What's The Best Octane For Hand Held Equipment? What About Ethanol?

A lot of you guys recently asked me a great question about 2 stroke mix, and 2 stroke fuel. Specifically, what is the best octane or fuel mixture for our handheld equipment.
I know a lot of new folks are getting into the industry today, and there is also a lot of confusion about what fuel we should all be using. Now I am not an engineer by any means, but I know someone who could provide some technical answers.
Jason Wilk is with ECHO, and he is one of their main guys as a product manager. Him and I spent a lot of time talking over the last 18 months, discussing little technical questions about topics just like this.
I wanted to get Jason on the phone and get a solid concise answer, that you guys could understand, about what's the best suggested fuel for us to be using on our 2 stroke equipment.
Hope you guys enjoyed Jason and my discussion on the difference between 87, 89, 93, and even a few tips about Ethanol and what to look out for.
If you're a skimmer kind of like me, and you want the quick answer: Just use 89 or above. :-)
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[@FloridaTurfPros]

I’ve ran 91-93 in all my hand held equipment and have had almost zero problems over the years. This is a GREAT video brother. Good job!

[@leadnsteel1428]

yes my stihls run great on shell v power... its all i use

[@derekcomingo2197]

This is the guy to ask. This is why u read the manual to whatever ur putting fuel in. Well done again sir. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!

[@michaelchavez3530]

10-year landscaper here and this video just changed my life

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Cool well that's what it's all about. Hope it helped.

[@shawnamison2485]

I go out of my way to go to a gas station that has ethanol free premium. Believe me, it makes a huge difference, especially over the long term with keeping fuel lines and carbs clean. I didn't know that about the octane rating so that's good to know the details!

[@barryestell6324]

Great video . I use Tru Fuel in all my hand held and backpack blower , And I run 89 in my 0-turn . Great job , great video .

[@johnfrench4357]

Watch and like all your videos Brian. Not a big commenter but felt I had to on this one! Super informative video. I was told by my dealers head mechanic when I started my business 4 years ago that all small engines LOVE premium gasoline and that’s all I have ever used in my mowers and handheld equipment. It’s good to finally understand why and to validate possibly I haven’t wasted a bunch of money paying up all this time. Keep up the great work!!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

You bet pal. Thanks for commenting.

[@krismueller7843]

I run 91 octane non-ethanol fuel in all my mowers and small engine outdoor power equipment. Unfortunately Kansas doesn’t have anything higher than 91, but so far I haven’t had any issues related to fuel. I also use the Echo Red Armor oil mix for my 2-stroke engines. Great product so far.

[@fredc.c.2150]

Kris Mueller .. I use the same fuel and 2 cycle + stabilizer in the fuel

[@burnt_toast305]

@Kris Mueller, where I live in Florida I can find ethanol free gas in a octane rating of 90, 92 and 93 at some pumps but they are so easy to find.

[@AnarchAngel1]

Illinois is a terrible place to find non ethanol. I live near the 2nd biggest city in the state and there is ONE station that sells non ethanol. It's 90 octane which I think is adequate but I'd gladly pay more for some 93 or something. I run that with Husqvarna XP+ at 45:1 with some sta-bil if I don't think I'm gonna use it within a month or so. I've thought about switching to Red Armor but the Husky has been treating my saws well so I'm gonna stick with that

[@andyslawncareandoutdooradv]

Sweet vid Brian! I run 89 in the mower and trimmer. In my stihl, I run the moto mix, which I believe is 93 octane. Thanks for sharing!

[@patriotfury4013]

Thanks Brian for the quick turn around on this video. It's great to get technical information like that from Jason. That really puts things in to perspective for me.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Me as well!

[@tomstokes4154]

I use 93 in all my equipment. I also only use the redmax oil. My small engine repair guy recommends using redmax oil since it is designed for the redmax equipment and the manufacturer wants you to use it. If you use a cheap oil it could possibly void your warranty. I love your videos. I have my own landscaping company and I'm 16 and had it for 2 years m. Keep up the good work

[@workingcountry1776]

I always run 90 because it's the only non ethanol you can get in NY. I used to get sunoco 93 I run Echo Red Armor oil. Left some Red Armor in a can with 90 non ethanol that got lost in the back of my shed over a year ago and still works great in my Sthil.

