The most common type of petrol Australians use for lawn mower is regular unleaded petrol. It's a reliable, inexpensive blend without ethanol or higher octanes — but is it the best fuel for your small mower engine? Well, that will depend on the type of lawn mower engine you have (4-stroke lawn mower fuel is different from a 2-stroke lawn mower).
Our team at Mowrator has written this guide to help you understand the different types of fuels lawn mowers in Australia use, the best kind of fuel for your lawn mower, and whether an electric lawn mower like the S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD is a better option.
Key Takeaways
- Regular unleaded petrol (91 RON) is the most common fuel for Australian lawnmowers. Ethanol blends like E10 are also popular but must be used with caution due to potential fuel degradation.
- High octane and aspen fuels provide cleaner combustion and longer storage life but are generally unnecessary for standard lawn mower engines.
- The optimal fuel choice depends on the mower’s type and engine configuration. Two-stroke engines require an oil mix, while electric models offer a fuel-free alternative.
What Different Fuel Types do Lawnmowers Use in Australia?
Regular unleaded, ethanol blend, and high octane fuel are the most commonly used fuel types for lawnmowers in Australia. Other than these standard blends, aspen fuel is another better alternative for the environment and stores far longer. Let's break down each fuel type and whether they're the lawn mower petrol type for you.
| Type of Fuel | Description |
|---|---|
| Regular Unleaded Petrol | Standard 91-octane fuel offers reliable performance for most lawnmowers without engine complications |
| Ethanol Blends | Environmentally friendly fuel options, such as E10, are suitable for many petrol-powered garden tools |
| High Octane Fuel | Premium fuel that burns cleaner reduces engine buildup and enhances performance in high-performance engines |
| Aspen Fuel | Alternative fuel with significantly reduced harmful emissions and a long storage life |
Do Lawn Mowers use Unleaded Petrol?
Yes, unleaded petrol is Australia's most common fuel type for lawnmowers. Gas-powered lawnmowers dominate the Australian market share according to Businesswire, and many use standard unleaded petrol. It's reliable, consistent, and offers excellent performance for your fuel tank without any complications.
Regular unleaded petrol has a Research Octane Number (RON) of 91 and is often referred to as a 91-octane fuel. Unleaded petrol is an excellent choice for a lawn mower that is difficult to store over winter, especially compared to E10 fuel.
Can I Use Ethanol Blends (E10) for My Lawn Mower?
Yes, ethanol blends like E10 is are another common fuel choice for lawnmowers in Australia. When people ask, "What fuel do lawnmowers use?", 99.9% it will either be regular unleaded or E10 petrol. E10 deteriorates faster than pure petrol, however, since the ethanol draws the moisture out of the air and causes the fuel to stagnate.
Ethanol blends, including E10, are more environmentally friendly because ethanol is a renewable resource that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. You can also use E10 fuel for brush cutters, powered garden tools, and gas-powered mowers.
What is the Benefit of High Octane Fuel?
Higher-octane fuel, like 95 or 98, offers smoother combustion for your lawn mower because it resists knocking in lawn mower engines. It also burns cleaner, reducing carbon deposits and engine buildup. Premium additives that improve performance and protect internal components also include them, providing smoother operation in high-performance or commercial-grade engines.
However, using a high-octane fuel instead of standard petrol for mower needs is often overkill. You'll unlikely experience the benefits of high-octane fuel for regular garden equipment like a lawn mower.
Can I Use Aspen Fuel for My Lawn Mower?
Yes, you can use aspen fuel for your lawn mower. Aspen is an alkylate petrol that is better for the environment than standard unleaded gasoline and doesn't require mechanical adjustments. It's an alternative available for both four-stroke and two-stroke engines. It contains 99% fewer harmful hydrocarbons, resulting in a dramatic reduction of exhaust fumes, and lasts for up to five years in storage.
What is the Best Type of Fuel for Different Types of Lawn Mowers?
The best fuel type depends on the lawn mower you're using. Push mowers benefit from regular unleaded, while ride-on mowers shouldn't use fuel with over 10% ethanol. Look at our guide below for the best fuel for each type of mower.
| Type of Lawn Mower | Best Type of Fuel |
|---|---|
| Push lawn mowers | Regular unleaded (91 RON) E10 is also acceptable |
| Ride-on lawn mowers | Regular unleaded (91 RON) Avoid over 10% ethanol fuel |
| Two-stroke lawn mowers | Mixed fuel and 2-cycle oil (50:1 ratio) |
| Four-stroke lawn mowers | Regular unleaded (91 RON) E10 acceptable, no oil mix |
| Zero-turn lawn mowers | Regular unleaded, less than 10% ethanol (E10) |
Petrol vs. Electric Lawn Mower | Which is Better?
An electric lawn mower is the best choice if you're consistently struggling to answer the question, "What fuel do you put in a lawn mower?" Electric lawnmowers don't use any petrol and power their motor and blades with electricity instead. When using electricity, you avoid many of the issues of petrol mowers like fuel degradation, purchasing a fuel stabiliser, increased fuel consumption costs, and the possibility of voiding the engine warranty if you use the wrong fresh fuel.
Many homeowners prefer to mow with gas-powered mowers because of their power. What if we told you there was an electric lawn mower that could match the power of petrol? The Mowrator S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD avoids the fuel storage and carburettor issues of gas mowers while enjoying the benefits of its power thanks to 4 powerful Beast™ motors. Shop Mowrator's range of lawnmowers today.
FAQs on What Petrol for Lawn Mower in Australia?
Do lawnmowers take 91 petrol?
Yes, lawn mowers can typically use 91-octane unleaded petrol, which meets the minimum requirement for most small engines. While higher-octane fuels won't harm the engine, they don't offer any additional benefit, and using regular unleaded petrol is generally sufficient. It's also important to ensure that the fuel does not contain more than 10% ethanol to prevent potential corrosion damage to the fuel system.
How do I know if my mower is 2 or 4-stroke?
Check the fuel cap or engine for labels to determine if your mower is a 2-stroke or 4-stroke. Two-stroke engines require a mix of oil and fuel, while 4-stroke engines have separate compartments, often indicated by an oil fill cap or dipstick. Also, 2-stroke engines tend to produce more smoke and have a distinct high-pitched buzzing sound compared to the quieter 4-stroke engines.
