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Home » Lawn Mowing » Lawn Mower Fuel
When it comes to maintaining a pristine lawn, the type of fuel you pour into your lawn mower can make a significant difference. Not all fuels are created equal, and choosing the right one can extend the life of your mower, improve its performance, and even save you money in the long run. Let’s dive into the world of lawn mower fuel, exploring everything from the best types of petrol to use to how to store your fuel properly.
Key Takeaways
- Unleaded petrol with an octane rating of at least 87 is recommended for most lawnmowers.
- Ethanol-blended fuels should contain no more than 10% ethanol (E10) to avoid engine damage.
- Storing fuel in an airtight jerry can out of direct sunlight helps prevent it from becoming stale.
- Octane rating is crucial; higher octane fuel can enhance engine performance and efficiency.
Introduction to Lawn Mower Fuel
Choosing the right fuel for your lawn mower isn’t just a matter of filling it up and hoping for the best. The type of fuel you use can have a profound impact on your mower’s efficiency, longevity, and even the health of your lawn. Most lawnmowers run on unleaded petrol, but within this category, there are several options to consider, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Types of Fuel for Lawn Mowers
Unleaded Petrol: Characteristics and Benefits
Unleaded petrol is the go-to fuel for most lawn mower engines. It’s widely available and relatively affordable. The key here is to look for petrol with an octane rating of at least 87. This ensures that the fuel burns cleanly and efficiently, providing your mower’s engine with the power it needs without causing unnecessary wear and tear.
Fuel Type | Octane Rating | Benefits |
Unleaded Petrol | 87+ | Clean burning, widely available |
Ethanol Blended | Up to E10 | Reduced emissions |
Ethanol Blended Fuels: E10 vs Premium Fuel
Ethanol-blended fuels have become more common, but they come with their own set of considerations for lawn mower owners. Ethanol can attract water, which can lead to engine damage over time. For lawnmowers, it’s recommended to use fuel with no more than 10% ethanol content (E10). Anything higher can increase the risk of water contamination and bacterial growth in your fuel tank.
The Impact of Ethanol on Lawn Mower Engines
Ethanol can corrode metal parts and deteriorate plastic and rubber components in the fuel system. This is why many experts recommend using ethanol-free petrol or ensuring the ethanol content does not exceed 10%.
Selecting the Right Octane Rating for Your Lawn Mower
The octane rating of petrol is a measure of its ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion caused by the air/fuel mixture detonating prematurely in the engine. For lawnmowers, using the correct octane rating is crucial for maintaining engine health and efficiency.
Explanation of Octane Ratings
Octane ratings are a standard measure of a fuel’s performance. In the UK, regular unleaded petrol typically has an octane rating of 95, while premium fuels can go up to 98 or more. For most lawnmowers, a regular unleaded with an octane rating of 87 (91 RON in the UK) is sufficient.
Recommended Octane Levels for Lawn Mowers
Using petrol with an octane rating that’s too low can lead to engine damage over time, while higher octane petrol can improve performance but at a higher cost. For the average lawn mower, sticking to the manufacturer’s recommendation is best.
Engine Type | Recommended Octane Rating |
2-stroke | 87 (91 RON) |
4-stroke | 87 (91 RON) |
The Effects of High vs Low Octane Fuel on Engine Performance
While high-octane fuel can offer some benefits in terms of engine performance and efficiency, it’s generally not necessary for most lawnmowers. Using the right octane level for your mower can help ensure it runs smoothly without wasting money on unnecessary premium fuels.
Storing Petrol for Lawn Mowers
Proper storage of petrol is essential to maintain its efficacy and prevent it from becoming stale, which can harm your lawn mower’s engine. Petrol can degrade over time, losing its combustibility and potentially damaging internal engine components.
Best Practices for Fuel Storage
To ensure your petrol remains fresh and ready to use, store it in an airtight jerry can out of direct sunlight. This prevents evaporation and contamination. Ideally, use a fuel stabiliser if you plan to store petrol for more than a month, as this can extend its shelf life significantly.
Storage Tip | Reason |
Airtight container | Prevents evaporation and contamination |
Out of direct sunlight | Reduces the risk of degradation |
Add fuel stabiliser | Extends the shelf life of petrol |
The Dangers of Stale Petrol
Stale petrol not only reduces the efficiency of your lawn mower but can also cause starting problems and damage to the engine. If petrol has been sitting for more than 30 days, it’s best to dispose of it properly and refill it with fresh fuel.
Fuel Maintenance for Optimal Lawn Mower Performance
Maintaining the quality of your lawn mower’s fuel is key to ensuring the longevity and performance of your machine. Fresh fuel and the right additives can make a significant difference.
Keeping Fuel Fresh and Efficient
Using fresh fuel is crucial for the optimal performance of your lawn mower. If you must store fuel, ensure it’s in a cool, dry place and consider using a fuel stabiliser to maintain its quality over time.
The Role of Fuel Additives
Fuel additives can help clean the engine, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the life of your lawn mower. They’re particularly useful if you’re using fuel that’s been stored for an extended period.
Additive Type | Benefit |
Fuel stabiliser | Extends the life of stored petrol |
Carburetor cleaner | Helps maintain engine cleanliness |
Fuel system cleaner | Improves overall fuel efficiency |
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Frequently Asked Questions
The best petrol for most lawnmowers is unleaded petrol with an octane rating of at least 87 and no more than 10% ethanol content.
Yes, you can use E10 (petrol with up to 10% ethanol) in most modern lawnmowers, but it’s not recommended for long-term storage as ethanol can attract moisture, leading to engine damage.
Store fuel in an airtight container out of direct sunlight and use a fuel stabiliser to extend its shelf life.
Both 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines can use unleaded petrol with at least an 87-octane rating. However, 2-stroke engines also require oil to be mixed with the petrol.
By following these guidelines for fuel selection, storage, and maintenance, you can ensure your lawn mower operates efficiently and lasts for many seasons. Proper care not only saves you time and money but also helps keep your lawn looking its best.
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