[@JCTheLawnCareGuy]

Great topic and thorough explanations! It’s something we do everyday and not give much thought to. I’m glad I got to listen to this! Keep up the work Brian!!! Thanks for all you do!!!!!!!!

[@wardor9214]

Enjoyed this video Brian. Always like learning new things. More you know the better. That goes for Lawn care and life in general.

[@yoda7846]

Coming from an automotive background this make perfect sense. The sports car reference hit the nail on the head. Sports cars have high compression motors. Therefore requiring higher octane. You don’t want the gas pre detonating before the spark plug fires or the piston is where is supposed to be. As the piston travels up and if the gas ignites, its like two forces going against each other. Like running into the wind. You aren’t going to be fast. So the motor is going to loos power and cause premature damage to the engine internal components. Only putting 91 octane now. Thanks!

[@johnme7049]

Big Thank you to Jason and Echo. I LOVE my Echo equipment. I use 93 no alcohol and Echo Red Armor in all hand held gear. When I bought my first piece of Echo gear the dealer said it was the way to go and I have had NO problems. I did wonder about the use of alcohol free fuel in the zero turn. Kohler says that 87 octane with 10% ethanol is acceptable and it is cheaper. You just go through so much gas in a week, I wondered what you thought. Thanks for this very informative video and again to Jason and all the good folks at Echo.

[@lonniehargrove1524]

WOW... My eyes have been opened. Thank you very much for this info. Please keep up the good work Brian.

[@kamaka71]

I use ethanol-free. Around here (Minnesota) they call it Non-oxygenated premium. Add a bit of STA-BIL to your can and it will be good to go for 1-2 years.

[@drewk5929]

Yeah I always run the 93 octane on all my small engines just makes sense on the health of the engines long term. Good video thanks

[@zerocool212121]

During summer I have to run the highest octane or they constantly vapor lock and boil the gas, when its cold its not an issue but for the little bit extra its well worth having premium for handhelds.

[@thatrealba]

When I was running my company, I talked to some of the bigger competition in my area about this. One of the dealers here also has a lawn maintenance and landscaping division. Every single company said they used the cheapest gas available, even the dealer. I would imagine it was simply the sheer amount of hours they put in their equipment, and that the gear would be replaced before any octane or ethanol damage was evident. In my area, non-ethanol gas is hard to get. We have 85, 89, and 91 octane.

[@eosjoe565]

Unlike Joe Home Owner, a landscape / lawn care company will typically be gassing up with fresh fuel every day or so and the fuel never sits around long enough for the Ethanol to cause a problem. A professional is also more likely to properly drain and prep their equipment for winter storage. For this reason it really doesn't make sense for them to waste the money paying a premium for non-Ethanol fuel.

[@alexmilanesi8490]

Interesting, as far as ethanol goes it is no problem in car engines but will hurt small engine carbs for most people if they let the gas sit to long without an additive. I have found it will not hurt small engines if you are pumping fresh fuel every few day and using it completely not letting old fuel sit in the tank. Also our two gallon can for each truck last 1 to 2 days max. When I first started landscaping I had lots of problems with ethanol since I was not running my equipment non stop.

[@zangzang1268]

I run two kinds of fuel stabilizer in all my stuff to include emergency backup generators and it seems to have solved the ethanol problem in large part. Yep, when that stuff transitioned in I saw an uptick in carb rebulids/replacements. The fuel stabilizers have greatly improved things. Probably a 80-90% improvement. You are right, it's when the equipment sits without use is when the problems start with ethanol fuel. Good stabilizers will mitigate that in large part. Another thing is where the equipment is stored. I keep the emergency backup generators which store for a year at a time in a climate controlled shop. Lawn equipment is in a non-climate controller area. Temperature changes cause the fuel tank to breathe and collect moisture. Something to be aware of for long term storage. In a 4-cycle mower, the crank case can also collect moisture in the oil. Running the engine up to full operating temperature will boil-off the water from the crankcase.

