You can’t operate a farm without tractors, harvesters, plows, trucks, mowers. And when it comes to fueling those types of heavy-duty vehicles, it’s all about power. Gasoline just doesn’t deliver the torque that’s needed to handle all that hauling, pushing, and pulling power. That’s why most agricultural operations rely on the power of diesel fuel to run productively.
Efficiency and power are the key advantages of diesel over gas when it comes to heavy duty vehicles. Diesel equipment requires about 67% less fuel to produce the same amount of power as propane products. What’s more, diesel engines tend to last longer and require less maintenance—despite handling bigger loads and doing some of the hardest work on the farm.
When it comes to keeping your farm running smoothly, you can count on Rand Wade for all your diesel needs.
If you’re currently buying on-road diesel from a gas station for your off-road equipment, you are paying unnecessary taxes. From a chemical perspective, both fuels are identical. However, on-road diesel is clear, while off-road diesel is dyed a red color. That’s because off-road diesel is only for use in farm vehicles, construction equipment and vehicles that do not operate on public roads. Fuel for those types of vehicles is not taxed, so the cost is lower. The red dye identifies off-road diesel as untaxed fuel—and the fines are hefty if you get caught using it on an on-road vehicle. We’ll make sure you’re fueling your vehicles with the right fuel.
We know that more than any other type of business, weather can play a big role in when you need fuel and how you use it. Running out of fuel for even a few hours can be a major setback when you’re working against weather, daylight or harvest time. You need a diesel fuel dealer who can work with you to set up a delivery schedule that works for you. Our team will work with you to customize a delivery schedule based on your current and future needs. We provide easy ordering and on-time deliveries so you can keep your focus on your farm.
Rand Wade also offers fair, transparent pricing. The price of fuel—diesel, regular and even propane—is impacted by global markets. Going with a discount dealer may get you a cheap price, but you may lose out when it comes to quality and reliable service.
We know you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to buying diesel fuel, but when it comes to providing quality fuel deliveries at fair prices, there’s a reason so many Green County farmers choose Rand Wade. Every gallon of diesel we sell is graded as ultra-low-sulfur, which means it will burn cleanly and power any diesel engine sold in the U.S. today.
Contact the diesel fuel pros at Rand Wade to learn more.
Running out of gasoline is no fun, but checking the fuel gauge in your car is easy—it’s right there on the dashboard. There’s even a light that alerts you when you are very low on fuel. Checking the gauge on your propane tank is almost as easy. All you need to know is the location of your tank and how to read the gauge.
If you have an above-ground propane storage tank, the gas gauge is right at the top of the tank, under a lid or dome. If you have an underground tank, the gauge will be near the fill pipe.
You’ll see a gauge that looks a lot like a speedometer, with numbers going around the edge, and a single pointer. The numbers indicate what percent of gas is in your tank.
Keep in mind that because propane needs room to expand, your tank is considered full at 80%. And, you should not let your tank go below 20%. If your tank falls below a certain level, you could lose pressure, which can lead to problems with equipment and even a potential leak. Always call for a delivery before your tank falls below 20% so we have time to schedule a delivery before your tank gets too low. (An emergency fill up can cost extra.)
Of course, it’s good to know how to check your tank level, but it’s an easy task to forget about. That’s why Rand Wade has an easier way to make sure you get propane deliveries when you need them—without having to remember to check your tank and call us for delivery. It’s our automatic delivery service.
Rand-Wade offers automatic delivery service so you don’t need to remember to schedule propane deliveries. Automatic deliveries mean you don’t have to worry about running out propane, and you can rest easy knowing we won’t let you run out.
Automatic delivery service makes things easier on our end too. We’re better able to plan deliveries, using the most efficient routes. That saves time and money—savings we can pass on to you.
It’s not a crystal ball. We use a proven industry method to calculate your fuel use. We work with an algorithm that is based on your past usage and average daily temperatures to make sure we can fill your tank on time. You don’t even need to be home for the delivery.
Since our calculations are based on your average usage, it’s important for you to let us know of any changes that would result in a big shift in propane use. An extended vacation, more or fewer people living in your home or spending more time at home all day, or new propane appliances or hearth products can all change your propane use.
Of course, we still believe in old-fashioned customer service. That’s why our friendly and local customer service representatives are always happy to take your call and answer any questions. But with automatic delivery service, you don’t have to remember to call us to order propane. Contact us today to sign up for worry-free automatic deliveries.
If you’ve ever left a car sitting with a tank full of gas for an extended period of time, you may have learned the hard way that, after about six months, its chemical properties change and it won’t burn properly. Diesel only lasts a little longer. Because of their vegetable-based composition, ethanol and bio-based fuels will degrade and evaporate after only a few months. Heating oil can be stored for about 18 months—but unless your tank is full, condensation inside the tank will lead to sludge that will damage your equipment.
