inside your tanks and attack your fuel. Frosty springtime mornings add to risk with increased condensation.

Farmers can do a few things to mitigate water accumulation in fuel tanks. The first is to utilize equipment drain valves. Drain valves will remove water from machinery and storage tanks, minimizing the impact that water will have on a busy growing season.

Another easy way to reduce water in equipment is to simply fill up the fuel tank at the end of each day. Condensation happens overnight, especially in the spring. Filling the tank will reduce airspace, thereby reducing risk of water.

High-quality fuels deliver high-quality performance

As technology evolves, farm equipment and diesel engines are becoming more advanced and now, more efficient Tier 3 and Tier 4 engines are expected to pull large implements at high speeds during planting season. These newer engines have tighter tolerances for imperfections like dust, rust and other corrosive materials, making it especially important to protect engine components.

One way farmers can protect equipment and maximize performance is by choosing a premium diesel fuel. Products like Cenex® Ruby Fieldmaster® premium diesel are formulated with advanced additives designed to protect engines and maintain performance through demanding planting and harvest conditions.

The preparations you make before planting can influence the entire growing season. Taking time to maintain fuel storage, monitor contamination and select the right fuel helps keep equipment running when it matters most. For more insights on fuels, lubricants and energy planning for the farm, explore our Complete Guide to Agricultural Energy Solutions.

Together, proper fuel storage and high-quality diesel play an important role in protecting equipment and maintaining performance during demanding fieldwork. Premium diesel fuels formulated for agricultural conditions can help keep engines cleaner, support fuel efficiency and provide reliable performance throughout the season.

See how premium diesel protects your equipment.

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About Cenex
Cenex is the largest cooperative refiner in the country, bringing over 90 years of expertise in high-quality energy solutions. Cenex offers premium fuels, lubricants and propane products that power both vehicles and homes in America.