Lawn mower with gas. 7 Tips to Add Gas Safely to a Lawn Mower

Tips to Add Gas Safely to a Lawn Mower

Moving to the suburbs or buying your first home with a yard—especially for a previous city-dweller—is exciting, but there’s definitely a learning curve when it comes to mowing a lawn. Good on you for doing research since lawn mower accidents and injuries are (unfortunately) all too common. In this guide, learn seven tips to help you add gas to your fuel tank and preserve the health of your mower.

Read Your User’s Manual

Every lawn mower works a little differently. You’ll want to understand where the gas tank is located, as well as if you’ll need to prime your device before you use it to avoid lawn mower mishaps.

But let’s be honest: Sometimes, we buy new things and toss the manual. If that’s the case here, do a quick internet search of your lawn mower model to find the instructions as a PDF.

Buy the Right Type of Gas

For most lawn mowers, fresh unleaded gas works just fine. You can buy a 5-gallon gas can (around 20), then fill it right at the gas pump. The octane rating should be 87 or higher. If regular unleaded gas in your area is below 87, opt for premium gas.

Make sure you unscrew the lid and put the nozzle firmly in the gas can before filling at the pump. Don’t walk away as it fills. Take any other precautions as needed to prevent spills.

Natural gas has a shelf life of three to six months. If your canister still contains gas from last season, pour the old gas in a government-approved container and dispose of it at a local site.

Don’t Add Fuel When a Lawn Mower Is Running

According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, tens of thousands of Americans suffer from lawn mower accidents each year. One of the most common injuries they face are burns, often from fuel that ignited due to misuse. Not good.

The vibrations from a running mower could cause you to spill gas on the engine, which can create harmful vapors or gas fire. It may seem convenient to keep the lawn mower running, especially if you’re halfway through the job and don’t want to walk your device back to the shed. But that’s exactly what you should do.

Make Sure Your Lawn Mower Has Cooled Down

Similarly, never add gas to a lawn mower when it’s really hot. The heat could be from use or even from a mower that sits in storage on a hot, humid summer day. Let it cool for 15 to 30 minutes before unscrewing the lid and adding gas.

Use a Funnel When Adding Gasoline

Investing in a funnel makes adding gas to a lawn mower safer and easier. You can buy a plastic funnel at home improvement stores for under 5. Place it in your gas tank, then gently pour gas in to fill.

You might as well get two funnels while you’re at it, so you have one to re-up your oil levels as well.

Screw the Gas Cap on Tightly

Most lawn mower gas tanks have a screw-on lid. Some click into place when they’re locked, while others may simply tighten. Always double-check that the gas cap is secure before pulling the rip cord to start your lawn mower.

Inspect Your Mower

You’re about ready to go! Since we’re talking safety, though, here are a few other steps you should take before hitting play on that podcast while you mow your lawn. These steps will help ensure safety.

• Check the air pressure in the tires.
• Check the oil levels and cleanliness of the oil.
• Check the sharpness of your blade.
• Remove any grime or dead grass from the bottom.

It’s a good idea to inspect and make any repairs each season, especially if your lawn mower has been in storage all winter. Also, maintaining your lawn mower should be an annual task. Doing so can make it last a decade or more.

Bad Fuel Symptoms

You make your way to the garage or shed, ready to tackle the day’s yard work, only to find that your lawn mower won’t start.

Did you know that bad gas is one of the most frequent causes of small engines not starting? Read on to learn about how to diagnose and treat engines affected with bad gas.

How long can gas be stored before it goes bad?

Whether in a gas can or in your mower, gas can go stale and lose its volatility in as little as 30 days. Using Sta-Bil Storage Fuel Stabilizer can increase storage time up to 24 months. Of course, many factors contribute to how long gas can be stored, including storage location, temperature, condition of the fuel container, and more.

What are the symptoms of bad gas?

If your lawn mower is difficult to start, idles roughly, stalls out, or makes a “pinging” sound, you may have a case of “bad gas”. And no, we’re not talking about the after-effects of dinner at your favorite Mexican restaurant.

How can I tell if the gas has gone bad?

