In many industries — agriculture, mining, construction, remote servicing — fuel is your lifeline. When your worksite isn’t next to a bowser, a portable ute diesel fuel tank becomes essential. The goal: deliver diesel reliably, safely, and lawfully — right from the back of your ute or trailer.
Why Use a Portable Ute Diesel Tank?
- On-demand refuelling: Instead of driving back to a station, you carry fuel to equipment or machinery.
- Operational efficiency: Less downtime and travel waste.
- Compact footprint: Designed to snugly fit within utility trays or flatbeds.
- Compliance & containment: Modern designs include bunding, spill control, security, and venting — meeting regulations for transporting fuel.
UTECUBE & Other On-Tray Tank Designs
Among offerings for portable fuel storage, the UTECUBE series (200 L, 400 L, 600 L) stands out in Aflo’s catalog. These are self-bunded tanks with integrated pump kits (standard or hi-flow). Some of their features include:
- Double-wall construction (self-bunded) for secondary containment.
- Compact “cube” footprints, ideal for tray mounting.
- Pre-installed pumps, hoses, auto nozzles, and fittings in kits.
- Ready-for-use out of the box — minimal assembly on-site.
- Stackable or relocatable between vehicles if needed.
What to Look for: Selection Criteria
When choosing a ute diesel tank, consider:
| Feature |
Why It Matters |
| Capacity & weight |
Tank must not exceed safe load or affect handling. |
| Bunding / secondary containment |
Prevent spills — many regulations require 110% bund. |
| Pump kit type |
Standard vs hi-flow depending on how fast you need to dispense. |
| Footprint & height |
Clearance in tray, under tonneau covers, or behind canopy. |
| Materials & UV resistance |
Poly tanks need UV-stabilised HDPE; steel needs corrosion protection. |
| Vents, fill caps, breather design |
Ensures safe venting without vapor lock or pressure buildup. |
| Ease of mount & tie-down points |
Sometimes forklift pockets or forklift lugs aid relocation. |
| Serviceability |
Replaceable seals, accessible internals, spare parts availability. |
| Regulatory compliance |
Meet AS 1940, local fuel transport regulations, workplace safety rules. |
Installation & Best Practices
- Secure the tank firmly with rated straps or mounts — avoid slippage on rough terrain.
- Use flexible hoses with proper bends; avoid tight kinks or stress.
- Ground / bond the tank if in zones susceptible to static.
- Vent systems should be correctly sized and placed to prevent vapor lock.
- Protect pump & hose fittings with lockable covers or trays.
- Drain and filter regularly to avoid sediment contamination.
- Insulate or shade the tank where possible to reduce thermal expansion or heating.
Use Cases & Industries
- Remote construction, forest, or survey sites
- Agricultural and progressive farm operations
- Mobile service trucks, plant servicing
- Backup power / generator fuel supply
- Fuel transport between depots and remote machinery
Challenges & Solutions
- Weight & stability: A full 600 L tank can add 500+ kg. Solution: ensure vehicle capacity and balance load front-to-back.
- Vapor & expansion: Tanks expand in heat. Leave headspace, use proper vents.
- Contamination risk on mobile tanks: Use filters, regular cleaning, and secure lids.
- Spill/accident risk: Self-bunded design, proper securing, and safe mounting minimize risk.
- Pump overheating / starvation: Use continuous-duty rated pumps and avoid running them dry.
Final Thoughts
Portable ute-mounted diesel tanks bridge the gap between your fuel supply and your operations. When engineered well — with proper bunding, pump integration, and secure mounting — they become a dependable extension of your fuel infrastructure. The UTECUBE models, along with other ute tank systems, illustrate how far this technology has matured: offering compliance, convenience, and mobility in one package.