Raften , I think that is correct . I remember working on it outdoors so it definitely wasn't winter , it was several years ago . The tractor would idle but would not take any more fuel . After changing the filter twice with no improvement I dug a little further . Just above the filter on the tank side I pulled out about 6" of striny slim from the fuel line , drained the tank , replaced with fresh fuel , added some biocide and has been good ever since .
Several years earlier my son had a similar problem with his excavator .
I have not had the problem with either of my two diesel trucks . I suspect because they are used more often .