Top questions farmers ask about agricultural oil supplies

There are different farmers in different regions of the UK who want to have clear information and ideas about various suppliers of farm fuel. They want their agricultural oil to be in good shape for optimal level of operations of farming. Among the farmers there should also be an awareness of when, how, and in what amount a specific kind of fuel should be used.

For a better level of crop production as a farmer, you should know the different types and grades of fuel and how they are aligned with the condition of the tractors and irrigation structures. You also should know how they make an impact on crop yields. You should be aware of the role of oilseed crops and how to have effective resources for them. Taking care of the machine to reduce its long idling is also a must.

The agricultural oil supply and usage are always affected by the type of soil, the condition of the weather and climate, and the basic needs of the agricultural products and produce.

Thus, you should ask various questions to the suppliers of fuel and should get replies that will align with all the farming inputs and outputs. Read this article to learn about the key questions for effective and successful farming operations. 

26 Questions That Farmers Ask About Farm Fuel To Suppliers

The farmers should ask the suppliers of agricultural oil about the fuel types available to them and how they deliver the fuel. Let’s discuss what other questions they should ask.

1. What are the different types of fuels available?

Cheque with the suppliers what types of fuels they have. They can be fuels like kerosene, red and/or white diesel, the forms of bio-fuels, and HVO. The fuels can also come in the forms of hydraulic fuels, engine oils, and greases.  

2. How can I choose the right kind of fuel for my machine?

As a farmer, you should ask how you can select the right kind of oil for the machine of farming. The selection will be based on the needs of the machines, the needs of farming technologies, and the environmental effect of the fuel. The fuels should also be selected for the heavy-duty machines.

3. Do you have high-quality fuel?

When considering agricultural oil supply you have to ask the dealers whether they have high-quality fuels. The fuels that will be of high quality will be diesel and/or bio-diesel. They can work for more efficient energy and a high level of output of torque.

4. If yes! What are their benefits?

The fuels that are of high quality will have many of the benefits. They will give the complete level of combustion and improved level of delivery of power. They will also work for a reduction in wear and tear and manage optimal level of work performance of fuel injectors.

5. What should be the minimum and maximum level of fuel orders?

The delivery of farm fuel can be done in small quantities and they can be in 205 litres of barrels. On the other hand, bulk deliveries can be done within the amount of 500 litres and the amount of 36000 litres. There are companies who deliver the fuel in the IBCs of 1000 litres.

6.What is the difference between fully synthetic and semi-synthetic fuels?

The fuels that are semi-synthetic are a mixture of mineral oils and synthetic fuels. They work on the middle level as per as performance is concerned. On the other hand, the fuels that are fully synthetic are prepared at the molecular level and they have a high range of performance in machine and crop management.

7. When will my engine need a fuel change?

You should also ask the suppliers when you need to change the farm fuel in the engine. There are variations in the situations of fuel changes. The manufacturers recommend the fuel changes after the engine works for 200 hours. The quality of the fuel and the condition of work of the engine also matter here.

8. What is the best process of lubrication?

The frequency of agricultural oil supply is based on the lubrication of the machine and/or engine. The best process of lubrication will be linked with the correct kind of it with the correct amount and correct time. You also should cheque whether the system is well-maintained while lubricating.

9. What are the reliable storage tanks for farm fuels?

The agricultural oil tank should be safe from any hazards and/or accidents and any kinds of fuel thefts. The quantity of the fuel will decide whether the tank will be of plastic and/or metal or it will have an extra layers on it. The storage tank of the fuel oil should be kept in a well-ventilated area.

10. What are the common signs of contamination?

Cheque with the suppliers of farm fuel about the common signs of its contamination. It can be seen in changes in the appearance of fuel and issues in the fuel tanks and filters. The engine can show a low level of work speed. The fuel can look dark and cloudy. A strong level of sludge can be seen at the bottom of the tank. The fuel and the engine can also have unusual odour and/or smell.

11. How will the farm fuel be safely transported and stored?

The agricultural oil supply should be safe and appropriate. This is applicable for both fuels like diesel and/or gasoline. You should cheque the condition of the road and the condition of the weather while giving the delivery. You also should follow the safety protocols while transporting and storing the fuel for farming.

12. How will I take care of my tractor and harvester?

The tractors and harvesters that work on agricultural oil should be taken care of properly. You should work on regular levels of cleaning to verify the dirt and mud. You also should identify the level of fluids in it. The tire pressure checks and care of the battery, hose, and belt should also be done.