Propane, on the other hand, never “goes bad.” That’s why propane is such a smart choice for all kinds of appliances and equipment in your home, like water heaters, home heating systems and laundry machines, which you use regularly, but also for those you use sporadically, like space heaters and fireplaces. Propane is particularly smart for whole-house generators. Hopefully, you don’t need to use it often, but you will have peace of mind knowing that the fuel will work when you need it.
While propane can’t expire, it’s important that your storage tank is maintained properly to avoid any problems. If you lease your propane storage tank from us, you don’t have to worry, we take care of this for you.
When to comes to portable propane cylinders, however, you need to make certain that it conforms to Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards. All DOT portable propane tanks must be recertified for use every 5 or 10 years, depending on the cylinder type, condition and previous recertification method.
Extreme heat can cause propane to expand, particularly if you have an above-ground storage tank. That’s why propane tanks are required to be painted in light-reflective colors, such as white, gray, and silver. This helps them stay cool. Dark colors attract and retain heat.
While typically our summers are relatively mild, as we’ve seen this summer, weather patterns can change and we can get extreme heat. When weather is extremely hot, use your garden hose to spray your tank with cool water. This will help lower the pressure and temperature inside the tank. If the pressure does increase, an emergency valve will release gas safely into the air.
While propane can be affected by very cold temperatures, Greene County winters don’t get much below freezing. Fortunately, the freezing point of propane is -44 degrees Fahrenheit, so you don’t need to worry about your propane freezing—especially if your tank is underground.
The location of your storage tank is important too—and not just for aesthetic reasons. If it isn’t buried, your tank needs to be on a stable base, typically a concrete slab, and positioned away from sources of heat. When we install your tank, we ensure it’s set up and positioned safely and according to all regulations.
With more than a half-century of experience, the Rand Wade team has the knowledge and resources to answer all your questions about the benefits of propane for your home. And, we can get you started, with the right size propane tank for your needs, reliable propane delivery and more. Contact us for more information today.
One of the (many) reasons propane grills are so popular is that they so low maintenance. No ash, no charcoal, no mess! Of course, they do require a little care, and keeping your grill clean will ensure great tasting food, reduce sticking, and prevent grease and food residue build-up.
It’s easy to keep your grill ready to go! A quick hit with a wire- or nylon-bristle brush is all it takes. Simply brush the grates clean while you’re preheating your grill, and then use a spatula or brush to scrape off clumps of food after you’re finished cooking. It’s also a good idea to empty the drip pan regularly and sweep crumbs and debris out of the cooking chamber as necessary.
Then, once or twice a year, give your propane grill a more thorough cleaning. Just plan to do it on a day you aren’t planning to grill, and make sure your grill is completely cool. It’s not hard to deep-clean your grill—here’s how:
First, gather your supplies. You’ll need a couple of big buckets, a wire-bristle brush or stiff nylon-bristle brush, nylon scrubbing pads, dishwashing soap, and some clean rags. Make a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
That’s it! Reassemble your grill, reconnect the propane cylinder if you use a portable tank, and let everything dry completely and you’ll be ready to grill.
You can make firing up the grill even easier by upgrading to a built-in grill . When your grill is connected to your home’s main propane supply, you never have to think about swapping out cylinders or realizing you’re tank is empty just as your guests start to arrive.
Visit our Snow Hill showroom to see our great grill offerings, including models from Phoenix and Wilmington. Our helpful staff can answer all your questions and help you create your dream outdoor kitchen and entertaining space. We do expert installations and can help you create your dream outdoor entertaining space. Contact us for more information today!
We know there are some people who have strong feelings about whether charcoal grilling is better than gas. But except for a very specific type of barbecue and smoked foods, a propane grill will perform better. In fact, you can achieve a slow cooked, smoked effect with a propane grill with just some simple tricks.
From easier cooking to healthier foods to safety, there are plenty of reasons why propane is better than charcoal.
Of course, you can always keep a charcoal grill for the ultimate smoky, low-and-slow barbecue. And, we get it: Some people really like the whole process of setting up the charcoal, messing with lighter fluid, nursing the flame and waiting (and waiting) for the coals to get hot enough. But if you want to make grilling an easy, healthy option for even a busy weeknight, instead of just the weekend, a propane grill is the way to go.
Ready to see the possibilities? Stop by our Snow Hill showroom to see a range of propane grills from quality brands like Phoenix and Wilmington. Whether you’re looking create a deluxe outdoor kitchen and entertaining space, or just need to replace your old propane grill, we have options ranging from basic, classic styles to top-of-the-line built-in units.
