Top tips for getting the right petrol mix with Husqvarna and Stihl.
HUSQVARNA
TWO-STROKE engines are found in all kinds of equipment such as chainsaws, grass trimmers and hedge trimmers. If you own a two-stroke engine machine, you’ll be aware that they do not possess an internal oil reservoir. Two-stroke engines require the owner to mix oil into the fuel at a predetermined ratio in order to ensure the engine receives adequate lubrication during use.
It is so important that users are knowledgeable and know how to mix, store, choose and use the correct fuel for two-stroke engines and Husqvarna is here to help, providing its four top tips:
1. USE A SAFE FUEL STORAGE CONTAINER
One of the leading causes of contaminated fuel is having a dirty fuel storage container; this is why it is essential that fuel is stored in a clean container that is specifically designed to carry fuel.
The Husqvarna Combi Can has been designed to make storage safe and refuelling less messy with no drips as a result of its no-spill valves, on-board tool storage and a dedicated tank for two-stroke oil.
2. ENSURE YOU CHOOSE THE CORRECT UNLEADED FUEL WHEN USING HUSQVARNA PRODUCTS
You must remember the following when selecting the correct type of unleaded fuel when using Husqvarna machinery.
- Only Husqvarna HP or LS+ two stroke oil should be used in Husqvarna products.
- Husqvarna HP two-stroke oil must be used when mixing E10 fuel.
- Husqvarna LS+ oil should be used when mixing regular unleaded fuel.
- E10 (ethanol blended) fuel is recommended for all Husqvarna tools; only use Husqvarna HP two-stroke oil.
- Regular unleaded fuel is recommended for all Husqvarna tools; use Husqvarna LS+ or HP two-stroke oil.
- Opel fuel can be used with Husqvarna tools; only Husqvarna HP two-stroke oil must be used.
- Premium high-octane fuel is not recommended for Husqvarna tools.
3. USE THE RIGHT OIL
Now that you’ve got your clean, empty fuel can and you have chosen your fresh petrol, it’s time to make the most important call of them all. Choosing the right oil for your two-stroke fuel mix.
Husqvarna offers its XP Power 2T two-stroke alkylate fuel which is mixed with 2 per cent Husqvarna XP two-stroke oil, formulated for Husqvarna products. It offers exceptional cleanliness and lubricity to ensure long-term durability throughout demanding working conditions.
The alkylate fuel formula, mixed with fully synthetic biodegradable oil, also results in less harmful exhaust emissions than regular fuels, creating a healthier working environment for improved productivity.
READ MORE: Makita to discontinue petrol products
As a general warning: never use two-stroke oil intended for water-cooled engines in a non-water-cooled engine. It is sometimes referred to as Outboard oil (rated TCW). Plus, never use oil intended for four-stroke engines.
Please note: High performance, HP oil is part synthetic oil and is formulated to work well with low-quality fuels. Two-stroke, LS+ Oil gives very low smoke emissions and provides seizure protection.
4. USE THE RIGHT FUEL-TO-OIL RATIO
It is important to get the fuel-to-oil ratios right when mixing two-stroke fuel. Why? Too much oil and your engine is likely to struggle to start or run, generate carbon build-up on the engine’s internals, produce clouds of smoke and its performance will be poor. Too little oil, and your engine could sustain internal damage and overheat.
Husqvarna two-stroke engines require a two-stroke oil designed and formulated for high-performance, air-cooled two-stroke engines. Husqvarna two-stroke engines are designed to run on clean, fresh, unleaded petrol.
As a general guide to oil-to-fuel ratio, 50:1 is recommended in Husqvarna products up to and including 75 cc. In heavy use applications, which include models above 75 cc, these engines may be run on a mix of 33:1.
Don’t forget, the correct mixing ratio for your specific Husqvarna product will be detailed in its warranty handbook.
FINAL TIPS FOR MIXING TWO-STROKE FUEL
- Avoid storing mixed two-stroke fuel for more than one month.
- If you do need to prolong the life of your two-stroke fuel mix, there are fuel stabilisers that can be added which may extend the shelf life up to twelve months. Read the label carefully.
- Always clean your cap and the surrounding area before filling up to prevent dirt and debris from falling into your tank.
- Use a clean, airtight container intended for fuel. Not only will it prolong the shelf life of your fuel mix, but it can also help prevent spillage, permeation and evaporation.
- Always start by filling half the amount of the petrol to be used. Then add the entire amount of oil. Mix (shake) the fuel mixture. Add the remaining amount of petrol.
- Don’t leave pre-mixed two-stroke fuel in any tool for an extended period of time. Drain tanks and run your tool out of fuel before putting it away.
- Get yourself a small, separate jerry can to store your two-stroke fuel in, so as never to confuse it with your regular, unleaded fuel used in four-stroke engines.
- Always consult your nearest Husqvarna dealer if you are unsure about the correct use of your two-stroke product.
STIHL
When investing in a chainsaw, it’s vitally important that operators have a clear understanding of how to maximise the performance of the machine. This includes maintaining the right balance of petrol and oil as this is extremely important to the running and life of the chainsaw engine. Unsuitable fuels or mix ratios that do not comply with the saw specification can seriously damage the engine, so correct selection is critical.
To ensure Stihl users can get the best performance from their saws, Stihl developed MotoMix, a pre-mixed alkylate fuel formula that is patented to work best with Stihl two-stroke engine machines, which offers numerous benefits over other regular fuels.
OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE
Using a ratio of 50:1, MotoMix is mixed with Stihl HP Ultra, a fully synthetic biodegradable oil designed with Stihl two-stroke engines in mind for optimal performance at all times, a long engine service life, as well as keeping the engine clean. An engine that has used Stihl MotoMix will still look like new even after 500 hours of use.
For arborists using Stihl saws, MotoMix will always be the best option to achieve the optimum performance of the tool. The patented formula perfectly complements the way Stihl intended the saw to start (even from cold), accelerate over the entire rpm range and run during operation (even with sudden rev changes).
SIMPLE TO USE
One of the biggest benefits of using Stihl’s MotoMix is that it ensures the correct fuel mixture every time. When chainsaw operators manually mix two-stroke oil and petrol, there is the possibility they could not put enough oil in the mixture, which could seize the engine. If too much oil is added, the saw could start to choke up the exhaust port, leading to power issues as well as potential piston damage from carbon build-up. All of this is avoided with MotoMix, as the formula is mixed using exactly the right proportions and is ready for users to pour into their saws so they can start working straight away.
ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS
As forestry contractors and arborists become more conscious of their environmental impact, MotoMix provides a much cleaner solution when compared to more traditional fuels. MotoMix is free from ethanol and has virtually no olefins or aromatic compounds, meaning not only is the formula a much more environmentally friendly option, but it also avoids ethanol use which is proven to cause engine issues such as metal corrosion, fuel-line degradation and potential complete engine failure.
LONGER STORAGE LIFE
If stored in a dry and dark place at an average temperature of 20°C, MotoMix can last for up to five years unopened. This removes the common issue chainsaw operators face with fuel going stale if tools aren’t being used every day, making MotoMix a great cost-effective solution.
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