[@robmetzel845]

We have 87-89-91-110-E85 in central Wisconsin. 91 is ethanol free at Kwik Trip. I have always run 91 in everything. 110 is racing fuel and is almost $7 a gallon.

[@JohnnyMow]

Awesome video. Very informative

[@jasonpitcher7158]

I know I am late to the party but thanks Jason and big thanks to you Brian.

[@jo6520]

Thanks Jason I never knew why we needed to use the more expensive gas

[@323232blue]

Brian Brian Brian thank you thank you thank you you settle the argument between me and my brother on which gas should be used in our lawn equipment I learned a lot I really appreciate it this video and all your videos keep up the good work each rookies a lot

[@scotthuffman451]

A very informative video. I never thought about octane level. I have always concerned myself with using premium two cycle oil. Thank you brian.

[@kirkjackson8073]

Thanks Jason and I normally run 93 in all of my stihl hand held equipment

[@MrNosajwhitey]

He explains this awesomely thanks Brian this will help me work out keeping equipment working better

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

You bet pal

[@deacon9096]

Thanks Brian. Answered a lot of questions for me today man. Good interview!

[@sirwmwallace1517]

Thanks for the great information Jason! Brian, as usual great video. Personally I run 93 in all of my equipment due to some poor carburator luck as a newbie several years ago. BTW my kids think that a KZbinr wearing Daddy's "Merch" is awesome. Definitely won me some cool points... Lol Thanks again for the great information. Keep up the grind sir!

[@sirwmwallace1517]

Also, never ran Echo but seems like I need to give them a shot soon.

[@95SLE]

Informative and helpful to understand gas and gas+oil mixes.

[@mikeadler434]

Thanks Jason, thanks Brian for taking your time to share this information! As always Brian, great video! 👍👍

[@mowtownni4587]

Watching from the UK, are standard petrol ( gasoline ) is 95 octane, with super unleaded 97. We used to have 3 grades called 2, 3 and 4 star but these were phased out many years ago.

[@mikedoe6585]

kevinj , comment is a great point. If enough fuel is in the pump hose & compartments, then we are Not receiving our intended Octane !

[@BenDover-zm5mr]

I always use 93 non ethanol. Thanks for the video.

[@connorhaile1636]

No ethanol is the best way to go, ethanol is not good over time for 2 stroke engines especially, I use no ethanol in everything when I can.

[@eosjoe565]

Non-Ethanol has a tremendous shelf life. The only 2-stroke tool I have is an Echo leaf blower. Typically a gallon of gas will last me over a year. I use 91-octane non-Ethanol and I treat it with Sta-Bil. My current gallon of premix is over a year old and my leaf blower starts on the second pull and runs perfectly. I doubt you could do that with Ethanol-laced fuel.

[@mkzenthusiasts]

Connor Haile www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp for your local NON-ETHANOL gas

[@Methodical2]

Unfortunately, all the stations are using ethanol and I don't see some of them even listing it. I use 93 and treat every refuel with Sta-bil. I use the fuel within 2-3 weeks.

[@livingadreamlife1428]

@@Methodical2 My gas station has an ethanol-free pump. This is a tremendous asset in my opinion.

[@eduardosantacruz1857]

I have no ethanol gas in my area but it’s all 87 octane. Idk which is better 87 non ethanol or 89 with 10% ethanol

[@shaneshirley3481]

I run 109 octane (C12 race fuel) in my fs 70 r. I run this because it burns cleaner and gives it alittle more power in the top end. I run the Stihl silver bottle oil and I have never had a problem and I don’t have to winterize the equipment because it burns out of the carb because it evaporates compared to gums up the carburetor

[@KingDavid314]

Great video Brian. Great & useful information from Jason. I use only premium in all of my vehicles & equipment. It burns much cleaner & will increase the longevity of your tools. Thnx guys!

[@fredc.c.2150]

I use 91 in all my equipment, echo red armor for 2 cycle and fuel stabilizer in gas for all my mower's.

[@joshharman5559]

This was awesome info. Thank you Jason. And Brian.