What’s that smell? If you think you detect the odor of rotten eggs, skunk, or dead animal, you may have a gas leak. Propane is a safe and efficient energy source. But an unchecked leak can result in an explosion. Knowing what to do if you smell gas can help ensure the situation is resolved safely and quickly. Make sure you know the smell of gas, and learn these steps to keep your family and home safe.
An outdoor gas leak may be harder to detect, because the smell can dissipate. Signs of a gas leak outside can include a white cloud, bubbles in water, blowing dust, or dying plants. You may also hear a roar, hiss, or whistle. Follow the same precautions: walk away from the area avoid creating any sparks (such as starting a car) and call 911.
If you’re concerned that you may not be able to smell a propane leak, consider placing propane gas detectors in your home. Much like the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, these units will alert you to any potential leaks.
There’s no question that propane fumes are dangerous. However, serious leaks are rare and are typically only brought on by long-term neglect of your tank and heating system. At Rand Wade, your safety and comfort is our priority, and we’re committed to providing safe propane delivery and propane equipment installations.
Contact us today for more information.
Warm weather means outdoor entertaining. Or maybe it’s just about getting out of the kitchen! If you’ve been thinking your grilling game is ready for an upgrade, Rand Wade is here to help add some new sizzle to your backyard. Now’s the time to get set up to make all your outdoor gatherings fun and easy. Another great reason to update your backyard with a propane grill? An outdoor kitchen can also increase the value of your home.
Whether you’re ready to channel your inner pitmaster, or you’re looking for a healthy way to grill fish and veggies outside, we’ve got the grill for you. We have a great selection of grills to help you make the most of your outdoor living spaces. Our Snow Hill showroom is the place to start planning the grill setup of your dreams.
Browse our selection of deluxe built-in models with multilevel grills, griddle attachments and side burners, rotisseries and more for restaurant-quality results from leading brands including Wilmington Grills.
Need a freestanding model? We can help you there as well, with models that offer all the options of a built-in without the build-out.
In addition to the precise temperature control that comes with a propane grill, you also enjoy ease and convenience. No waiting for charcoal to heat up; no watching to make sure they stay hot. In just minutes, your grill is ready to go. Food comes out great, with no smoky smell or flavor that can overwhelm foods such as fish or fruit. And cleanup is so easy. No ashes, no worries about smoldering coals. When you’re done, just turn off the grill and the gas supply, do a quick cleaning of the grates and you’re done!
When you opt for a built-in propane grill, you can stop worrying about how much fuel is in your cylinder or running out of fuel before you’re done cooking. You also no longer have to remember to pick up a fresh cylinder, whether you refill or exchange—and you don’t have to worry about transporting full tanks of propane in your car.
With a built-in tank, your grill is connected to your main propane supply, so you know you’ll always have plenty. Of course, if you’re on automatic delivery and add a built-in grill, be sure to let us know so we can add that usage when we calculate when you’ll need a delivery.
Rand Wade services and installs everything we sell, and we stand behind our work so you can feel confident that our trained, experienced propane service technicians will safely and properly connect your new built-in gas grill to your home’s propane supply.
Whether you’re just looking to grill some steaks on the deck or planning the ultimate outdoor kitchen, our team of pros can help you create the perfect propane grilling setup for your outdoor space. Contact us today, or come by the showroom to see all your options.
Running a farm is a 24/7 job—and there’s a lot that’s out of your control, so it’s essential to find the things you can control and make sure they work well and help make your work a little easier. Diesel fuel is important to keeping many agricultural operations running smoothly, so finding a diesel provider you can count on is a great way to do exactly this.
When it comes to choosing a diesel provider, here are 3 key things to look for:
When you have the right partner, keeping your farm equipment fueled and running well is easy. Rand Wade Oil can help, with the right products and prices, and the experience serving agricultural operations in North Carolina for more than 50 years!
Here are some things to keep in mind before you buy your next batch of diesel fuel:
Buy in bulk. To reduce the annual cost of diesel fuel, consider buying it in bulk. The key to doing that successfully is to plan. Think about how much fuel you need in advance, then try to buy it in the shoulder seasons. That means not during planting and harvest seasons. When diesel is inexpensive, consider stocking up—it will remain useable in your tank for two years or more.
Budget for the ups and downs. The market price for diesel fuel can swing considerably from month to month and season to season, for reasons ranging from policy changes to extreme weather. Rather than trying to time the market, build some flexibility into your fuel budget; if diesel prices drop, you’ll be even more profitable.
Maintain your storage equipment. Get routine maintenance for your diesel storage tank every year to keep your fuel clean and to prevent fuel leaks and tank corrosion.
Manage your records carefully. Managing your records is about more than staying on top of expenses—it’s about forecasting future costs and use and finding ways to become more efficient as a business.
