Has your lawnmower ever been hard to start after a period of time in storage? Every year we have customers bringing their machines to our workshop having issues with them not starting. Most of the time this is due to the machine being stored away with petrol still in the tank. The damage that can be caused to your machinery from stale fuel can be extensive and often ends in an expensive repair bill, therefore, it is always recommended that you do not use fuel that is over 30 days old. When you are not using your machine you should always empty the fuel out prior to storing.

Why is this?

When petrol is left sitting in a machine for a long period of time it will absorb moisture from the air, this moisture will then form bubbles or a layer of water which will sit below the fuel in the fuel tank. This acidic mix is very corrosive and causes oxidation throughout your fuel system which leads to engine starting problems.

What is the Solution?

There are a couple of options you could either ensure that you empty the fuel from your machine if you do not intend to use it for more than a month. Empty the remaining fuel and then start the engine, the machine will only run until the last of the fuel is gone. Another option is to use an ethanol-free fuel such as Aspen.

What is Aspen?

Aspen is an odourless, long-lasting alkylate replacement for regular petrol. It contains virtually no harmful substances, e.g sulphur, benzene or toluene, and contains no ethanol. It is virtually 99% cleaner than using regular petrol and this means it has no unpleasant, harmful exhaust emissions making it better for the environment, your health and also your machinery.

Because Aspen fuel does not contain any harmful substances it has a longer shelf life which means it can be left in a machine

Which Aspen should I use for my machine?

There is Aspen 2 and Aspen 4 available to buy. Aspen 2 is alkylated petrol premixed at 50:1 with a premium quality biodegradable 2-stroke oil. This is suitable for use in small engines such as Chainsaws, hedge trimmers, power cutters, strimmers and brushcutters. Aspen 4 is suitable for lawnmowers, cultivators, boat engines or any other 4-stroke engine.

What are the Benefits of using Aspen Fuel?

There are many advantages to using Aspen Fuel. All the benefits contribute to a better all-round experience whilst using your machinery, making your gardening easier and more enjoyable.

The advantages

• No expensive repair bills caused by stale fuel
• Easy starting, even after long periods of no use
• Lasts for years
• You are breathing much cleaner air whilst running your machinery
• Virtually odourless
• Aspen 2 is premixed eliminating the need for you to mix your own 2-stroke fuel – making it more convenient, saving time, and removing the risk of mixing incorrectly.

Aspen Fuel is available in both 1 litre and 5 litre containers.

Due to this being a flammable liquid we are unable to ship large quantities via post or courier. It is available to purchase online and can be collected from either of our stores or you can just call in to purchase.