[@59BigWalt]

Very informative guys. Thanks Jason & Brian.

[@coryplace6238]

Where I live, there isn't a single gas station that is ethanol free which blows. So I use 92 octane and mix in Sea Foam with my 2 cycle and haven't had any issues since I started doing that 5 years ago. When I wasn't paying attention to the ethanol in gas, at one point I bought 3 weedeaters within 3 years or so and thought "they don't make em like they used to" but naw, it was the ethanol.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Exactly

[@karlcox9199]

I use ethanol free gas in my handheld equipment and mowers

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

🤣😂 that long intro, then "oh, all this time, jason's been on the phone..." 😅

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Lol

[@ShaneA0222]

I don’t know if I missed it but if your not using ethanol free gas get yourself a bottle of boat ethanol remover and mix it with the 2 cycle oil, I use it in my boat and in all my 2 strokes and I have never had any issues.

[@chrismorley148]

Thanks great topic learned a little always a good when I learn something new. Also a thanks to Jason great info. Thanks

[@edwardforsthoffer8953]

Great video Brian very good information I run all echo products in my lawn maintenance business great support thanks

[@jakeschisler7525]

Mainly if you read manual then it tells which octane to use. Good video

[@wayneslawncare9241]

I use non ethanol 90 octane in the handheld tools....the rubber gaskets primer bulbs and lines live longer....I think the best thing i. Ever did was switch to a good grade of oil...I used to buy what ever the station I was getting fuel at sold...never could get 2 seasons from a trimmer....switched to the equipments brand of oil with success...then modified that to include synthetic 2 stroke and I have 2 fs 80s that are 10 years old now and do great...I use amsoil, but I have the red armour and use stihl also...mainly just use a top quality oil and a good fuel and you should get years from your trimmers....now a carb may still wear out or a primer bulb go bad....those things are just gonna happen regardless

[@raywasch4727]

89 is cleaner fuel basically I even put shell 89 in mowers and in 2cycle as well . Got the shirt no complaints.

[@matthewjanowiecki2724]

Thanks Jason great information to help set things straight

[@j.gibsonfishing]

Great video brother great info very helpful. Keep up the good work love your videos big help to me and getting my busniess off the ground Gibson's Mowing

[@Alex.AL_26]

Great Video! I use 89 octane fuel in all my equipment

[@isaaccutlip5815]

Same

[@chrisj9008]

Great Vid Brian. I work for an FD and have worked both as a Sawyer (chain saw operator for wildland fire) and a rep for one of the big extrication tool companies where small engines rule (well before battery, but thats a whole different story). I can't overstate the importance of knowing your fuel. The issues we had with ethanol were huge. Furthermore we saw issues with fuels absorbing moisture overtime and we ended up with alot of varnishing. We switcher to VPracing fuel in the small favtory storage cans and distributed those across the fleets and saw a large decrease in maintenance and improvement in perfomance. Our saw teams would go from 100deg prairie assignments to 10000ft mountain assignments using sthil saws such as our 441s and 660s. We especially saw improvements with the better fuels with the sthil CM series where the fuel system is computer controlled vs the older manual adjustment carb setup. I am lucky now in the midwest that the Caseys gas station up the street carries ethonal free right at the pump. Use that for my small engines and typically true fuel or VP pre packaged, premixed fuels for the 2strokes (i dont do the volume you do so the logistics and minor cost increase is offset by the convenience and logistic factor). Great resource getting Jason on. Coming striaght from the manufacture pretty much settles it. Spend alittle bit more on fuel and help extend that tools life. Its likely cheaper in the long run.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Absolutely pal well said

[@derekcomingo2197]

little off topic but hope u have a med kit in the truck. preferably one that will stop bleeding from like a chainsaw or hedge trimmer accident. my medic offers some good ones. im looking at buying one now myself. i got a boo boo kit but.

[@mkaminshine]

Thanks Jason. I learned something new today!

[@John-uj9zy]

Manuals say 89, so I use 89. 89 for my mowers and 2 strokes. With low compression you would think 87 would be fine and midgrade/premium a waste. 5 years using 89 with no fuel issues; winterized of course. Recently ethanol free has become available in my area. I use ethanol free if an engine is going to sit for more than a week, or all the time for marine engines.

