The whirring of a lawn mower is a familiar sound of summer, signaling the start of weekend yard work. But have you ever stopped to think about what fuels this trusty machine? While most of us know it runs on petrol, the specifics might be a bit blurry. This article dives into the world of lawnmower fuel, exploring the types of petrol used, their pros and cons, and how to choose the right fuel for your mower.
In a nutshell, lawnmowers typically use unleaded gasoline, often referred to as regular gasoline or petrol. However, the exact type of gasoline recommended can vary depending on the age and model of your mower. This article will break down the different types of petrol, their suitability for lawnmowers, and factors to consider when choosing the right fuel.
Types of Petrol for Lawn Mowers
The most common type of petrol used in lawnmowers is unleaded gasoline. Unleaded gasoline is formulated without lead, which can damage the engine components. However, within the realm of unleaded gasoline, several variations exist:
Regular Unleaded Gasoline
- Description: This is the most basic and widely available type of unleaded gasoline. It typically has an octane rating of 87.
- Pros: Affordable, widely available, suitable for most modern lawnmowers.
- Cons: May not offer the best performance in older or high-performance mowers.
Mid-Grade Unleaded Gasoline
- Description: This type has a higher octane rating than regular unleaded, usually around 89.
- Pros: Offers slightly better performance and fuel efficiency than regular unleaded.
- Cons: More expensive than regular unleaded.
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
- Description: This is the highest octane gasoline, typically with an octane rating of 91 or higher.
- Pros: Best for high-performance lawnmowers, can help prevent knocking and engine damage.
- Cons: Most expensive option, not necessary for most lawnmowers.
Choosing the Right Petrol for Your Lawn Mower
The type of petrol you should use for your lawnmower depends on several factors:
1. Your Lawn Mower’s Manual
The most important source of information is your lawnmower’s user manual. The manual will clearly specify the recommended type of gasoline for your specific model.
2. Age and Type of Lawn Mower
- Older Lawn Mowers: Older lawnmowers, particularly those with older engines, may require a higher octane gasoline to prevent engine knocking.
- High-Performance Lawn Mowers: High-performance lawnmowers, such as those with large engines or specialized features, might benefit from using premium unleaded gasoline for optimal performance.
3. Fuel Stability and Storage
- Avoid Old Gasoline: Gasoline can degrade over time, losing its effectiveness and potentially causing engine problems. It’s best to use fresh gasoline and avoid storing it for long periods.
- Fuel Stabilizer: If you need to store gasoline for a longer duration, consider using a fuel stabilizer to prevent degradation.
Gasoline Additives for Lawn Mowers
While not essential, certain gasoline additives can offer benefits:
1. Fuel Stabilizers
As mentioned earlier, fuel stabilizers are important for preventing fuel degradation when storing gasoline. They help preserve the quality of the fuel and prevent gum and varnish buildup in the engine.
2. Ethanol-Free Gasoline
Ethanol is a biofuel that is commonly blended with gasoline. However, ethanol can absorb moisture and cause engine problems. If your lawnmower is prone to fuel-related issues, using ethanol-free gasoline can be beneficial.
Tips for Using Petrol in Your Lawn Mower
- Read the Manual: Always refer to your lawnmower’s manual for specific fuel recommendations.
- Use Fresh Gasoline: Use fresh gasoline that has been stored properly.
- Fill the Tank Properly: Avoid overfilling the gas tank, as this can lead to spillage.
- Clean Spills Immediately: If you spill gasoline, clean it up immediately to prevent potential hazards.
- Store Gasoline Safely: Store gasoline in approved containers away from heat and open flames.
Conclusion
Choosing the right petrol for your lawnmower is essential for ensuring optimal performance and extending the life of your machine. While unleaded gasoline is generally the preferred choice, understanding your mower’s specifications and the different types of gasoline available will help you make an informed decision. Remember to use fresh gasoline, avoid overfilling the tank, and always refer to your lawnmower’s manual for specific guidance. By following these tips, you can keep your lawnmower running smoothly and efficiently for seasons to come.
FAQs
1. What type of petrol should I use in my lawnmower?
Most lawnmowers are designed to run on unleaded petrol, specifically 87 octane or regular unleaded. This is the most common type of petrol available at gas stations and it provides sufficient power for your mower without being too expensive. You should never use diesel fuel in a petrol-powered lawnmower.
It’s important to check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations, as some newer models may require higher-octane fuel. Using the wrong type of petrol can damage your mower’s engine.
2. Can I use E10 petrol in my lawnmower?
E10 petrol, which contains 10% ethanol, is generally suitable for lawnmowers, but it’s best to check your owner’s manual. Some manufacturers recommend against using E10, as it can damage certain parts of the engine over time.
If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to use pure unleaded petrol. You can also add a fuel stabilizer to E10 petrol to help prevent it from going bad.
3. Does it matter what brand of petrol I use?
While the brand of petrol you use shouldn’t significantly affect your mower’s performance, it’s still a good idea to purchase it from reputable gas stations. This helps to ensure that the petrol is clean and free of contaminants that can damage your engine.
Some brands may also offer fuel additives that can improve your mower’s performance, but these are not essential.
4. How often should I change the petrol in my lawnmower?
It’s best to use up the petrol in your lawnmower within 30 days, especially if you’re using E10. After that, the fuel can start to break down and become less effective.
If you’re not planning on using your lawnmower for a while, it’s best to drain the petrol tank and store the fuel separately.
5. Can I use gasoline from a car in my lawnmower?
Yes, you can use gasoline from a car in your lawnmower, as long as it is unleaded and meets the octane requirements specified in your owner’s manual. However, it’s best to avoid using petrol that has been sitting in your car’s tank for a long time, as it may have become contaminated.
It’s also a good idea to use a separate fuel container for your lawnmower, so that you don’t accidentally mix gasoline from your car with other fuels.
6. Should I add oil to my lawnmower petrol?
No, you should never add oil to your lawnmower petrol. This is a common misconception, but it can actually damage your engine. Lawn mower engines have a separate oil reservoir that lubricates the engine’s moving parts.
Adding oil to the petrol will create a mixture that is too thick to be properly burned by the engine, leading to engine damage.
7. What happens if I use the wrong type of petrol in my lawnmower?
Using the wrong type of petrol in your lawnmower can lead to a variety of problems, including:
- Reduced engine performance: The wrong type of fuel can cause the engine to run inefficiently or even stall.
- Damage to the engine: The wrong type of petrol can gum up the engine and cause damage to the pistons, valves, and other internal parts.
- Increased emissions: Using the wrong type of fuel can lead to increased emissions of harmful pollutants.
If you’re unsure about the type of petrol to use, always check your owner’s manual or consult a mechanic.