13. How often can I make the oil changes?

The change of the fuel inside your tractors and/or harvesters will depend on their type and model with the conditions of their work. For example, the tractors that work at high levels of temperature and carry high loads may need an oil change in small time frequencies. You should also take care of what the manufacturers have recommended to you.

14. How can I find a reliable supplier?

You can find a reliable agricultural oil supply by looking at various online and offline testimonials and reviews with checking various accreditations. You can also ask for various references and compare the quotes of different dealers. The dealers that have depots in many areas in the UK are Compass Energy, Crown Oil, Nationwide Fuels, etc.

15.How can I compare the prices?

You can work on comparing fuel prices on various apps like myRAC and/or PetrolPrices. There are also various websites like Carwow and WhatPrice. You can get the price alters from them and also can get real-time updates of pricing quotes.

16. How can I be sure of a reliable level of fuel supply?

Ask your dealer whether he/she has reliable fuel deals. To be sure you should cheque who are the reliable dealers in your area and whether they have the best level of customer care options. The dealers should be able to fulfill your fuel needs on time. They should be able to find the risks of the supply chain.

17. Do you have sustainable fuels?

Verify and identify whether the dealers have an agricultural oil supply on the basis of sustainability. Sustainable fuels can be bio-fuels, hydrogen, and/or synthetic fuels. There are also fuels like recycled carbon fuels or RCFs and HVO.

18. How can I manage the machine's downtime?

You can cheque the downtime of the farm machine by adding predictive maintenance technology into it. You should also work for its regular levels of maintenance and condition monitoring. You can have data-driven decision-making by using various systems like CMMS for tracking the level of downtime.

19. How can I reduce excessive usage of fuel?

The excessive usage of farm fuel can be decreased by checking the level of its consumption and having optimal levels of tasks of gears. You should also avoid the destructive level of braking and acceleration.

20. Do you have alternatives for red diesel?

Cheque with the dealer whether he/she has alternatives to red diesel. The alteration of red diesel can be done by the use of white diesel, hydrogen, bio-fuels, and/or HVO. You should also work on proper research and development to find red diesel alternatives.

21. What is the latest technology in lubrication?

In the process of agricultural oil supply and usage, various technologies have come for lubricating farm machines and engines. They can be in the synthetic forms of lubricants, the lubricants that are bio-based, and the smart systems of lubricants.

22. Can you explain the current regulation on-farm fuel storage and usage?

In the UK the storage and usage of farm fuel is controlled by various regulations. If a farmer wants to store fuel more than 1500 litres he/she should use the tank that will be bunded. He/she should also follow the rules of the Control of Pollution Act. As a farmer you should also inform the local PEA about the fuel storage.

23. How can I work on reducing the environmental effects of my farm fuel?

Your agricultural oil supply can work on reducing the environmental effects. For this as a farmer, you should work on regular checks of the tank and use the equipment that is energy efficient. You should also try and use alternative sources of fuels that will release less CO2 emissions and work on nitrogen management.

24. Can I do bulk purchases and what will be the discounts?

Cheque with the dealers whether they work on giving the farm fuel in bulk. They should give you the facilities of cost saving in this. The dealers should also have emergency preparedness for any accidents while delivering bulk fuels. Bulk buying and discounts can be given on the basis of fuel cards and supply agreements.

25. What are your payment options?

 The payment of fuel purchases can be done by using various Mobile Wallets, the process of Pay at Pump, and using various fuel provider apps. They can also be done by using cash and debit cards.

26. Do you keep updates on current market changes?

The dealers should have the market updates on fuel prices. For example, the price of petrol in the UK for the time frame of 2025 is 5.2 pence high for one litre. This has increased since the time frame of 2024. On the other hand, the price of diesel is high at 7.1 pence for one litre.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, it can be said that understanding the basics of agricultural oil supply is significant for all the farmers in the UK. This will make their fuel availability and farm operations stable.

The top questions that you ask the dealer will cover the cost of farm fuel, its availability and environmental effect. These questions will work on making close links between the stakeholders like the policymakers, the farmers, and the suppliers. They will work with a focus to bring a balance between the crop yields and its cost for long-term feasibility and profitability.

While asking these questions you need to take care whether the transport supply chain is well-managed. These questions will also make you ready to meet the demand of the current laws and policies related to the market trends.