The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), the trade association representing power equipment, engine and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, has updated its free consumer and dealer education materials for its “Look Before You Pump” campaign in light of increased availability of higher-ethanol fuel blends at gasoline filling stations.
Gasoline containing greater than 10% ethanol (E10) can be harmful to outdoor power equipment and other small engine products, including lawnmowers, snowthrowers, power washers, string trimmers, chainsaws, and other small engine equipment such as boats, snowmobiles and utility vehicles.
“Using fuel with more than 10% ethanol in any gasoline-powered outdoor power equipment can void manufacturer’s warranties and damage the engine,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. “We hope that equipment dealers, manufacturers and suppliers will distribute these updated materials and remind consumers to ‘look before you pump.’”
OPEI launched its “Look Before You Pump” campaign in 2013. Digital version of the materials are free and available for download at tinyurl.com/EthanolEducation.
Consumers still confused
According to 2016 national polls by Nielson/Harris and OPEI, consumers remain confused about the changing fuels marketplace. Only 31% of poll respondents knew that gasoline blends in excess of E10 are harmful to outdoor power equipment. Only 5% knew that gasoline blends in excess of E10 are not approved for use in small engines. Even more alarmingly, 60% of poll respondents assumed that any retail fuel is safe for any type of engine.
As higher-ethanol blends enter the fuel marketplace, consumers must remember to select gasoline based on the products specifications, and not just choose fuel based on price. With than 250 million pieces of outdoor power equipment is currently in home garages, utility and maintenance sheds, and facility management stations, OPEI urges consumers to remain vigilant and always check their product manuals for proper fueling instructions.
