The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) issued a statement in response to the announcement on October 9 by U.S. President Donald Trump to expand the sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15) to year-round.
“We will continue to advise consumers and professional users of outdoor power equipment to ‘Look Before You Pump’ as E15 gasoline sales expand to year-round across the country,” said Kris Kiser, OPEI president and CEO.
“With E15 sales expanding to year-round, it’s more important than ever for consumers to educate themselves about fuel choices today and to pay attention to what fuels you put in your lawn mower, generator, chainsaw, trimmer, UTV or other small engine product.”
Outdoor power equipment is not designed, built or warranted to run on fuel containing 15 percent ethanol. “It can damage or destroy equipment,” said Kiser. Consumers are advised to read their owners manuals for guidance on correctly fueling their outdoor power equipment products, but “should be generally aware that only fuels containing 10 percent or less ethanol should be used,” he said.
“As the fuels marketplace has changed, you can no longer count on being able to put the same fuel in your mower that you also use in your car or truck,” he said.
Along with boat, snowmobile, motorcycle, automobile and other manufacturers, OPEI has long advised and educated consumers about the changing fuels marketplace, with mid-level ethanol blends being introduced for a subset of the automobile fleet. Mid-level ethanol fuels are not for use in non-road products, such as mowers, chainsaws, generators, UTVs, ATVs, boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and other outdoor power equipment.
“It is unfortunate our government is not willing to invest in stronger education for consumers about fueling choices. The small warning stickers placed on fuel pumps are not enough to prevent mis-fueling and do little to educate consumers. Consumers need to be vigilant year round when it comes to fueling their outdoor power equipment and remember that E10 or less is always best,” said Kiser.