We know you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to buying diesel fuel in Greene County, NC, and the surrounding areas, but when it comes to providing quality fuel deliveries at fair prices, there’s a reason so many farmers choose Rand Wade. Every gallon of diesel we sell is graded as ultra-low sulfur, which means it will burn cleanly and power any diesel engine sold in the U.S. today. Our fuel burns so cleanly, in fact, that it will help extend the life of your equipment!
Do you need reliable ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel for your North Carolina farm or business? Contact the diesel fuel pros at Rand Wade to learn more about dependable, bulk diesel deliveries in Green County, NC and beyond.
For starters, you’re probably familiar with portable tanks like those you use with a grill. Those tanks usually give their capacity in pounds, which ranges from 5 to 100 pounds. But residential and commercial propane tanks are noticeably larger, and their size is given as their water capacity volume in gallons.
For your familiarity, propane is stored in a liquid state under pressure, and it always needs room to expand into a vapor. That’s why propane tanks are “filled” to 80% of its water capacity. For example, a 120-gallon tank will hold approximately 100 gallons of propane when completely full.
No matter whether you are looking for propane for your home or your business, size matters. There’s no one “typical” size, as most homes have tanks with a capacity from 150 and 500 gallons depending on their specific uses and requirements. For commercial applications, tanks can go over 1000 gallons and more.
To know what size tank you need, you need to know how you will use your propane. For a homeowner, it might be just for cooking, or for heating water, heating your home, and more. For a business, there are more variables to consider.
Either way, the pros at Rand Wade can take the guesswork out of calculating the best size tank for your needs. Here’s a general guideline to get you started:
Once we’ve helped you determine the best size tank for your needs, our in-house team of professionals can help determine the best location for your tank and make sure it’s installed safely. We’ve been installing tanks for all kinds of homes and businesses for more than 50 years!
In addition to a safely installed tank, you’ll want to be sure you have reliable propane delivery service to ensure you always have propane. You want a company that puts customers first.
That inherently means offering fair, transparent pricing, but it also means offering real value and true reliability, with products and services designed to make your life easier. And it’s what makes Rand Wade the local favorite for prompt, reliable, courteous propane delivery service to homes and businesses across eastern North Carolina.
Ready to get started? Rand Wade’s experts can help you understand all your options when it comes to propane tank sizes. Contact us today.
If you’ve never lived in a propane-fueled home before, you might be surprised to know all the benefits. Propane is one of the cleanest, most versatile, and efficient fuels around. It’s a domestically sourced alternative fuel that can provide steady, reliable heat energy at an affordable price.
But propane also offers exceptional performance and efficiency in a wide range of home appliances at a much lower cost than electricity. Here’s all the ways you can use propane in your home:
Many of the reasons propane is so good at generating heat for your home also make it good for powering a range of other appliances. Here’s why it’s a smart and efficient way to heat your home:
Propane is great for generating heat in a variety of ways in addition to boilers and furnaces. Wall and space heaters powered by propane make it easy to heat spaces your heating system doesn’t reach—like additions, sunrooms, attics, workshops, and garages.
Further, gas log sets and fireplaces deliver all the charm—and warmth—of a wood-burning hearth with less mess and hassle. Outside, propane fire pits and patio heaters provide heat and allow you to extend the season for enjoying your outdoor entertaining spaces.
Because propane is so efficient at heating, it’s ideal for heating water, too. For example, propane water heaters generate much more hot water than an electric water heater, at a cheaper cost per gallon. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes that heat water with propane rather than electricity can see average annual savings of $174.
The same technology that makes propane ideal for water heaters makes it a smarter choice than electricity to power all kinds of appliances that use hot water or heat:
When it comes to cooking, gas is also the preferred choice of chefs, and you’ll find most high-end gourmet kitchens feature gas ranges. Nothing gives the same level of precise control! Many people are familiar with that precision from their outdoor grills. With a propane-fueled home, you can eliminate the need for portable tanks and connect your grill to your home’s storage tank and create your dream outdoor kitchen and entertaining space. Or just enjoy the convenience of always being able to fire up the grill.
When hurricanes—or even a good thunderstorm—knock out power, a propane-fueled backup generator will keep your lights and everything else running until the utility companies can make repairs. In addition, your gas stove will continue to work during a power outage. Now that’s convenient. A whole-house generator also adds value to your home and may even get you a break on your insurance.
Propane isn’t just for grills and camping. It’s a smart fuel to power appliances inside and outside your home. Whether you are refurbishing your existing home, shopping for, or building your dream house, or just looking for ways to reduce your fuel bills, propane provides great value.
The experts at Rand Wade have the experience and knowledge to answer all your questions and help make adding propane to your Greene County, NC area home easy! We offer great services like automatic delivery, tank monitoring, smart payment plans to help keep costs manageable, and so much more. Contact us today for more information.