The easiest way to diagnose gas is to smell the fuel in question. Oxidized gas has a sour smell and is much stronger smelling than fresh gas. The other method is to drain a sample from your machine’s fuel tank or your gas can into a clear glass container. If the gas is dark in color, it has more than likely gone bad. See the image below for a comparison between the color of fresh gas (Left) to gas that has oxidized (Right) and should not be used in your equipment.

Note the color of fresh gas (Left) compared to gas that has oxidized (Right)

What should I do if my equipment has bad fuel?

The best solution is to drain the gas from your equipment and replace with fresh gas. Remember to properly dispose of the old fuel.

How can bad gas affect my lawn mower?

If fuel was stored in the unit for an extended period, areas such as fuel lines and the metering needle may have become gummed up from the old fuel mixture. As gas ages, hydrocarbons in the fuel mixture evaporate and the remaining fuel becomes tacky or varnish-like. This can cause deposits and blockages in your equipment’s fuel system. In severe cases, professional cleaning of the carburetor and a possible carburetor rebuild are the only cure for this situation.

To verify this condition, remove the spark plug(s). If you can’t smell fuel in the combustion cylinder or see or smell fuel on the bottom of the spark plug, the fuel passageways are likely obstructed. If the carburetor is clogged, the use of spray carburetor cleaner and pressurized air may clear the obstruction. If this fails, then you should contact an experienced engine service center to have the system professionally and thoroughly cleaned.

Get the Parts and Tools You Need to Maintain Your Equipment Here at MTD Parts!

Spark plug wrench or socket tool (common sizes are 5/8, 3/4 and 13/16)

Choosing Between Gas Vs. Electric Lawn Mower

A lush, beautiful lawn requires more than a sprinkle of water and a weekly mow. Lawn maintenance is an intricate science requiring proper feeding, aeration, and pest control for optimal protection from weeds, insects, and diseases that can wreak havoc on your grassy paradise. With the proper care program in place, you can rest assured knowing your flowers, shrubs grass are well-defended against all manner of lawn-damaging pests.

Mowing your lawn is not only necessary for a pristine appearance but also essential to ensure the health and strength of each blade. By mowing regularly, you’ll guarantee that every part of your grass receives adequate sunlight, water, and fertilizers – promoting strong growth with time. over, during each trimming session, the strongest blades will thrive while weaker ones wither away – providing optimal results. You can take care of the lawn and garden better using Smart home gardening products. These products integrate technology with lawn and garden maintenance, making your work easier. To achieve this, you need to use the premium garden tools in the market.

When it comes to choosing the right lawn mower, consumers have two lawn mower types: gas-powered or electric. Both models offer unique advantages, so here’s a look at which option best fits your needs.

Comparison Of Electric and Gas Lawn Mowers

Choosing between an electric lawn mower and a gas-powered lawn mower can be a difficult process. With both mowers offering their distinct benefits, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of each before making your final choice.

What Is an Electric Lawn Mower?

Battery-powered electric lawn mowers are considered as one of the best-rated garden tools and are more powerful and efficient than ever before, providing the convenience of cordless operation while being better for the environment than gas models.

On the other hand, a corded electric mower is an economical alternative to a battery-powered lawnmower, but it requires being plugged into a nearby outlet while in use.

You can expect both electric mowers to be lightweight, with some models weighing a little over 34 pounds. This makes them easy to maneuver and store after each trimming session. The noise output of electric mowers is significantly lower as well, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter operation.

How Do Electric Mowers Work?

The lawn-and-garden industry has two types of electric mowers that operate with electricity, yet the distinction between them lies in their power source. There are two primary types of tools: corded and cordless. It’s evident that the main difference is cords versus no cords; however, there are a few more differences between them.

Corded Mower

Corded electric mowers are perfect for small lawns due to their unlimited run time as long as they can access an adequate power source. However, the larger the yard size is, the longer cord you will need to reach everywhere. That being said, corded electric mowers offer a reliable and continuous supply of energy that makes them suitable for cutting grass over short distances seamlessly.

Cordless Mower

Cordless mowers are powered by batteries, meaning you must charge them for extended periods to continue trimming your grass. Once the battery runs out, so does your grass-cutting session – like any other battery-operated device. It is essential to properly charge up its power source to maximize cutting times and get the most use out of a cordless mower.

