M5 LP questions

[Junkman]

Picked up my first lp over the weekend. Not sure where to start. Tank is empty. Thinking about taking to a propane dealer this weekend for initial fill. What is the hot ticket to refill later? Also don't have any manuals yet, so any advice would be appreciated. Couple notes, looks like some implement rims on the front with the wrong offset & 12 holes. Not a big deal but valve stem hole looks like at least an 1" in dia. Anyone have any rims, or what will work? Currently 2 flat front tires so i am going to have to pull them off anyway. Battery ground cable is bolted to rear fender sheet metal, perhaps that is why prior owner said starter never worked very good? I think this will be a good machine. Thanks in advance. Patrick in Jonesburg MO

 

[Anonymous-0]

Patrick, I would take the empty tank opportunity to determine if there are any leaks in the tank's components. Once filled, it's difficult to do anything about leaky valves, etc. I pressurize the tank with air from my compressor and check all tank inlets and outlets for leaks and get them cured before I go to the trouble of getting it gassed up. On filling, I have the luxery of an LP dealer very close and they just come over and fill them for me when needed. I have 8 LP tractors so I try to get as many of them in need as possible before I call so maybe it's almost worth their while.

 

[Junkman]

Curt, great advise. How much pressure should i put on the tank with air to check for leaks? Thanks, Patrick

 

[Anonymous-0]

You can partially fill your tank from your gas grill 20lb. propane tank or just run the tractor from it. Right side up for vapor or turn it uside down for liquid.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I can only get about 120psi from my compressor. I think working pressure on the system is 200 or more so anything up to that is OK I would think.
CC

 

[guido]

Hey junkman!

You should have the tank tested and then filled by the supply people, its safer that way, and beside propane will have 190# pressure at 100F.
The tank is tested when new to withstand between 250 and 325 psi as a safety margin.
I have a friend that runs on propane pulling very well in two classes.
E-mail me if you have any questions
[email protected] good luck wrenching.......guido

 

[JLM/ Minn.]

You can get a filler valve and hose to attach to 500 gal propane tank and fill from there, and a air/vapor release valve to "bleed" off vapor (On smaller valve) so tank fills better/faster. I have three M-5 propanes and other propanes (MM, Farmall and Case and they run well and less expensive than gas or diesel. You should put new "kits" in the valves before you fill it and pressure testing by the propane co is best--check for leaks with a heavy mix of water and dish soap in a spray bottle.

 

[Junkman]

I called local coop, they will be out in a couple days to check for leaks. Also said they can set me up with the hoses & valves to fill tractor tank. A little pricey @ $200. Now i need to come up with a tank. I guess all this will be savings at some point, or i need to buy more propane equipment. Right now the little women is not seeing the savings. Also dropped off starter to get rebuilt last night, i'm sure there goes another 200.

 

[JLM/ Minn.]

YOu can get parts for the valves and do them your self--it is not hard--need screw on caps for the fill/pressure release valves if you don"t have them on now--they are also avail reasonably. I can give you the names and numbers; addresses of the places if you want. The starter should be about 100 + about $30 for a new solinoid, if needed. Any parts/information I can send you on the propane valves, etc. Let me know. A 500 gal tank can be rented for a couple cents per gal. when filled or can be purchased "used" for about $1.00/gal capacity--about $400 to 500/ 500 gal tank. A little expensive if you are not using the tractor for much--and propane is now about $1.50 to 1.70 per gal. You could also get some old MM propane tanks to add (in front for wieght for about $25 to $75 + cost of piping/connections--(they hold about 30 to 45 gal--and should be filled to only 80% of capacity to allow for expansion/contraction due to temp. Would be happy to help you as much as I can with information or where I get parts, etc.

Cowpuncher