As the UK shifts towards a new era of fuel consumption, the introduction of E10 petrol has left many lawn mower owners wondering what it means for their equipment. It’s crucial to understand the differences between E10 and previous petrol and the potential impact on lawn mowers.
E10 petrol is a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% regular unleaded petrol. Ethanol is an alcohol made from plants, such as wheat and sugar beet. The UK government argues that the use of E10 will have a positive impact on the environment, as it reduces CO₂ emissions. In fact, by doubling the renewable component in fuel, the government predicts a reduction of 750,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, which is equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off the road.
However, it’s important to note that ethanol is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water from the atmosphere. This can lead to condensation in fuel tanks if the lawn mower remains unused for long periods of time. Additionally, the 10% rise in ethanol content in unleaded pump fuel could cause the effects of unleaded fuel going stale to increase and cause damage to fuel lines and carburettor components like rubber gaskets, diaphragms, and ethanol deposits that will block the jets up inside the carburettor. Ethanol will also degrade the aluminium casting of a metal-style carburettor.
Despite these potential issues, lawn mower owners can still use E10 and E5 petrol for daily use and long running periods. However, manufacturers recommend using a suitable fuel stabilizer or oils containing fuel stabilizers, such as two-stroke machinery oils to ensure that their lawn mower runs at its top performance and reduce machinery downtime.
It’s important to note that the fuel change will impact not only lawn mowers but also other small petrol engine machinery like outboard boat engines, petrol generators, construction equipment using petrol engines, classic cars, old motorbikes and scooters, and other vehicle petrol engines built before the year 2000. Most new small engines built after the year 2000 fitted to garden machinery, generators, and construction equipment will run on E10 fuel.
However, lawn mower owners must ensure that the new standard E10 fuel isn’t stored or left in the engine’s fuel system for more than 30 days without a fuel stabilizer. The E5 super unleaded isn’t stored or left in the fuel system of an engine for more than 90 days without a fuel stabilizer.
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In conclusion, while the introduction of E10 petrol may have some impact on lawn mowers and other small petrol engines, it is a necessary step in reducing CO₂ emissions and promoting a more environmentally-friendly fuel. By taking proper precautions, such as using a fuel stabilizer, lawn mower owners can ensure their equipment continues to operate at its best.
It’s important to note that the benefits of using E10 petrol far outweigh the potential drawbacks. By reducing CO₂ emissions, we are taking a critical step towards mitigating the effects of climate change and preserving our environment for future generations.
As we continue to face the urgent need to address climate change, it’s essential that we make changes to our habits and behaviours, including the types of fuels we use. E10 petrol represents an important step forward in our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our planet.
So if you’re wondering whether to use E10 petrol in your lawn mower or other small petrol engines, the answer is clear. By doing so, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future and ensuring that your equipment runs efficiently and reliably. Let’s embrace this change and work together to create a cleaner, greener world.
