New E10 petrol and garden machinery

Standard unleaded petrol on garage forecourts now contains 10% ethanol, this petrol may not be compatible with many items of garden machinery such as strimmers and lawnmowers. The AA have advised gardeners to use super unleaded from September onwards. The UK Government website advises checking the appliance manual or asking the manufacturer or dealer before using E10. Even if your appliance is compatible the new petrol may cause problems if the mower or strimmer is left unused over the winter months.

(From the National Allotment Society https://www.nsalg.org.uk/news/garden-machinery-and-e10-petrol/)

For information, Colin Sparkes advises that there is a special small engine fuel called Aspen 2 (for 2 stroke) and Aspen 4 (for 4 stroke). It has a longer shelf life and is cleaner; it is however a little more costly than car petrol. It is obtained from the Small Engine Company in St. Andrew’s Industrial estate, Shoe Lane Bridport. Supposed to give machines a longer life; it also improves the starting of your machine – which he can vouch for, especially after standing over winter.