Benefits Offered by an Electric Mower

If you have a small yard and mostly flat terrain with few obstacles, then an electric lawnmower can truly elevate your mowing experience. Here are some reasons why battery-powered mowers are the better choice for yards up to two acres:

• Lower Maintenance Cost – Since electric mowers do not use oil, clutch, throttle, belts, and gears, you’ll avoid a lot of maintenance compared to their gas counterparts. You wouldn’t have to bother about refilling on petrol either; that equates to no more fuss with spills or extra expenditure for fuel!
• Zero Emissions.Electric-powered mowers provide an eco-friendly, zero-emission ride. Exhaust, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons are not emitted from the onboard power source for a healthier environment. Not only does this benefit the planet, but it also helps you breathe cleaner air!
• Quieter Operation – A battery-powered mower can generate up to 82 decibels, lower than the threshold for a person to experience harmful exposure. On the other hand, gasoline mowers are much louder and boast 95 decibels- similar in sound volume to a motorcycle! Using an electric lawnmower will be significantly less disruptive for your neighbors if you reside in an urban or suburban area.
• Easier Maneuverability – Electric lawnmowers are not as heavy as their gas-powered counterparts. Due to this, this weed removal machine is easier to maneuver around tight corners and navigate through your yard.

What Is A Gas Lawn Mower?

Gas-powered mowers depend on the capacity of their fuel tank for runtime. Most lawnmowers have a one-gallon gas tank that is enough to finish cutting a sizable family-sized yard in one go from start to finish. Refilling the tank is possible when you run out, but remember to add oil as well! A two-stroke motor calls for this lubrication so it can operate efficiently and its engine parts glide seamlessly.

How Do Gas Mowers Work?

A gas-burning mower combines air and fuel to generate an internal explosion inside the cylinder. The machine then captures this blast and converts it into kinetic energy that powers it forward.

Don’t assume what type of fuel your lawn mower needs – it could be detrimental to the engine and even lead to voiding its warranty. To avoid mishaps, check the owner’s manual for your model’s specific requirements. However, most mowers require high-grade unleaded fuel or a mix of oil and gas.

Two-stroke engines necessitate a combination of gas and oil, with the proportions varying according to brand. Additionally, if you don’t plan on using your lawnmower for over 30 days, then make sure to add a fuel stabilizer into a full tank of gasoline, as this will protect the machine’s carburetor and engine from deteriorating due to stale petrol.

Benefits Offered by a Gas Mower

Gas mowers offer plenty of advantages over electric models, particularly when it comes to larger lawns or yards with hills. You can expect the following benefits from this type of machine:

• Longer Operational Time – Gas-powered lawn mowers come in a variety of styles, with the largest versions packing up to two gallons of fuel capacity. Nevertheless, most models boast one-gallon tanks that are perfect for keeping your backyard looking neat and tidy! You can easily take on larger yards with this much fuel without stopping mid-mow.
• Plenty of Power – With a gas-powered lawnmower, getting the job done has never been easier! These machines are designed to slice through even the toughest grasses effortlessly as soon as you turn them on. Plus, with more affordable models possessing powerful motors that can handle any terrain or climate condition, your mowing experience is sure to be second to none.
• Suitable for Wet Grass – A gas-powered lawnmower is the ultimate solution for managing moist turf. Its high-torque motor can easily breeze through the grass with maximum efficiency, running for extended periods without issue.
• Strong and Durable – Gas-powered lawnmowers are incredibly indestructible compared to electric models. This is because the solid motor efficiently cuts through even long grass with minimal effort and for a longer duration than electric models. Plus, you get more value for your money since one pass will suffice, unlike regular electric mowers that require multiple passes over areas to achieve an acceptable result.

Which Is Better: Electric Vs. Gas Lawn Mowers?

Gas-powered lawnmowers are still the go-to choice for many homeowners. Gas mowers offer more power than battery-powered models to handle challenging conditions and longer grass – even in the hottest temperatures!

On the other hand, electric lawnmowers make less noise and are more eco-friendly than gas-powered motors. They are also much more lightweight and easier to maneuver, so they’re great for smaller lawns.

Overall, the choice between electric vs. gas lawnmowers comes down to your needs, budget, and preferred features. An electric mower may be the perfect option if you have a small or flat yard with limited obstacles and like quiet operation. However, a gas-powered mower could be the better choice if you have a larger yard with thick or damp grass. Consider all your options and select the best lawn-mowing solution that fits your needs!

