Service Story diesel fuel,” Keil reminisced.“ But invariably, you were short the wrench or the tool you needed because it didn’ t get loaded or someone else needed that pickup truck that day and would take off with it. So then you were stuck with a truck that didn’ t have the right tools.”
Of course, fueling has been the primary impact of incorporating a fuel trailer into operations, but it’ s not the only way K & K Farms has used this piece of equipment to improve productivity. By equipping the fuel trailer with necessary tools for basic service needs, Keil and his team readily have the things they need to keep tractors and other equipment in working condition.
“ We all know that if you have machinery, it does require maintenance, and it can break down at the most inopportune times,” said Keil.“ It’ s nice to know you have the equipment you need to work on it.”
Keil remembered a time when he had a wheel bearing go out on an air seeder in the middle of the field. Because the fully integrated fuel trailer was right there and he had the parts he needed on the trailer, he was able to go in and fix it in no time.
“ You’ re not going to have every part you need, but we want to have 90 to 95 % of the common tools you need to service equipment out in the field,” said Keil.
Some of the most important features Keil has incorporated into his fuel trailer include a quick-fill system, which allows him to refuel his equipment faster, a hydraulic oil tank, an
air compressor, electricity, and plenty of tool storage. When building his fuel trailer, Keil thought of every detail, even going as far as adding extra lighting to his trailer.
“ You never have a breakdown when it’ s convenient,” said Keil.“ It’ s always the most inconvenient time, and as the days get shorter, having good lighting on the trailer makes things so much easier.”
As for the financial impact, Keil said that the decision to invest in a fuel trailer was an easy one for everyone to get on board with, even his financially aware wife and daughter, who are both certified public accountants( CPAs).
“ My wife and daughter watch the expenses very closely, and I didn’ t hear one complaint when the check was written for the trailer,” mentioned Keil.“ They both knew how important it is to have every tool that you need, when you need it, where you need it, not sitting back on the bench at home.”
Even during the off-season, K & K Farms operates their fuel trailer year-round.
“ We do a lot of our own landscaping work,” said Keil.“ So the fuel trailer is used in the winter to supply fuel for that operation as well.”
Since purchasing their fuel trailer, K & K Farms has been exemplifying productivity, keeping essential equipment and their whole farming operation running smoothly.
“ There’ s only one problem with the trailer,” said Keil.“ The neighbors are getting too jealous.”
September 2026 | www. FarmersHotLine. com | 15