What size diesel bowser do I need for a construction site?

For most active construction sites, a 2,000L diesel bowser like the FuelBag is the most practical size. It provides enough capacity to refuel multiple plant machines between deliveries, reducing downtime. Smaller sites may manage with 880L units, but the 2,000L capacity of the FuelBag reduces the frequency of refuelling deliveries and lowers total fuel logistics costs.

What pump does the FuelBag use?

The FuelBag is fitted with a high-performance 80L/min pump and an 8-metre retractable hose reel. This delivers fast, controlled fuel transfer and allows refuelling of plant at a useful distance from the unit, minimising spillage and maintaining a safe working environment.

FuelBag | Portable Diesel Bowser for Construction Sites

01

A Better Portable Diesel Bowser

Most portable diesel bowsers on the UK market are designed to be towed. On a well-maintained hardstanding site, that works fine. But on a live construction site — with waterlogged ground, rough terrain, confined spaces and multiple plant machines operating simultaneously — a tow bowser quickly becomes a liability.

The FuelBag is an on-site diesel bowser built specifically around the realities of UK construction, demolition and agricultural sites. At its core is the patented MW Easy-Lift System — an integrated frame that allows any excavator, forklift or telehandler to safely lift and reposition the bowser without chains, without a banksman, and without a secondary machine.

The result is a portable fuel bowser that genuinely follows your plant around the site, can be moved across waterlogged or uneven terrain, and integrates seamlessly into the equipment you already have on the job.

No Tow Vehicle Needed

Move the FuelBag using your existing excavator, forklift or telehandler — no additional vehicle required on site.

Works on Any Terrain

Lifted clear of the ground during relocation — waterlogged, uneven and restricted sites are no obstacle.

Fully Bunded as Standard

COSHH and Environment Agency compliant bunding built in — no additional drip trays or secondary containment needed.

Fast On-Site Refuelling

80L/min high-performance pump with 8m retractable hose reel delivers fast, controlled fuel transfer to multiple machines.

Reduced Downtime

2,000L capacity reduces refuelling delivery frequency. Keep plant running instead of waiting.

02

Key Features

Every aspect of the FuelBag is designed to reduce downtime, improve on-site safety and make fuel management on construction and agricultural sites as simple and efficient as possible.

Fully Bunded Tank

The FuelBag's fully bunded design provides 110% secondary containment, meeting COSHH regulations and Environment Agency guidance (PPG26) for on-site diesel storage. No additional drip tray required.

Patented Easy-Lift System

The integrated MW Easy-Lift frame allows excavators, forklifts and telehandlers of any size to lift and reposition the FuelBag without chains, a banksman or secondary machine. Patent Pending GB 2600815.1.

80L/min Dispensing System

High-performance integrated pump delivers 80 litres per minute for fast, controlled diesel dispensing. The 8-metre retractable hose reel allows refuelling at a safe distance from the bowser unit.

S355 Grade Steel Construction

Built from heavy duty S355 structural steel throughout — the same grade used in offshore and heavy industrial applications. Provides exceptional durability and long service life in demanding site environments.

2,000L Capacity

At 2,000 litres, the FuelBag reduces the frequency of fuel deliveries to site and eliminates the productivity loss from plant machines running out of fuel during the working day. Suitable for all diesel-powered machinery.

Full Spare Parts Availability

A complete range of genuine MWE spare parts is held in stock, ensuring rapid supply, minimal downtime and long-term reliability across your fleet of FuelBag units. Contact us for spare parts enquiries.

03

Technical Specification

FuelBag — Technical Specification
Tank Capacity	2,000 litres
Tank Type	Fully bunded (110% secondary containment)
Pump Output	80 litres per minute
Hose Reel	8m retractable
Steel Grade	S355 structural steel
Lifting System	MW Easy-Lift System (Patent Pending GB 2600815.1)
Compatible Machines	Excavators, forklifts, telehandlers (all sizes)
Fuel Types	Diesel, HVO, gas oil
Construction Standard	ISO 9001:2015 / ISO 14001 manufacturing
Origin	UK manufactured (100% British supply chain)
Compliance	COSHH / Environment Agency PPG26
Pricing	Price on Application (POA) + VAT

Compliance & Regulations

On-site diesel storage in the UK is governed by COSHH regulations and the Environment Agency's Pollution Prevention Guidance Note 26 (PPG26). Any fuel stored on site above 200 litres must be contained within a bunded structure capable of retaining 110% of the tank's total volume.

The FuelBag is fully bunded as standard, meaning no additional drip tray, secondary containment bund or separate compliance measures are required. This reduces both site complexity and the risk of enforcement action or environmental liability.

Compliance Note

All FuelBag units are manufactured by UK partners operating to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001, supplying documentation to support H&S and environmental compliance requirements on major contracts.

04

How the Easy-Lift System Works

The patented MW Easy-Lift System is what separates the FuelBag from every other portable diesel bowser on the market. Here's how it works on a live construction site.

01

Position Your Plant

Drive your excavator, forklift or telehandler up to the FuelBag. No chains, slings or secondary equipment needed — the Easy-Lift frame is permanently integrated into the unit.

02

Engage the Easy-Lift Frame

Your machine's attachment connects with the Easy-Lift System's integrated lifting points. A single operator can complete the connection — no banksman required for the lift itself.

03

Lift & Relocate

The FuelBag is lifted clear of the ground and carried to its new location. Because it's borne by your machine rather than towed, it crosses waterlogged, uneven or confined terrain that a tow bowser couldn't navigate.

04

Set Down & Refuel

Lower the FuelBag into position. The pump and 8m hose reel give you an 8-metre operating radius to refuel multiple machines without moving the bowser again. Fast and clean.

