Red-dyed diel esel

Denny Smith

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Kubota BX2380 with snowblower (2816), front loader (LA344S)
Nov 19, 2025
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Michigan U.P.
Hi y'all. Where's the thinking at regardig using #1 red-dyed diesel (BX2380), with additive for winter use? Is there a consensus from current users? Muchas Gracias mi amigos. :)
 

85Hokie

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Red dyed is 100% the same as on road ........ just the red dye is the difference.

AND - the red diesel is "off road" diesel - not taxed as gas is for highway use.

In your cold climate - a dose of additive is highly recommended - you pick any you think will keep from gelling.
 
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North Idaho Wolfman

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Hi y'all. Where's the thinking at regardig using #1 red-dyed diesel (BX2380), with additive for winter use? Is there a consensus from current users? Muchas Gracias mi amigos. :)
There is Zero difference between regular diesel and red dye diesel.
Yes, you want to treat your fuel with a Biocide and cetane booster and antigel for winter use.
 
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Denny Smith

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Kubota BX2380 with snowblower (2816), front loader (LA344S)
Nov 19, 2025
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Michigan U.P.
Thx all. My only other concern is: I put in the water-vapor fuel filter and new fuel lines. Does the red dye mess with filter to the point that I can't visually tell if I have water (It's K's "L" filter)?
 

North Idaho Wolfman

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Thx all. My only other concern is: I put in the water-vapor fuel filter and new fuel lines. Does the red dye mess with filter to the point that I can't visually tell if I have water (It's K's "L" filter)?
Nope, still works the same.
 
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lmichael

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Kubota G2160
Apr 23, 2021
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Rockford IL area
I would not know where to purchase it. I looked around and even though we're in the middle of farm area in that NW IL/Stateline area distributors that list it only want to deliver to large on site tanks
 

#40Fan

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My closest distributor said they would bring out a tank for free for them to fill. Might call and ask if yours would do the same.
 

lmichael

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Kubota G2160
Apr 23, 2021
858
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Rockford IL area
My closest distributor said they would bring out a tank for free for them to fill. Might call and ask if yours would do the same.
If I used more, it would be worthwhile. But in the course of a whole season of using my machine I think I might use 12 gallons max. Oddly even the little Honda 4514 I used to have would suck down 15-18 gallons of gas and the big Simplicity Sovereign would burn up 20 gallons easily. This diesel sips fuel
 

Runs With Scissors

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Yep, red diesel, it's the same.....100%

Any of the "big named" anti-gel stuff works pretty good for our MI climate. You probably get a wee bit colder than we do in the mitten though.......

One thing to remember regarding anti-gelling fluids is that there is a difference between the stuff that is used as a "preventative measure" and the "emergency, Oh Sh1t my truck wont start" stuff.

Here is an example of the two. (preventative)

1791447614165.png



but this is for when/if you get caught with your pants down....(Oh sh1t)


1791447693217.png
 
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Trash Panda

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L2501
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Wyoming
Yep, red diesel, it's the same.....100%

Any of the "big named" anti-gel stuff works pretty good for our MI climate. You probably get a wee bit colder than we do in the mitten though.......

One thing to remember regarding anti-gelling fluids is that there is a difference between the stuff that is used as a "preventative measure" and the "emergency, Oh Sh1t my truck wont start" stuff.

Here is an example of the two. (preventative)

View attachment 180225



but this is for when/if you get caught with your pants down....(Oh sh1t)


View attachment 180226
Pretty handy you shaded those two in the same post.

In my experience, using Howes is a sure fire way to guarantee that you need to use 911 down the line!
 
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JonM

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yeah i dont use howes. i use powerservice anti gel and keep their 911 on hand for emergency. but i only add in the very begining to make aure i have anti gel active when they switch to winter blend
 
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johnjk

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Here in OH we suspended tax on gas/diesel for 90 days. Makes no sense to allow people to run off-road in their vehicles. Same cost right now anyway. As I see it the goal of letting people run dyed diesel on road was to get around the “diesel shortage”. At least in my area, prices were falling before they even acted. IMHO this strikes me as more of an election stunt than true concern for the consumer.
 
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