In conclusion, these lawn mower types offer their benefits and drawbacks. Ultimately it is up to you and your preferences to choose the best type of mower for your lawn. Consider factors such as the size of the yard, terrain, budget, and environmental impact when selecting the perfect lawn mower for your needs. With either option – electric or gas – you can get a beautiful, healthy lawn that will make any homeowner proud.

Do Lawn Mowers Take Regular Gas? (what I use instead)

Like most engine-powered vehicles, lawn mowers need gas in order to run properly. However, lawn mower engines and car engines work a little differently. Keep scrolling to find out my answer to the question, do lawn mowers take regular gas?

Lawn mowers can run on the regular unleaded gas you get at the pump, but to perform at their best, you should choose an ethanol-free gas that is stable and won’t be as harsh on your mower’s internal parts.

If you use the wrong type of gas, it could damage the mower and potentially make it dangerous to use.

Quick Facts About Mower Fuel

• Most lawn mowers use regular unleaded gas that has 10% ethanol or less and a minimum octane rating of 87.
• Some mowers can also run well on premium gas, and still others require a mix of regular gas and engine oil.
• It’s always best to double check what type of engine your mower has to make sure you’re using the correct type of gasoline.

Today, I’m bringing you an in-depth look at the lawn mower fuel that I use and recommend, called Trufuel (which you can order online or buy locally at Ace Hardware, or Home Depot, and you can order online from Amazon).

It’s an ethanol-free gasoline that keeps my mower engine running clean. It eliminates the need to stabilize my fuel for the winter, and I don’t have to worry about bad gas making my mower struggle to start in the spring.

I’ll also talk about the types of gasoline you should not put in your mower.

Finally, I will reveal some tips on how to prevent gas from going bad, as well as how to start a mower with old gas.

Best Lawn Mower Fuel

The best lawn mower fuel, and the type that I use, is Trufuel. Trufuel is an ethanol-free, four cycle engine fuel that has been engineered to be the highest quality lawn mower fuel on the market.

They make a few different types (some are mixed with oil for 2-cycle engines like the one on your gas-powered weed-wacker), but the one you want for your mower is the one in the gray-colored can.

It’s pricey, but for me it’s worth the money because it helps my mower and snow blower last with minimal maintenance.

I noticed an immediate an immediate improvement in my mower as soon as I started using it. The startups became much smoother, and I no longer had to worry about stabilizing fuel for winter storage, or running my mower out of gas before putting it away in the fall.

Over the longer term, my mower needed fewer repairs, the fuel lasted longer, and it made the overall mowing experience much easier.

This fuel even helps take care of your mower’s engine. A few things Trufuel does that no other fuel can do include:

• Lubricating engine parts
• Preventing mower corrosion
• Cleaning the mower’s fuel system

Trufuel is available in multiple different gardening and hardware stores. I get mine locally from ACE Hardware. If you haven’t used it – Ace has an order online option where you can get your delivery the same day to save yourself a trip to the store.

It’s a big time-saver on those weekends when you have a million things to do and limited time.

Types Of Fuel You Should Not Use In Your Lawn Mower

Since lawn mower engines are a bit different from other engines, there are certain types of fuel you should never use in them.

Types of fuel you should avoid at all costs include gas that is high in ethanol and diesel gas.

These kinds of gas will be extremely harmful for your mower engine. In fact, they could make your mower dangerous to use.

Ethanol is a common ingredient in gasoline for cars. It’s a chemical compound that helps to oxygenate the fuel and reduce air pollution as the engine is running.

It’s also cheaper to produce, which helps make gas less expensive (although if you’ve pumped gas recently, you’re probably rolling your eyes at that one!).

You can use regular gas in your mower, but, gas with ethanol isn’t great for your mower, and definitely avoid any gasoline that has higher than 10% ethanol content.

High ethanol amounts and small, low power engines don’t work well together. Gasoline that’s high in ethanol can cause corrosion, and break down your engine more quickly.

Engine damage means that your lawn mower won’t function as it should. In extreme cases, the engine could burst into flames, which (obviously) is a dangerous situation and something we should try to avoid.