Compatible Machines

✓ All excavator sizes (1t to 80t+)

✓ Forklifts (telescopic and counterbalance)

✓ Telehandlers / loadall

✓ Cranes (where applicable)

Patented Technology

The MW Easy-Lift System is a genuinely novel invention developed from real industry experience. It is protected under UK patent application GB 2600815.1.

FuelBag vs. Traditional Diesel Bowser

Traditional tow bowsers work well in stable, accessible conditions. The FuelBag is designed for sites where conditions are not stable and access is not straightforward — which describes most active UK construction sites.

Feature	FuelBag (MWE)	Standard Site Tow Bowser	Traditional Static Fuel Tank
Relocation method	Excavator / forklift / telehandler	Tow vehicle required	Crane or heavy plant
Chains required	No chains needed	Chain slings typically required	Chain slings required
Waterlogged terrain	Fully capable — lifted clear of ground	Limited — tow vehicle may become stuck	Not suitable for relocation
Banksman required	Not required for lift operation	Recommended for site movement	Required for crane lifts
Fully bunded	Yes — as standard	Many models, not all	Varies by product
Secondary machine needed	No — uses existing site plant	Yes — tow vehicle required	Yes — crane / telehandler for setup
Confined space access	Yes — placed precisely by excavator arm	No — requires turning radius	No — not relocatable on site
UK manufactured	Yes — 100% British supply chain	Varies by supplier	Varies by supplier
Steel construction	S355 structural steel throughout	Grade varies	Grade varies
ISO-certified manufacturing	ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 14001	Varies by supplier	Varies by supplier

06

Where the FuelBag Works

The FuelBag's combination of large capacity, full bunding, and chainless excavator-compatible relocation makes it the ideal portable diesel bowser across a wide range of UK industries.

Construction & Groundworks

Keep all your diesel-powered plant fuelled on active construction sites. Follow your excavation works across the site without a tow vehicle.

Demolition & Site Clearance

Demolition sites have unpredictable, often hazardous terrain. The FuelBag moves with your fleet without chains or secondary machines.

Agricultural & Farming

Rough, remote, wet terrain is the norm in agricultural operations. The FuelBag handles COSHH compliance and all-terrain refuelling without compromise.

Highways & Utilities

Linear projects demand that fuel moves along the route. Reposition the FuelBag as the works progress without disrupting highway operations.

Plant Hire Companies

The FuelBag's broad machine compatibility and low-maintenance construction makes it a versatile and profitable addition to any hire fleet.

Power Generation & Events

Keep generators fuelled at events and remote power generation installations. Reposition as the event layout changes.

07

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about portable diesel bowsers, on-site fuel storage compliance, and what makes the FuelBag different.

What is a diesel bowser?

A diesel bowser is a portable fuel storage and dispensing unit used on construction sites, farms, and industrial operations to store diesel and refuel machinery without needing to transport equipment off-site. Diesel bowsers range from small skid-mounted tanks to large 2,000L+ units like the FuelBag, which can be relocated across a site using excavators or forklifts.

Does a diesel bowser need to be bunded?

Yes. Under COSHH regulations and the Environment Agency's Pollution Prevention Guidance Note 26 (PPG26), fuel stored on site above 200 litres must be held in a bunded container capable of retaining 110% of the tank's capacity. The FuelBag is fully bunded as standard, making it compliant for use on all UK construction and agricultural sites without any additional secondary containment.

How do you move a diesel bowser on site?

Traditional diesel bowsers are moved using a tow vehicle or crane with chains. The FuelBag uses the patented MW Easy-Lift System, which allows relocation by your existing excavator, forklift or telehandler — with no chains and no secondary machine required. This means it can be moved across waterlogged, uneven or restricted terrain that a tow vehicle could not safely access.

What size diesel bowser do I need?

For most active construction sites running multiple plant machines, a 2,000L diesel bowser like the FuelBag is the most practical choice. It provides sufficient capacity to refuel multiple machines between deliveries, reducing downtime and fuel delivery frequency. The right size ultimately depends on your daily diesel consumption and how often fuel deliveries to site are feasible.

Can a fuel bowser be used on waterlogged ground?

Standard tow bowsers are difficult to reposition on rough or waterlogged terrain as they require a tow vehicle with traction. The FuelBag's MW Easy-Lift System allows any excavator or telehandler to lift and carry the bowser, meaning it travels above the ground during relocation — making it uniquely suited to groundworks, demolition and agricultural sites where ground conditions are unpredictable.

Is the FuelBag COSHH compliant?

Yes. The FuelBag is fully bunded to 110% capacity and manufactured from S355 grade steel, meeting the requirements of COSHH regulations and the Environment Agency's fuel storage guidance for construction sites. All FuelBag units are manufactured by ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001 certified UK partners, supporting H&S and environmental compliance documentation requirements.

What is the MW Easy-Lift System?

The MW Easy-Lift System (Patent Pending GB 2600815.1) is an integrated lifting frame built into all MWE products that allows safe relocation using excavators, forklifts and telehandlers of any size. It eliminates the need for chains or secondary machines, significantly reduces manual handling and lifting risk, and allows equipment to be moved precisely across all terrain types found on construction and demolition sites.

How do I enquire or get a price?

The FuelBag is priced on application (POA) as pricing depends on specification, quantity and delivery requirements. Use the enquiry form below, call us on 01905 935679, or email info@mwequipment.co.uk. Our team is available Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. We aim to respond to all enquiries within one working day.

08

Related Products

The FuelBag is part of a growing range of site equipment, all featuring the patented MW Easy-Lift System for safe, chainless relocation by your existing plant.

FuelBag