When it comes to garden machinery, both E10 and E5 petrol are best avoided because they contain ethanol. The best fuel to use for garden machinery is alkylate petrol, which is one of the cleanest petroleum products that can be produced.
What Is E10 Petrol?
On 1st September 2021, the standard unleaded petrol (95 octane) in the England, Scotland and Wales went from E5 to E10 petrol. E10 petrol contains up to 10% renewable ethanol. Up until recently, standard unleaded petrol in the UK has contained up to 5% renewable ethanol (known as E5). E10 has been brought in for cleaner exhaust emissions which is better for the environment.
Does this effect diesel fuel?
The E5 to E10 transition applies to petrol only. Diesel fuel remains the same and will not be changing.
What Is Ethanol?
Ethanol is a renewable fuel produced from a variety of plant materials, including sugarcane and grains, along with their by-products. Because ethanol is derived from crops or waste by-products it is renewable, and has therefore become an important ingredient in the biofuel industry.
Does E10 Petrol Work With Garden Machinery?
Yes, however there is a caveat. Ethanol is hygroscopic: a substance that absorbs water from the air. This means that with E10 petrol, and E5, the ethanol element of the fuel attracts moisture (water). Over time the ethanol separates from the fuel causing a gummy mixture that clogs up the carburetor. In addition, because ethanol is a water absorber, it is very corrosive. Older fuel tanks and fuel lines that are not ethanol proof, e.g. not lined with ethanol-resistant fluorinated polymers, can be eaten away from the inside, creating particles that can clog up inlet valves.
Is E10 Bad For Cars?
Modern fuel-injected vehicles will not experience the same issues because they are designed for use with fuels containing ethanol, however more vintage vehicles will inevitably experience issues unless their parts have been made ethanol-proof.
Conclusion
E5 is better then E10 as it contains less ethanol, however the best fuel to use with garden machinery is alkylate petrol. It is more expensive than standard petrol, however worth remembering that you are only putting it into a small tank and the benefits are endless: it does not contain any ethanol, it has a much longer shelf-life than standard unleaded petrol (it can be stored for up to five years), it prevents inner corrosion, reduces the need for servicing, extends product lifetime, makes starting easier and because it is a much cleaner form of petrol is very low in emission levels.
Alkylate fuel is available at CR Willcocks:
Husqvarna XP® Power 2 for two stroke engines
Husqvarna Power 4 for four stroke engines
For further information on E10 please visit: gov.uk/e10-petrol-explained
