Fuel Bowsers:
A Buying Guide for
Commercial Use
When your business relies on a steady, on-demand fuel supply, fuel bowsers provide a practical and efficient solution. These versatile fuel storage and dispensing units are available in a variety of types to suit different needs, from transporting fuel across locations to on-site refuelling and semi-permanent storage.
In this guide we’ll explore the various types of fuel bowsers on the market and look at the key considerations to help you source the right bowser for the needs of your business.
Contents
Businesses using mobile fuel bowsers must follow regulations designed to manage the transport and storage of hazardous materials safely. The three primary regulations include:
What Are Fuel Bowsers?
Fuel bowsers are portable fuel storage and dispensing units. They’re designed to deliver fuel efficiently to various locations for the purpose of refuelling vehicles or equipment. Unlike traditional tanks, bowsers are built for mobility and are essential for industries where fuel access is needed on-site and on demand.
Mobile fuel bowsers are available in three main types to suit different operational needs:
Road Legal Tow Bowsers
Designed to meet regulations for use on the public highway, road legal bowsers are ideal for transporting fuel between multiple sites or to remote locations.
Site Tow Bowsers
Built for use at locations such as construction, engineering, or agricultural sites, site tow bowsers provide convenient fuel access to machinery, equipment and vehicles without needing approval for use on public roads.
Fixed Skid Bowsers
Intended for semi-permanent installations, fixed skid bowsers are typically transported by wagon and moved by crane or forklift, and used for centralised fuel storage at temporary depots or remote sites.
Key Considerations When Buying a Fuel Bowser
Choosing the right fuel bowser involves more than just selecting a tank; it requires careful consideration of your business’s unique fuel storage and transport needs.
Purpose & Application
Before choosing a fuel bowser, it’s essential to identify exactly how and where it will be used. Consider whether you need a bowser that’s road legal for fuel transport via public roads, or if a static site bowser for on-site refuelling is more suitable. Think about the type of equipment or vehicles you’ll be fuelling, as this will impact the required capacity and dispensing options.
Fuel Type
Bowsers are typically designed to store fuels such as diesel, petrol, or even biofuels. While most are able to be used with these common fuels, not all bowsers are compatible with every fuel type. Ensuring that your bowser is compatible with the type of fuel you need to transport is important for performance, safety and regulatory compliance.
Capacity & Size
The capacity of the bowser you choose should align with your fuel consumption needs, operational scale, and industry demands. For example, smaller operations might benefit from a bowser with a 500-litre capacity, while larger businesses could require tanks exceeding 5,000 litres to reduce the frequency of refuelling trips. Calculating your estimated fuel usage can help determine the ideal tank size, ensuring you’re not over or under-stocking, which can impact efficiency and costs.
Material & Durability
The materials used in mobile fuel bowsers vary, with steel and polyethylene being the most common. Steel bowsers are highly durable and suited for heavy-duty use or environments that require extra protection, such as construction sites. They’re resistant to impacts and offer a long lifespan when properly maintained.
Plastic is more commonly used for smaller bowsers and portable dispensing tanks which fulfil a similar role. These options are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for environments that require a lower-maintenance, portable solution. Durability is a key factor, especially if the bowser will be used in rugged or remote environments.
Fuel Bowsers: Features & Specifications
Fuel bowsers are available in a range of options and come with a choice of different features to suit different requirements. Let’s take a look at some of the key features to be aware of when selecting a bowser.
Fuel Dispensing Systems
Dispensing systems are used to refuel vehicles and equipment. The most suitable type will depend on the scale of your operation, frequency of refuelling needs and volume of fuel needing to be dispensed.
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Manual Pumps: Ideal for low-volume dispensing needs, offering a simple and cost-effective option for controlled fuel flow.
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Automatic Shut-Off Nozzles: Prevent fuel overflows by automatically stopping the flow when the tank is full, ensuring safety and minimising waste.
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High-Accuracy Meters: Provide precise fuel measurements, helping to monitor usage accurately and improve fuel management.
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Durable Hoses: Designed for regular use and long life, high-quality hoses prevent leaks and withstand harsh conditions, ensuring safe dispensing.
Security Features
Security features protect your fuel investment, particularly when bowsers are used in less secure or remote locations. These features prevent unauthorised access and reduce the risk of fuel theft.
