Tuffa dual diesel tank goes down well on the farm

Last month saw Tuffa build and supply a 40,000 litre dual compartment diesel tank to EF Harrold, a Norfolk based farm.

EF Harrold is a 2,700 acre family run agri-business based near Norwich. From a small mixed farm first established over 50 years ago, the business has now expanded into a progressive modern farming enterprise growing potatoes, wheat, malting barley, oil seed rape, peas, beans, sugar beet and maize. Their main business focus is supplying top quality potatoes to the consumer through the UK’s major supermarkets.

The Brief – dual fuel, more capacity, more convenience

EF Harrold was using an old diesel tank that needed to be upgraded and re-located on the yard for more convenient filling of the farm’s fleet of plant and vehicles. Nick Harrold, the second generation of the family run farming business explained. “I have a cousin who had a Tuffa Tank and it certainly had a long working life, so I found Tuffa’s website and gave them a call.”

Nick talked through his requirements with Amy Bowd in our production team. Amy drew up the specification and drawings for the tank. EF Harrold are members of AF Group, so the tank was ordered through them. AF Group are an agricultural buying group, which uses its huge purchasing power and resources to support businesses outside the agricultural sector also.

Fuel Trading Manager, Spencer Hill told us more. “We have a strong relationship with Tuffa, and have worked with them to supply plastic and steel diesel fuel stations, oil and water tanks to AF Group members. We know that they have a high level of build quality and customer service and can produce a tank to our customer’s particular requirements.”

Red, White and Green

The tank was manufactured and assembled in Tuffa’s steel workshop with an overall capacity of 40,000 litres of fuel storage. This was split between a dual compartment 30,000 litre Gas Oil (red diesel) and a 10,000 litre Derv (white diesel) inner tank within the outer 6mm steel bund. The tank was fitted with a secure fuel management system with forecourt style nozzles, then finished in a traditional British Racing Green.

The large 10 tonne steel tank was lifted out of the steel workshop, delivered to Norwich and crane lifted into position by one of our logistics partners, Richard Lester Transport. Their Transport Manager, Jamie Barton is experienced in this kind of delivery. “We have the fleet and experience to be able to cope with this kind of heavy load,” he said, before adding, “The Tuffa diesel tank was lifted off the artic and lowered into position in just 35 minutes.”

Convenient, safe and secure

Nick Harrold was pleased with the finished tank. “We wanted to bulk buy to benefit from some fuel cost savings. We use a high volume of Gas Oil for plant around the farm – potato harvesters, combines, tractors, fork lifts and loaders – so we required a large bulk storage facility. In addition, the 10,000 litre white diesel tank enables us to fuel our road going 4x4s and delivery HGVs. To have the two tanks in one dual compartment fuel station provides us with convenient, efficient, safe and secure re-fuelling of all our plant and vehicles,” he said.

Tuffa UK General manager, James Shenton, was also pleased with the project. “Traditionally, Tuffa has always had close links with farmers and farming groups and we are proud to be part of the UK agricultural industry, whether we are supplying bulk storage diesel, petrol, oil or water tanks,” he said.