Offroad/Agricultural "dyed" diesel vs Older non "ulsd" fuel. are they the same thing?

[supracnine]

What is the difference between the two fuels if any?

[DmaxMaverick]

Some refineries are still producing higher sulfur Diesel for off-highway use, but most don't. The sulfur requirements are the same in many areas, on or off highway. So, if you get dyed fuel, you are probably getting the same fuel available at the fuel station, only more colorful. Some states, like California, prohibit the transport or sale of anything other than ULSD, regardless of its use. I think Washington is on board with this, also. To know for sure, you'll have to contact your state air resource office. Most fuel distributors don't know what they distribute, so they're not much help. If you know where the fuel is refined, you could ask the refinery.

[supracnine]

Ok then, well do you know the difference between "off-road" and "diesel #2" cause you can get either at the fuel station i go to, the off-road pump does say not to use it on a public roadway and that its only legal for agricultural use, if theirs no difference then whats with the dye.

[DmaxMaverick]

No difference with the fuel. The difference is the taxes paid.

[Subzilla]

And if DMV happens to stop you and "dip" your tank, they can easily see the "dyed" fuel and fine you all kinds of money! Gotta pay those taxes!

Here in Charlotte, our state DMV was staked out at one of the NASCAR races to pick up a few more bucks by hoping to find illegal fuel in the thousands of RV's coming into town. At the time, biodiesel and vegetable oil was illegal to run unless you could show a receipt for the purchase. A Mercedes was cruising by with a biodiesel bumper sticker. DMV spotted the poor guy, pulled him, and questioned him. He was honest enough to say "heck yea, I make the stuff and run it". They gave him a hefty fine and said to expect to hear from the federal people. Made the local news.

[93GMCSierra]

Ok then, well do you know the difference between "off-road" and "diesel #2" cause you can get either at the fuel station i go to, the off-road pump does say not to use it on a public roadway and that its only legal for agricultural use, if theirs no difference then whats with the dye.

The funny part about this post is I too have seen dyed off road sold at the pump, and for the same price as the clear stuff

So much for the taxes, or the station owner just likes making the extra buck.

[DmaxMaverick]

Off-highway fuel is sold at some fuel stations for use in off-highway equipment (tractors, etc.), stationaries (generators, compressors, pumps, etc.) and transport refer units. Interesting it was the same price, though.

[jhowery]

By 2012 all diesel fuel in US will be ULSD...