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Lockable Access Points: Protect fuel by preventing unauthorised access, reducing the risk of theft in less secure areas.
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Anti-Syphon Valves: Prevent syphoning of fuel from the tank, adding an extra layer of security against fuel theft.
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Security Alarms: Alert operators or security personnel to any tampering or unauthorised access, particularly useful for remote or unattended sites.
Fuel Monitoring Systems
Fuel monitoring systems help you track fuel levels in real-time, providing valuable data for inventory management and ensuring you’re never caught without fuel.
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Digital Gauges: Display real-time fuel levels for accurate tracking, allowing operators to monitor usage easily.
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Remote Monitoring: Offers real-time tracking of fuel levels via remote access and fuel management systems, making it convenient for operators managing multiple sites.
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Automated Inventory Management: Records fuel consumption data for streamlined inventory management, helping to track usage trends and reorder fuel efficiently.
Chassis and Suspension
The chassis and suspension of a fuel tow bowser are designed to provide stability, durability, and smooth transport, whether on public roads or rugged job sites. These features ensure that fuel remains secure and that the bowser performs reliably over varied terrains.
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Heavy-Duty Chassis: Built to support the full weight of a loaded bowser, with corrosion-resistant materials to enhance durability in harsh environments.
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Reinforced Suspension: Absorbs shocks and reduces vibrations, protecting both the bowser and its fuel contents when travelling on uneven ground.
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Adjustable Axles: Offers better weight distribution and stability, particularly beneficial for larger bowsers on challenging surfaces.
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Integrated Braking System: Essential for road-legal bowsers, this system ensures safe, controlled stops and meets UK highway standards.
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Off-Road Tyres: Provides added traction and stability on rough or soft ground, making it ideal for bowsers used on construction or remote sites.
Portability & Mobility
Different types of fuel bowsers offer varying degrees of portability, each serving specific operational needs:
Road Legal Bowsers
Road legal bowsers are designed to meet UK road and ADR regulations, making them ideal for businesses that transport fuel between multiple locations. They’re equipped with essential features like brakes, lighting, and towing capability, allowing them to be safely moved on public roads.
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Can be used on public roads
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Used to deliver fuel to remote sites
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Used to transport fuel between sites
Site Tow Bowsers
Site bowsers are intended for use at locations where transporting fuel on public roads isn’t required. These robust bowsers typically have larger capacities and are intended to be towed within the perimeter of the site. They’re not road-legal due to their design, but are invaluable for refuelling machinery and equipment at larger sites on a longer term basis.
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Cannot be towed on public roads
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Used to transport fuel around a site
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Good for long-term same site use
Fixed Skid Bowsers
Fixed skid bowsers are designed for semi-permanent installations and can be moved using forklifts or cranes. They’re ideal for operations where a stable, semi-permanent fuel storage solution is needed. These bowsers provide a reliable fuel source without the need for frequent relocation, making them suitable for central fuelling locations.
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Require forklift of crane to position
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Used to transport fuel via wagon to sites
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Serve as a semi-permanent central fulling point at sites
Common Applications of Fuel Bowsers Across Industries
Fuel bowsers are essential across a wide range of industries, offering tailored solutions for fuel transport, storage, and on-site dispensing. Some of the most common applications of bowsers across various industries are as follows:
Construction
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Road Legal Bowsers: Used to transport fuel between multiple construction sites, ensuring heavy machinery like excavators and generators remain operational without interruptions. These bowsers comply with UK regulations, allowing safe fuel transport across public roads.
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Site Tow Bowsers: Provide a portable refuelling solution for equipment such as loaders and cranes. They reduce downtime by ensuring fuel is always available exactly where it’s needed.
Agriculture
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Site Tow Bowsers: Perfect for refuelling tractors, harvesters, and irrigation equipment directly in the field. Their robust design makes them suitable for rough or uneven farm terrain.
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Fixed Skid Bowsers: Provide semi-permanent storage at a central location, serving as a reliable refuelling point for large fleets of agricultural machinery.
Logistics & Transport
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Road Legal Bowsers: Ideal for fuelling fleets of lorries, vans, and other vehicles across multiple depots or along delivery routes. These bowsers ensure seamless refuelling operations, minimising delays and keeping transport schedules on track.
