What Petrol Does a Lawn Mower Need? | Guide

Most engines of this type use a mixture of oil and fuel suitable for lawn mowers. The 2-stroke engine can be set up in two different ways: either you add both components to a single tank, or it runs with separate lubrication. In the latter case, the machine has two tanks. This makes fuelling the lawn mower simpler, as you can use the same petrol as for 4-stroke engines.

Just make sure there is sufficient oil and carry out an oil change if it has become too old. If, however, your lawn mower has only one tank, you will need to prepare the mixture before filling. Use a ratio of 1:25 or 1:50 – that is, one part oil to 25 or 50 parts petrol. This is easy to mix yourself if you have the right oil. It's best to check the manufacturer's data sheet for the correct specification.

What Petrol for Your 4-Stroke Lawn Mower?

FUXTEC models are of this type. Petrol for 4-stroke engines does not need to meet any special requirements. You don't need a fuel specially manufactured for lawn mowers. Instead, you can use petrol from your nearest petrol station – just make sure the fuel composition is compatible with your engine.

Petrol Station Fuel for Your Lawn Mower

Like most petrol engines, your lawn mower can be filled with petrol from any petrol station. However, pay close attention to the fuel composition, as not every grade is suitable for your mower. It's best to first check the manufacturer's information to find out which fuel the machine can use. Standard unleaded petrol (95 octane), for example, has different properties to premium unleaded (97–99 octane). Some engines are designed to run on the higher-grade fuel, while others may not perform optimally with it. The main concern is also whether certain additives or components could damage the materials in your mower.

Fuelling Your Lawn Mower – Petrol or Diesel?

The question of whether your lawn mower takes petrol or diesel is answered simply by looking at what type of mower you have: a petrol lawn mower. It's the same principle as with car engines. They are designed for a specific type of fuel and can only run on that fuel. Does your model explicitly state that it has a diesel engine? No? Then you should not use diesel. At FUXTEC, for example, we sell exclusively models that require unleaded petrol.

What Petrol for a Lawn Mower – Is E10 OK?

The short answer is: yes. However, it is not particularly advisable to use the higher-ethanol fuel in a lawn mower. Older models in particular frequently have issues with it. On the one hand, the engines may not be able to use it efficiently; on the other, the ethanol can potentially damage rubber components. Therefore, check the seals and hoses more frequently than you otherwise would.

Note:

To be certain your lawn mower is compatible with E10, you should consult the manufacturer's data sheet. This will normally specify which petrol your lawn mower can use. Many manufacturers now confirm that their models work well with E10, including Honda, MTD and Briggs & Stratton.

How to Fuel Your Lawn Mower

Once you know which petrol you need for your lawn mower, the fuelling process itself is the easy part. There are just a few things to bear in mind:

1. Only fuel your lawn mower with a cold, switched-off engine – otherwise hot petrol may spurt out when you remove the fuel cap.
2. Always do this outdoors on a level surface.
3. Clean the fuel cap with a damp cloth after opening it.
4. Pour the fuel using a funnel or use a specialist nozzle attachment for your jerry can.
5. Always leave some space at the top of the tank, as petrol can expand.
6. Replace the cap firmly after fuelling.

Storing and Disposing of Petrol for Your Lawn Mower

If you wish to collect petrol from a petrol station, you will need approved containers to transport the fuel. Once you have these, you can fill them at the pump as normal and pay at the till. You will then need to store the fuel until it is needed. This is especially important if you have leftover petrol at the end of the mowing season.

The key rule here is never to store fuel for longer than three months. E10 should be disposed of after just one month – so it cannot be kept over winter with the lawn mower. Make sure your jerry cans are clean, tightly sealed and no more than 5 years old. If they are metal, they must show no signs of rust. Ideally, fill containers completely and store them somewhere cool and dry.

Disposing of Old Petrol Correctly

If petrol has gone off or become contaminated, you should not continue to use it. Instead, you should dispose of it in accordance with hazardous waste regulations – as that is exactly what it is classified as. It is also harmful to the environment. Therefore, take it to a household hazardous waste disposal facility. If you're unsure where to find one, contact your local council.