[@stansbruv3169]

Excellent information. Thanks for putting this together. You’ve earned another subscriber! I’m only sorry that it took me so long to find it!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Thanks buddy!

[@dominoez21]

Thank you Jason!

[@The2012waiting]

I run 90 octane non-ethanol in all my stuff except my truck. I use stabil 360 also.

[@sheltonbrumfield9785]

Very satisfying info thanks bro

[@SantaClaw]

You forgot about the best fuel for small machines: Alkylate gasoline - This will not foul when long term stored, burns cleaner, less smell. If it's a pre-mixed solution for 2-stroke it will not separate, it doesn't contain alcohol, so it is NOT hygroscopic like regular gas, this means that you can store the equipment without danger of fouled fuel, carburetor corrosion damage. Usually it's 95 Octane rated. It CAN cost a bit more, but on the other hand, you use relatively small amounts in small machines, so the expense is well worth it, especially if you have machines that sits idle for months.

[@stepside2839]

satanclaw - But, being able to purchase it in a State that sells it .? .. or is allowed too ... .. that is the question.

[@SantaClaw]

I live in Norway, I just assumed since you live in the land of the free, you'd be allowed to buy a environmentally friendly fuel?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Never heard of it will check it out thanks for sharing.

[@stepside2839]

satanclaw 😄😄😄😁😁 USA has ... what I call Garbage Gas Not only does it contain ethanol (farmers are subsidized by gov't to grow corn) . .. it also has butane😲in it. This USA Garbage Gas starts to breakdown after one month. Also, there is a difference between winter blends & summer blends. That has to do with the "heat of vaporization". So, you know ... cold winter day & summer gas ---> not fun😥

[@SantaClaw]

We have summer and Winter diesel where I live, the winter diesel has kerosene in it to avoid it freezing, we get temps down to -30c every winter. Our regular pump gasoline has up to 10% ethanol, but they are increasing it to 15% ! I personally use the brand Aspen for my Alkylate fuel supply: US distributor: smallmdistribution.com/

[@toddeberlein965]

Brian per Bobcat (Indy North) my dealer they recommend no less than 89. But I personally run nothing but 93. My small engine shop (Mower Zone- Danville IN) recommends 93 for small engines period. They also recommend a product by the name of ethanol shield (made by BC3 industries). Almost all fuel has a 10% ethanol in it now no matter where you go. The ethanol will eventually eat fuel lines in the small equipment and they recommend the ethanol displaced product ( helps it get burnt and get rid of the hydroscopic properties of ethanol( water attracting)). The ethanol free fuel is great but it’s not really worth it for small guys like us cause the price point would eat into the profits. It’s normally 1.50 higher per gallon too. Hope this helps a bit.

[@eosjoe565]

That's funny. I run 91-octane non-Ethanol in all my small engines because that is the only non-Ethanol available around here. When I had an engine that was running too rich and fouling plugs everyone told me it was because I was running too high octane gasoline. I noted that the manual said "Minimum 87 octane".

[@workingcountry1776]

Its only 3.45 to 3.65 a gallon vs 3.00 for 87 octane e10

[@toddeberlein965]

Strong Tower Lawn Care here in the Indy area at the few that have it the fuel is almost 5 a gallon. There’s like 4 to 5 gas stations in a area of 500 square miles that sell it.

[@trentwheeler6161]

Hi Todd, I live here in Tipton Indiana and get ethanol free 90 octane gas straight from the pump at the Countrymark gas station. Ethanol free stays right at 60 cents per gallon more there. It's not a huge difference between buying ethanol free or using the BC3 additive. There is a Countrymark in Lebanon which has the same prices, then there is a Walmart with a Muphy USA gas station that has ethanol free for $0.40 more per gallon as well (but it's 87 octane.) I haven't ever seen ethanol free for close to $5 a gallon. it's not that I don't believe you, that just sucks. the ethanol free can be stored for a year or greater without issues, as e10 fuel only can get stored for a month in some cases and it absorbs water.