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Fixed Skid Bowsers: Can be used as semi-permanent dispensing units at central depots for refuelling road vehicles or equipment used within the facility.
Mining & Remote Operations
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Site Bowsers: Designed for portable use on remote mining or industrial sites, these bowsers deliver fuel to heavy equipment like drills, trucks, and excavators, ensuring continuous operation in off-road conditions.
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Fixed Skid Bowsers: Serve as stable, semi-permanent fuel storage solutions for remote locations, reducing the need for frequent fuel deliveries and providing a consistent on-site supply.
Event Management
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Road Legal Bowsers: Deliver fuel to event locations, powering generators, lighting, and other equipment for large outdoor events, such as festivals or sporting events.
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Site Tow Bowsers: Offer portable fuel storage and easy access within event grounds, ensuring uninterrupted operations throughout the event.
Forestry & Timber Operations
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Site Tow Bowsers: Perfect for refuelling logging equipment like chainsaws and skidders in remote woodland areas. Their towable design allows them to be moved directly to the work zone.
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Fixed Skid Bowsers: Provide centralised storage for forestry operations, offering a stable supply for equipment and vehicles operating over large areas.
Marine & Coastal Operations
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Fixed Skid Bowsers: Store fuel at docks or ports, supporting refuelling needs for vessels and auxiliary marine equipment.
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Road Legal Bowsers: Transport fuel to remote or less accessible coastal locations, ensuring a reliable supply for small ports or marinas.
Emergency Services & Disaster Response
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Road Legal Bowsers: Quickly transport fuel to disaster or emergency sites, providing essential power for rescue equipment, generators, and vehicles.
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Site Tow Bowsers: Serve as on-site refuelling stations, ensuring emergency responders have uninterrupted access to fuel during critical operations.
Aviation
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Fixed Skid Bowsers: Provide a stable fuel source for small airfields or private aviation, refuelling both aircraft and ground support vehicles.
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Road Legal Bowsers: Transport fuel to remote airstrips or between hangars within larger facilities.
Military and Defence
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Site Tow Bowsers: Offer portable refuelling capabilities for vehicles and equipment within training grounds or operational bases.
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Road Legal Bowsers: Transport fuel safely to field operations or remote military installations while meeting regulatory requirements.
Utilities & Infrastructure Maintenance
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Road Legal Bowsers: Supply fuel to multiple sites, such as power line repairs, pipeline maintenance, or roadworks.
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Site Tow Bowsers: Provide portable fuel storage on-site, allowing equipment like diggers and generators to be refuelled quickly and efficiently.
Film & Television Production
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Site Tow Bowsers: Supply on-location fuel for generators, lighting rigs, and other production equipment during outdoor shoots.
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Road Legal Bowsers: Deliver fuel to remote filming sites, ensuring smooth operations in hard-to-reach areas.
Compliance with UK Regulations & Safety Standards
Operating fuel bowsers in the UK requires adherence to specific regulations to ensure safe and legal fuel transport and storage. Road Legal Bowsers must comply with UK highway and ADR regulations, which outline safe transport practices for hazardous fuels.
Site Bowsers are governed by the Control of Pollution Regulations, requiring safe storage standards for construction and job sites. Fixed Skid Bowsers need to meet environmental and safety standards, including bunding to prevent spills, safeguarding both the environment and your business. Following these guidelines helps prevent legal issues and protects against potential fines.
For more information on compliance and UK regulations for mobile fuel bowsers, read our guide to UK Regulations for Fuel Bowsers.
The Benefits of Bunded Fuel Bowsers
A legal requirement in most cases, particularly when used on public roads or to store larger volumes of fuel, bunded fuel bowsers offer a dual-layer design that provides robust protection against spills, ensuring secure and reliable fuel storage.
Enhanced Spill & Leak Protection
Bunded bowsers provide an additional containment layer to capture any leaks or spills from the inner tank. The bund usually has a capacity that is 110% that of the inner tanks which is designed to prevent fuel from escaping into the surrounding environment.
Reduced Environmental Risk
By containing potential spills, bunded bowsers significantly reduce the risk of environmental contamination compared to non-bunded storage. This is especially important for sites near watercourses, agricultural land, or other ecologically sensitive areas where even a small spill could have serious consequences.
