I thought this month, instead of talking about what needs doing in the garden I would talk about petrol and using it in garden machinery.
On the 1st September unleaded fuel was changed from E5 (5 % ethanol) to E10 (10% ethanol). The reason for the change is to help tackle climate change and to reduce CO2 emissions.
It is estimated that the greener fuel could reduce CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year, which is all great, but it makes the petrol unsuitable for some cars and is also not ideal fuel for powering gardening equipment.
The higher amounts of ethanol can cause erosion and engine faults. The reason that the petrol could be more corrosive for garden machinery than cars is because people often leave garden machinery sitting around in between uses.
Reading through different information it is suggesting that you put E5 (super unleaded fuel) in your garden equipment, but be warned that not all garages sell this petrol now. Also, make sure that you drain the fuel out of all your equipment before storing it for periods longer than 30 days, and always use fresh fuel. If you are at all unsure talk to a lawnmower specialist.
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