You must also avoid using diesel fuel in your lawn mower. Diesel is a very powerful fuel that is only used for large, diesel engines, such as those on trucks, trains, and boats.

You’ll regret it immediately if you try to put it in a machine with a small engine, like a lawn mower.

Diesel will cause your lawn mower to start emitting large clouds of black smoke almost immediately after starting. Your mower will also be severely damaged.

How To Prevent Gas From Going Bad?

Yes, gas generally lasts a long time, but it will eventually go bad and end up expiring. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help prolong the life of your gas in storage for as long as possible.

The best ways to prevent gas from going bad include:

• Store it in an airtight container
• Keep it in a cool place
• Store small amounts
• Use a fuel stabilizer

How to Properly Store Gas for Your Mower

Keeping your gas in an airtight container will help prevent it from being exposed to oxygen.

When gas is exposed to air, it starts oxidizing, which can lessen its ability to perform and give your mower’s engine trouble.

The majority of mower gas brands send their gas to market in airtight containers. You can also find empty airtight containers made to store gas at gardening and hardware stores.

It’s crucial that gas stay in an air-tight container to keep out the oxygen in the air.

Keep your gas in an appropriate air-tight container in a cool place. When gas is exposed to heat, the flammability of it increases exponentially.

This can increase the likelihood of it exploding or starting a fire!

Here are some examples of good places to store your gas:

• A garage
• A shed away from the house
• A specially designed gas crate you can get from hardware stores

Buy Small Amounts of Gas so It’s Used Rapidly

You should also store your gas in small amounts. In fact, no more than five gallons is recommended.

This will help decrease the chances of all of your gas being exposed to air and unusable.

In the event of a fire or explosion, it will also lessen the amount of damage caused.

Finally, you can use a fuel stabilizer like this one on Amazon to help your gas last longer. A fuel stabilizer is an additive liquid that’s designed to act as a shield for the gas.

It bonds with the chemicals in the gas to prevent it from evaporating or oxygenating.

Make sure to add the stabilizer to the gas within one month of pumping it into your storage container, or it won’t work properly.

Always read and follow the instructions listed on the product packaging.

Starting A Lawn Mower With Old Gas

If you leave gas in the mower for too long, it will eventually get too old and break down. When this happens, you’ll probably have trouble starting up your lawn mower.

If this happens, your best option is to just drain the old gas and add new gas.

Drain it into an appropriate container (a small siphon pump kit like this one can make it an easy, mess-free job) and find out how to safely dispose of it.

You can ask your local disposal center for this information, or Google “Household hazardous waste disposal near me” to find a recycling facility nearby that will accept it.

There might also be build up in the gas tank, and you need to clean that out or risk carburetor problems down the road.

How to Clean Out Your Mower’s Carburetor

You could use some carburetor cleaner to clear the build up, making sure to follow the product instructions.

Personally I use this spray every time I start my mower. I simply remove the air filter, spray it into the hole the filter covers where the engine takes in air (it will get sucked into the carb on start-up), and then replace the air filter.

One can is under 5 and will last you a few years – that’s a lot cheaper than replacing your mower’s carburetor.

What to Do After Removing the Old Gas

Once you’ve removed the old gas and cleaned out the tank, all you need to do is add fresh gas to the tank.

After that, your mower should start up and be good to go. If it doesn’t, there is probably something else wrong.

The maximum amount of time you can leave gas in a mower’s gas tank without it going bad ranges from three to six months.

Believe it or not, how gas smells can help you figure out whether it has gone bad. Fuel that has gone bad smells sour or at least different than what gas usually smells like.

I don’t recommend sniffing gasoline regularly, but thought it was worth mentioning, as it’s an easy way to tell if that’s the problem with your mower.

Do Lawn Mowers Take Regular Gas?

Yes, mowers can run on regular gas that you get at your local gas station, but there are some rules you should follow if you’re using gas with 10% ethanol in your lawn mower.

• Only buy the amount of gas you need, and try to use that gas within a few weeks.
• Store gas with ethanol in a small, air-tight container in a cool, dry place.
• Use a fuel stabilizer if gas will be sitting in the mower or in a container for more than a month.
• Regularly use a carburetor cleaner spray like this one or a good starting fluid with corrosion inhibitor like this one at start-up to keep your mower’s carb clean.
• If it’s within your budget, use TruFuel, an Ethanol-Free gas that is stable and will stay good for a year or more.