[@jks52mchsicom]

I run nothing but 89 octane NON-ethanol fuel in EVERYTHING, from ztr to hand held power equipment.

[@GG-ub4ej]

What about your truck?

[@kevinj1032]

Brian, I use non-ethanol fuel. One thing a lot of people don’t think about is; what are they getting when they pull the trigger. If the last person put the nasty gas in their car because it’s a few pennies cheaper. How much fuel needs to go through the pump and hose to get what you want or intended? Pumps here have a disclaimer that says 4 gallons. Most of us fill a one gallon or two gallon. What did we put in our can? You don’t really know...

[@eosjoe565]

Huh? So you mean they have a sticker that says it takes 4 gallons of fuel before the new selection comes out the hose?

[@workingcountry1776]

Most NA pumps are separate here

[@chrisj9008]

Our pumps here are dedicated ethanol free service. The selectable grade is what you said. One disclaimer, you will notice the pumps say min octane. Often times you 87 is actually measuring higher. There are reports (hearsay) that several places buy a midgrade and your getting the same fuel and its done because the costs is not that different. A vendor can sell premium at lowgrade without any issue, bur can not sell premium as low grade if that makes sense. (Again, just stuff inhave read, i have no facts or inside knowledge) I agree with Bass's comment above that it balances out on the volume within the hose line is reality small.

[@eosjoe565]

Right. I wasn't really referring to non-Ethanol but multi-grade where the pump has one handle and can deliver multiple grades of E10. So if someone has a 1-gallon container for their weed wacker and selects 93-octane, if the last person bought 85-octane then chances are you are paying for 93 but getting a gallon of 85. Correct?

[@kevinj1032]

To clarify; I got my info from the rental company in the next town over when I rented a Dingo. They were very specific about not using the gas from the station on the corner gas station. After reading what ShelI says I would tend to believe the gal. Or lesser. They also said their carb problems stopped after they started using another station.

[@littlefinkle7757]

I run the 93 in my trimmer and blowers. My John Deere gets better fuel consumption with the 87 actually. I have not found any non ethanol to try yet, but am pretty sure the non ethanol only will be available in 87 octane. My feet can almost feel those size 13's lol and the green stitching will match nicely with that Deere paint😁

[@danlarsen5473]

I know old vid butt if I have a choice to go 91 vs 91 no ethanol what is the advantage? I don’t think it was answered of either? I go with the no ethanol in my stuff.

[@GrassDaddy]

I've been wondering about this

[@Fencearmor]

Great video Brian! Really helpful indeed. Thank you both!

[@thomassoltis5862]

Awesome video brother keep up the awesome work

[@timfreeman476]

If you live in an area where you cannot get fuel go to a small airport or a local racetrack some airplane fuel is harsh on four-stroke engines like mowers etc you need to add top end oil. Being an old school tech we dealt with this in the 90" when you get this of type fuel add seafoam to it.I do not like four- stroke string trimmers and blowers they do not turn the rpm"s so I rebuild older ECHO AND STIHL with non- advancing Ing.this past year is the only bought a blower and trimmer

[@re49991]

I use premixed ethanol free or i get ethanol free and mix with stihl hp ultra. Hands down best oil ive used. If I absolutely have to ill use 93 with sta-bil and hp ultra

[@stephenP1979]

I use 87 Non-Ethanol with Echo Red Armor oil, seems to work just fine.

[@deacon9096]

Thanks Jason!

[@emorider6804]

In malaysia.. I always use 95 octane (nom ethanol) for 2stroke generator

[@davidaycock9680]

Good information I use Echo equipment Thanks Jason and Brain.

[@hermancm]

I use 91 octane non-oxygenated gas in my handheld equipment and 87 octane 10% ethanol fuel in my mowers. Before I lay them up for the winters I put non-oxygenated gas in them with a little of the storage additive... I can’t recall the name of it now. I could drain all the gas out of them and run the rest out of the mowers but it’s easier to just use the pure gas in them with the additive in my opinion. Marks Lawn Care, Winter WI.