Improved Safety for High-Fuel-Use Industries
For industries with high fuel consumption, such as construction, logistics, and agriculture, bunded bowsers provide peace of mind by ensuring fuel storage and handling are secure. Their robust design helps to mitigate the risks associated with handling hazardous materials.
Compliance with Spill Prevention Regulations
The built-in bund ensures compliance with UK regulations for fuel storage and handling, including spill containment requirements. Using a bunded bowser helps businesses avoid costly fines and ensures adherence to environmental safety standards.
Increased Durability and Long-Term Value
Bunded bowsers are designed with durability in mind, often using high-quality materials that withstand harsh conditions. Their robust construction not only provides long-term value but also reduces the need for frequent repairs or replacements, saving businesses money over time.
Buying vs. Hiring a Fuel Bowser
Deciding whether to buy or hire a fuel bowser depends on your business’s operational needs, the duration and frequency of use, and your budget.
When To Buy
Buying a bowser is often the most cost-effective option for businesses with ongoing or long-term fuel storage needs. Ownership provides several advantages:
Long-Term Savings
For businesses that frequently transport or store fuel, purchasing a bowser eliminates the recurring costs associated with renting. Over time, this can result in significant savings.
Flexible Options
When you buy a bowser, you often have greater flexibility on the specification available. This means you’re able to choose a unit that meets your specific needs, such as capacity, features, and compatibility with your fuel type.
Permanent Fuel Solutions
Fixed skid bowsers and site bowsers are particularly suitable for businesses with semi-permanent or permanent fuel storage needs, such as farms or depots. Ownership ensures that a stable and secure fuel source is always available.
Control Over Maintenance
Owning a bowser means you can implement your own maintenance schedule, ensuring that it remains in excellent condition and compliant with regulations.
Tax & Asset Benefits
For some businesses, owning equipment like fuel bowsers can offer tax advantages or be counted as a business asset.
When To Hire
Hiring a fuel bowser may be worth considering for businesses with short-term or seasonal requirements. It provides flexibility without the long-term commitment of ownership, making it a practical choice for certain situations:
Short-Term Projects
Renting may be useful for temporary needs, such as smaller one-off construction projects, or event management, where the bowser will only be required for a limited time.
Budget-Friendly For Infrequent Use
While hiring can cost significantly more over the longer term, for businesses that don’t use fuel bowsers regularly, it can avoid the upfront investment and ongoing associated with purchasing.
No Maintenance Responsibilities
With hired bowsers, maintenance is typically handled by the rental provider, ensuring the unit is always in compliance with regulations and ready for use.
Cost Comparison
Buying: While the initial purchase cost of a bowser may be high, it becomes more cost-effective over time for businesses with frequent or long-term needs. Ownership eliminates ongoing rental fees and gives you full control over your fuel storage and transport solutions.
Hiring: Hiring a bowser incurs lower upfront costs, making it an attractive option for businesses with temporary or infrequent fuel requirements. However, repeated rentals over an extended period may surpass the cost of buying outright.
Maintenance Tips for Fuel Bowsers
Regular Inspections
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Routine checks are essential to keep mobile fuel bowsers safe, operational, and compliant.
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Road-legal bowsers require regular inspections of their chassis, brakes, and towing mechanisms to meet UK transport regulations.
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Site and fixed skid bowsers should be checked for signs of wear, such as corrosion, leaks, or damage to bunding, to prevent spills and ensure long-term reliability.
Cleaning and Fuel Quality
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Cleaning the bowser periodically helps prevent sediment and sludge build-up, which can contaminate fuel and damage dispensing systems.
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Inspecting filters, tanks, and hoses for blockages or water contamination is crucial to maintaining fuel quality and protecting equipment from long-term damage.
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Regular cleaning also extends the life of your bowser and ensures efficient operation.
Find The Right Fuel Bowser For Your Business
Selecting the right mobile fuel bowser depends on understanding your specific needs—whether it’s fuel type, capacity, or portability. From road legal and site bowsers to fixed skid models, each type offers unique advantages based on operational requirements.
At Northern Tank Store we manufacture and supply a wide range of bowsers suitable for use with petrol, diesel, HVO and other fuels. From smaller towable and portable bowsers to larger fixed skid bowsers, all our products and produced to meet UK and European standards, ensuring you’re fully compliant when transporting and using fuel.
Browse our range online or get in touch for help in selecting the right fuel bowser for your needs.