And if you find TruFuel to be too expensive, I recommend using regular gas for most of the year, and switching to TruFuel in the fall and using it for the last few mows at the end of the season.

This way your mower will only have TruFuel in it when you store your mower for the winter, which will allow you to know your gas won’t go bad and enjoy a hassle-free start up the following spring.

Proper engine maintenance is a crucial part of lawn mower care. As long as you use the correct type of gas and the it’s fresh, your mower will function the way that it should and the engine won’t end up damaged.

How Much Gas Does a Lawnmower Use?

All homeowners need to mow their lawn regularly to keep it good looking. Most of them do the mowing themselves; in fact, many enjoy mowing the lawn themselves. To keep your mower rolling, you need to fill the gas tank. The type and amount of gas to use can vary depending on the type of mower. How much gas will my mower need per acre, what kind of gas to use, and how to save gas when mowing is among the basic questions that new and inexperienced mower owners usually have. We’ll provide you all the relative information in this regard.

How Much Gas Does a Lawnmower Use?

Walk-behind or push mowers usually have a tank from 1 to 3 qts. Generally, a push mower does about half an acre per tank. Riding mowers have a bigger engine and are often used for bigger lawns or rough terrains involving more acceleration. For this reason, the fuel consumption needs of a riding mower are usually higher as compared to push mowers. A medium-sized riding mower generally has a gas capacity of around two gallons at most. For larger riding mowers and tractors, a capacity of three to four gallons is not uncommon.

What type of gas does my Lawn Mower use?

The type of gas not only depends on the kind of mower but also on the working environment. There are some general guidelines, though. For example, according to experts, any gas with more than 10% ethanol should not be used, or else your engine might end up damaged after only two fill-ups.

For the most specific and accurate answer on the amount of gas and the gas type you should consult the owner’s manual that came with the mower.

Having made the basics clear, let’s get into the details of gas capacities of some common mower types, how to fill gas in a lawnmower, and other essential things to keep in mind regarding gas lawnmowers.

• 1 How Much Gas to Put in a Gas Lawnmower?

• 1.1 Push Mowers:
• 1.2 Riding Mowers:
• 1.3 Tractor Styled and Commercial Mowers:

• 2.1 Use Fresh Unleaded Fuel:
• 2.2 Use Fuel Stabilizer:
• 2.3 Altitude Adjustments:

• 3.1 Gas Types for Four-Stroke and Two-Stroke Engines:

• 4.1 Locate the Tank:
• 4.2 Remove the Cap:
• 4.3 Fill Up:
• 4.4 Put the Cap Back On:

• 6.1 How can I remove fuel from my lawnmower?
• 6.2 Can car fuel be used in lawnmowers?

How Much Gas to Put in a Gas Lawnmower?

As said earlier, the most specific and accurate answer to this question depends on the type, make, and model of your mower, and you can consult your owner’s manual for this answer. However, there are a few basic types of lawnmowers based on the intensity of duty and weight of the machine, etc. These types include walk-behind lawnmowers called push mowers, riding mowers of which there are a couple of types, and larger tractors. These mowers’ gas capacity is general information for lawnmower owners and having a basic knowledge of these things is good if you are planning on being one.

Usually, “per acre” is used as a unit to measure the quantity of gas used in mowers. And similarly, the cost of fuel is also calculated per acre, generally.

Push Mowers:

Push mowers are mostly intended for smaller, level areas and lighter duties. There aren’t many bumps involved, so the fuel consumption is lower. The fuel capacity of household push mowers is generally half a liter at most, and you can mow half an acre in one tank. Therefore, two tanks or one liter is sufficient enough for an acre. Some push mower models may have a little higher gas capacity, which can be found in the manual.

Riding Mowers:

When it comes to heavier duty, uneven ground with bumps, and higher acceleration, a push mower can no longer adequately serve the purpose. So, riding mowers are used for mowing rough terrains. Riding mowers further have types based on size. For smaller riding mowers, the fuel consumption per acre is 20% to 40% more than push mowers. Medium-sized riding mowers typically have a capacity of around 2 gallons of gas.