[@derekcomingo2197]

Thanks Jason I truly appreciate it.

[@eugenecrabs3954]

Nobody will tell you this at a dealer, but when you add two stroke oil, it actually LOWERS octane! SO, if you are running 87 and add oil, it may drop to 85.

[@burnt_toast305]

I use 93 octane ethanol free gas in all my equipment and runs good. Now my local Wal-Mart gas station is now offering 92 octane ethanol free gasoline at their pumps, so I am going to try it out and see how it works.

[@ricepadi29]

Weill done. That seemed to clear up a lot of questions and myths.

[@schaeferlawncareandpropert9625]

Sunoco 93 and amsoil in all my equipment.

[@KObags]

The problem with ethanol is it leaves a film or residue after it burns. It also attracts water which is obviously terrible for engines. These days fuel additives are pretty much a must.

[@danielintile751]

It's a temperature issue with octane. The lower the octane the lower the ignition temperature. 87 octain can ignite from a hot spot in the Piston and combust while the Piston is still traveling up on the compression stroke. The pre combustion is an opposing force to the piston as it is traveling up and will eventually cause catastrophic damage to the engine such as a hole in the piston or a broken wrist pin. If you use 89 or higher it won't ignite before the spark plug fires off and there is no preignition. I have a lawn service with my son but I am also a mechanic/ technician. I've been turning wrenches for over 28 years and have seen the damage of running too low of an octain fuel. Also, don't run fuel that is more than 30 days old and run your equipment dry at the end of the season to prevent damage from stail fuel. Use Echo or Stihl two stroke oil in your trimmers, blowers, saws and hedge trimmers. Follow these steps and save your money not buying fuel stabilizer. I have trimmers and blowers that are over ten years old and run like a champ. New plug, fuel and air filter every spring and they run strong. Never had a engine failure on any of my two strokes.

[@gabemalcolm4429]

Great Video and Information!

[@ChochiLuko]

So the faster and harder the engine works, the more compression occurs within the engine? Is compression like pressurizing a rubber ball? For example, the more air I blow into it, the bigger the bang when I pop it.

[@odie9551]

Ethanol free gas in my are is like 3 dollars a gallon more. I've had no problem running Shell nitro + 93 octane. It has 10% ethanol and have had no problem what's so ever. I've used hp ultra 2 cycle but now I'm 100% Amsoil. I really think there 2 cycle oil is hands down the best there is as well as oil.

[@pastorsammiedsimmons4938]

Where can I get the cabinets that you have in you trailer.

[@sammyvukovic4998]

In my country they only have 95 abs 98 octane. What I’m suppose to use? For my stihl ms 250

[@Moose54656]

In Wisconsin most 91 octane has the benefit of no ethanol added

[@jp-us9rq]

Would I benifit using higer octain in my lawn tractor and mowers to

[@clintturland7955]

I am running BP RV 90 octane fuel that does not have ethanol with red armor oil.

[@josejasso7075]

Just what I've been needing to know

[@noahwebb6179]

Thanks Jason

[@taz7405]

You should get a great dane super sufer best mower on the market

[@shamrockmaintenancellc5650]

I use pre mixed tool fuel. Not ethonal No need to add stabilizer to any of it. Comes pre mixed and lasts a lot longer. They make it 50:1 and straight 4 stroke

[@2010stoof]

I bought true fuel this year (first year at house). Bought 8 32oz cans and I'm tracking how much I'll use in a season to see if I should mix my own gallon next year. Definitely getting a gallon of the 4 stroke to use 1/2 gallon to run through before winter and leave and I'll use the other half next year to do the same thing. Good for 2 years opened and 5 years unopened on shelf. Couldn't run the 4 all the time. $20 a gallon would cost $60 each fill of my mower tank lol

[@brucestevens8616]

89 octane ethanol free seems to run better in my two stroke stuff. 93 octane ethanol free doesn't rev as well for some reason.

[@ronhughley6510]

Highest the best. 89 minimum . Tells you it on the back of the oil mix. Learned that from my dad when I was like 13

[@drivenlawncare3229]

Great info I run 92 octane no ethanol