Monday, November 20, 2017

Mixed Fuel Product


This is a relatively new product that is gaining traction in a number of industries and home market. It is a premix of ethanol free gasoline and oil for use in blowers, string trimmers etc. I don't see it as something for the golf business because of the sheer quantity of mixed fuel we use. However, each year numerous members bring equipment by the maintenance building because their home yard equipment won't start. The reason is the ethanol in the gas purchased at a local gas station absorbs water, creating a number of issues in the carburetor. This product (cost is $7 per quart) eliminates that. In fact, they claim it will be fine in the tank for up to 2 years!   It will extend the life of your lawn equipment for years. Again, this product is available locally at Reeves Hardware and is for 2-stroke engines that use 50:1 fuel/oil mix.

If you choose to mix your own fuel, be sure not to keep it in a jug longer than 6 months, maximum. Keep the jug tightly sealed as well to help eliminate potential moisture issues. Finally, don't leave gas mixtures sit in the tank of your equipment for long periods as well.

At Highlands CC, we use ethanol free fuel in all of our equipment. While vehicles can tolerate ethanol, smaller engines are more sensitive because they have smaller injectors that are easily clogged.  Also, vehicles go through fuel a lot faster than a blower does, used weekly.  As for lawn mowers (that typically do not use mixed fuel), consider finding a source of ethanol free gasoline to use in your lawn mower.