Still need to learn how to put gas in a lawn mower? Armed with a little know-how and patience, putting gas in your lawn mower is easier than you think.
As you’ve probably already guessed, the best gas lawn mowers need to be topped up with gas to keep them motoring along.
While it might seem like a pain at first, the fact that these lawn mowers are powered by gas is what gives them their second-to-none mowing power. In addition, many of the top-rated gas lawn mowers come with a 200cc engine – which is extremely powerful.
How to put gas in a lawn mower
If you’re new to the world of outdoor power–tools and still learning how to mow a lawn – don’t fret. To help you keep your gas lawn mower working and make sure you’re getting the best out of your machine, we spoke to expert Eddie P from Taskrabbit, to find out how to put gas in a lawn mower, what’s the best gas to use and why you should top up your machine with fresh gas.
Eddie P. is a Tasker on Taskrabbit based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He grew up on a farm among plants and lots of physical activity, and loves gardening and yard work. He is skilled and experienced in gardening, general yard work, landscaping and garden upkeep. He has volunteered for Golden Gate Parks and is continuously learning at San Francisco Garden for the Environment.
1. Find the gas tank
After you’ve made sure that the engine is cool, the first step on your journey to learning about how to put gas in the lawn mower is finding the gas tank.
“Every gas mower is different,” Eddie tells us. But generally speaking, your gas tank tends to be located at the front of the machine and comes with a twist cap top.
Once you’ve found it: “Remove the gas cap and place a funnel in the gas outlet,” Eddie adds.
2. Pour the gas in
Next up, it’s time to slowly pour the gas into the gas tank and screw the lid on tightly.
Eddie says: “Use regular gasoline, that’s at least 87 octanes. Premium is fine as well.
“Just make sure you use gasoline that has got 10% or less ethanol,” Eddie tells us.
But why is this?
"Ethanol absorbs water from the atmosphere and therefore makes fuel more prone to oxidize, risking engine damage,” Eddie explains.
“The shelf life of gasoline with ethanol is about one month while ethanol-free gasoline has a shelf life of around three months. It’s especially relevant now when due to high oil price, more ethanol is being added to reduce cost.”
4. Watch the gas level tank
Many of the best gas lawn mowers can hold half a gallon of gas – which should be more than enough to motor your machine as it cuts through small, medium and some larger lawns. Meanwhile, some of the best riding lawn motors, which are best used for acres (and acres) of land, can hold around two gallons.
If you’re unsure on how much gas you need, consult with your lawn mower’s buyer manual. This should tell you everything you need to know.
Either way, Eddie suggests only buying and using the correct amount of gas you need to avoid waste.
“In many areas, lawn mowing is a very seasonal affair,” Eddie tells us. “It’s best to only use ‘fresh’ gasoline, as it can go bad due to the additives that may evaporate or oxidize over time.”
Eddie’s top tip? “Gasoline loses some potency after 1-2 months, so when the mowing season ends, use all the gasoline to leave the tank empty for the “dormant” season.”
Along with this, using fresh gas will help to prolong the lifespan of your machine. After all, the top-rated gas lawn mowers don’t come cheap, so it’s important to maintain your motor and ensure it lasts you a good few seasons – if not more.
5. Wipe off any spillage
If you’ve made a mess, be sure to wipe up any spillages with an old rag, as you don’t want to leave any flammable liquids behind.
And when you’ve finished, you may want to continue to learn how to prepare your lawn mower for summer to really make sure you get the most from your machine.
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