OT: lawnmower
- Thread starter Nashville Lion
- Start date
Nashville are you using a fuel stabilizer in the gas tank on your mower? I have used self propelled Toro's for 30 years and never had an engine problem until they put ethanol in the unleaded gasoline. Current gasoline begins degrading immediately and can't be stored without fuel stabilizers in or out of the mower. That goes for snow blowers, weed whackers or any small gas engine. If you allow the carburetor to get gummed up you will have to take it to a small engine shop to be cooked out. Brand doesn't matter if you are not using fresh fuel or a fuel stabilizer in your gas can and mower.
OTOH I got a used Lawn Boy self- propelled 10 years ago. Its been to the shop once for the drive mechanisms, I had it clogged with too much grass/dirt. At best the only 'maintenance' I do is change the spark plug every once in a while, and put in gas. The other lawn boy I have, has to be 30 yrs old, 2 cycle, usually starts on the second pull, again all I do is change the spark plug. I think last year the first time I started it, there was an issue, but a little Sea Foam got it going (along with the new spark plug). whoops almost forgot, knock on wood.I agree... Craigslist is littered with little mowers with broken drive-mechanisms... they ALL end up being really heavy pushmowers... avoid self-propelled and get a nice light cast-aluminum deck pushmower with a good engine... i laughed when my friend told me he bought a Lawn Boy (Toro) and boasted it had all-wheel-drive... i told him maybe for a season or two
I replaced the coil on my 20yr old LawnBoy a few years ago... i recall it was about a $30 part and took me about 20min to replace... the LawnBoy trademark staggered-wheel design is superior for trim-work/around and under trees... the burble of the 2cycle w/the ingenious under-deck muffler is a beautiful sound... so lightweight and flingable... 2cycle engines are superior so long as you don't mind the lung-cancer part
This is why I put premium fuel in my JD rider and push mowers. Actually only use premium fuel in all our yard equipment - no ethanol = better performance and not having to drain the tanks after the seasons... never had a problem starting the following season.
I may be incorrect, but my understanding is just because it's labelled "Premium" (ie octane 89, 91, or higher) does not inherently mean the stuff is ethanol-free.... one needs to look for "ethanol free" fuel... in my area, only a select few retailers carry "ethanol free" premium...
I have around the same size lot. I'm on year two of Kobalt 40 volt series mower, weed eater and blower. The mower came with a 5.0 amp battery, the weed eater with 2.0 amp. Purchased when there was a buy the tool, get an extra battery deal at Lowe's. Bought the blower sans battery charger and battery online.
I still have not "had" to use the extra batteries but have done so just to use them. When the grass isn't thick, I still have around a quarter charge on the 5.0 amp after mowing, weed eating/edging and blowing. Some power loss when the battery is at or below a quarter charge. The mower blade is just now starting to dull a little. Weed eater string and feeder are pretty reliable/durable. Blower won't handle wet or embedded leaves but otherwise works as expected. No real complaints on my end.
Here is an easy way to remove the ethanol. Get a clear container with a decent spout. Pour the gasoline into the container and add water. Ethanol has a much higher affinity for water and will phase separate with the water. Turn the bottle upside down and open the valve to remove the water/alcohol mixture. Presto!
You guys need to think outside the box. This is what we do in my neighborhood....
https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sa...3,-92.856918,34.604247,-92.933822_rect/13_zm/
https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sa...3,-92.856918,34.604247,-92.933822_rect/13_zm/
The Premium Fuel - if it does have ethanol burns at a higher temp and therefore burns the ethanol much faster. It is my understanding that Shell and Exxon do not add ethanol to their premium (not mid-grade) fuel, and those are the most 'local' gas stations. I haven't checked with the other suppliers... but I can tell you I've been doing this for the past 8+ years and I've never had an issue with any of my engines.
I've used Exxon Supreme for the last 8 years or so and am satisfied too. When I purchased the Honda the dealer suggested that I go to one of the ethanol free stations. Unfortunately, it's just over 20 miles away. You can also buy it by the can for an arm and a leg. For now, I'll just take my chances with Exxon Supreme.
