How Do I Properly and Safely Fuel My Yanmar Tractor?

We want to teach you the proper and safe way to fuel your Yanmar tractor.

If you do not feel that you understand these steps and strategies, or can perform them safely, consult your tractor dealer or local mechanic.

NOTE: Before fueling your tractor please note that diesel fuel is explosive and extremely flammable under certain conditions.

Now that we have that straight, here are a few things to understand regarding the tractor fueling process. 

Here they are:

• Only fill the fuel tank with diesel fuel.  (Filling the fuel tank with gasoline may result in a fire and will damage the engine.)
• Never refuel with the engine running.  Turn it off.
• Wipe up all spills immediately.
• Keep sparks, open flames, or any other form of ignition (match, cigarette, static electric source) well away when refueling.
• Never overfill the fuel tank.
• Fill the fuel tank.  Store any containers containing fuel in a well-ventilated area, away from any combustibles, or sources of ignition.
• Be sure to place the diesel fuel container on the ground when transferring the diesel fuel from the pump to the container.  
• Hold the fuel hose nozzle firmly against the side of the container while filling it.  This prevents static electricity buildup, which could cause sparks and ignite fuel vapors.
• Never place diesel fuel or other flammable material such as oil, hay, or dried grass close to the engine during engine operation or shortly after shutdown.
• Before you operate the engine, check for fuel leaks.
• Replace rubberized fuel hoses every two years or every 2,000 hours of engine operation, whichever comes first, even if the engine has been out of service.  Rubberized fuel lines tend to dry out and become brittle after two years or 2,000 hours of engine operation, whichever comes first.
• Failure to comply will result in death or serious injury.
• Only use diesel fuels recommended by YANMAR for the best engine performance, to prevent engine damage and to comply with EPA/ARB warranty requirements.
• Only use clean diesel fuel.
• Never remove the primary strainer (if equipped) from the fuel tank filler port.  If removed, dirt and debris could get into the fuel system causing it to clog.

Fuel Tank Cap Care

There are some specific guidelines to follow when handling the fuel cap.

The diagram below delineates a typical fuel tank.  You may have a different one.  If so, contact your dealer and owner’s manual.

Here are those guidelines:

• Clean the area around the fuel cap (Figure 4-3, (1)).
• Remove the fuel cap (Figure 4-3, (1)) from the fuel tank (Figure 4-3, (2)).
• Observe the fuel level sight gauge (Figure 4-3, (3)) and stop fueling when gauge shows fuel tank is full.
• Never overfill the fuel tank.
• Replace the fuel cap and hand-tighten.  Over tightening the fuel cap will damage it.