Tractor Styled and Commercial Mowers:

Larger riding mowers and tractor styled mowers can go up to two to three gallons. Commercial type mowers consume more gas per acre compared to homeowner mowers. The largest commercial type mowers can hold five to six gallons, which enable operators to mow for extended periods of time.

How to Save Gas?

Who doesn’t want to save gas when saving gas translates directly to saving money?

There are some methods and techniques that, when followed, can help you save gas and, ultimately, money. So, these considerations should always be kept in mind.

Use Fresh Unleaded Fuel:

The most important thing to remember is always to use fresh unleaded fuel. If you let the gas stay in the engine for too long without using or use old fuel, it will start breaking down in the engine, reducing your mower’s performance. With decreased performance, you will be forced to use more fuel for the same output, increasing the total price per acre. Mixing fresh gas with old gas is not a great idea, either. The old gas will contaminate the fresh gas, and you will end up dumping both the old and new.

Use Fuel Stabilizer:

If you have a full tank of gas in your lawnmower, but you want to store your mower for later use, you should use a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel intact. A fuel stabilizer will prevent the gas from evaporating and help preserve the fuel quality.

Altitude Adjustments:

Without proper adjustments at higher altitudes, the performance of a lawnmower decreases, leading to more fuel usage. Above 5,000 ft. altitude adjustments are a must. In addition to altitude, bumps, accelerations, roughness, etc., should also be considered. Maneuvering the mower at a steady pace in these conditions will lower gas consumption and save money.

What Type of Gas to Use?

All lawnmowers don’t use the same type of gas, and to be completely sure about the type of gas you should be using, refer to the owner’s manual. However, some general guidelines must be followed for the gas type.

Lawnmower engines generally use high-grade unleaded fuels and fuel-oil mixtures. For a home owned lawnmower, the fuel should have a minimum octane rating of 87.

Gasoline with greater than 10% ethanol must never be used in lawnmowers. On the other hand, gas with above 15% MTEB is a good choice.

Gas choice also depends on altitude. For altitudes above 5,000ft., the minimum octane rating of the fuel should be 85.

Mixing parts of gasoline and oil depending on the specific needs of an engine is also not uncommon. Mixing 50 parts gas to 1 part of the oil is a common practice for many mower owners.

Gas Types for Four-Stroke and Two-Stroke Engines:

For a four-stroke engine, go with gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or more. The fuel should be fresh and unleaded.

You can use the same gas in a two-stroke engine, but it’s recommended to add two-cycle engine oil.

How to Fill Gas?

Filling gas in your lawnmower follows the following four steps that are easy enough:

Locate the Tank:

The gas tank in most mowers is usually located on a side on or at the back. The gas tank is covered and hidden in some mowers and has to be found under a cover or from a symbol.

Remove the Cap:

Mostly, the cap is removed by rotating it counter-clockwise. In some cases, the cap is locked in place, or a key is needed to open it.

Fill Up:

Use a nozzle or funnel to avoid spilling or splashes. Pay attention to the fill line of your gas tank.

Put the Cap Back On:

The final step is to put the cap back on and tighten it, and then you are good to go.

Can you use Car Gas in your Lawnmowers?

In many cases, the answer is yes if the car fuel is unleaded and does not have more than 10% ethanol, it’s safe to be used in the mower.

To confirm that your car fuel is safe for the mower, you can consult the manual or get info from the internet.

Related Questions:

How can I remove fuel from my lawnmower?

You can use a liquid hand pump with one side in the mower’s fuel tank and the other in the gas can. Make sure the fuel line is disconnected before you do so.

Can car fuel be used in lawnmowers?

Refer to the owner’s manual for the most specific and correct answer. But generally, yes. Just make sure that the octane rating of the fuel you are using is in the right range, and the fuel has less than 10% ethanol.

Final Remarks:

Lawnmowers are expensive machines, and all owners desire for their mowers to have a longer life span. Choosing the correct type of fuel for your mower based on the make and model and intended use and operation environment and keeping the gas in the fuel tank at the right level sure helps in a good performance and increased life of the mower. You can get all info about the type and amount of gas for your mower from the owner’s manual, but some general guidelines should be followed. For example, ethanol in the gas should be less than 10%, etc.

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