Tips From The Outdoor Power EquipmentInstitute OPEI Reminds Consumers To Use Only E10 Or Lower Fuel In Any Lawn And Garden Equipment (NAPSA)—Spring is on its way, and soon, home and business own- ers will be cleaning and preparing lawn and garden equipment. “Many are so eager to pull out lawn and garden equipment once spring arrives that they sometimes forget basic steps to ensure the powerhouse of the equipment—the engine—is in good working order,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI. “One challenge is that most fuel contains some level of ethanol, which contains corrosive alcohol. If you left that fuel in the tank over the winter months, you don’t want to use it in the spring. A cleaner machine will run more It may damage your equipment. You need to drain it and put in new fuel that is E10 or lower,” advises Kiser. Whetherit’s a mower, trimmer, blower, chain saw or pruner, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPED) offers tips to help users avoid fuel-related problems and ready their equipment to operate safely. Check the fuel tank. If fuel has beensitting all winter long in the fuel tank, do not use it in the spring. Drain it responsibly and put in fresh fuel. Remember to dispose of this fuel properly. Use only E10 or lower fuel in your outdoor power equipment. Do not use gas with more than 10 percent ethanol (E10) in outdoor power equipment. Some gas stations may offer 15 percent ethanol (E15) gas or other fuel blends, but this higher ethanol fuel is dangerous—andis in fact illegal—to use in any small engine equipment, such as lawn mowers, chain saws, generators, and all other lawn and garden equipment. Don’t leave fuel sitting in the tank for more than 30 Sharpen yourcutting blade. Have your lawn mower’s cutting blade sharpened so you can get a clean cut on your lawn. Your lawn will be healthier and your lawn mower will operate more efficiently, too. Clean your equipment. If you did not clean your equipment before storing it, there may be dirt, oil or grass stuck to it. Give your equipment a good spring-cleaning. Don’t be fuelish—Use only E10 or lowerfuel in any lawn and garden equipment. days. Untreated gasoline (without a fuel stabilizer) left in the system will deteriorate, which may cause starting or running problems and, in some cases, damage to the fuel system. Inspect your equipment. Check for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. If you find anything concerning, replace the parts or take your equipment to a qualified service representative. Drain out the old oil and put in fresh oil. Remove the oil drain plug in your lawn mowerand catch the old oil in a container. Replace the plug and refill the engine with oil recommended by the product manufacturer. Properly dispose of the oil you drained. Install clean air filters. Your engine and equipment will run much better with clean filters. Paperfilters need to be replaced. Some foam filters can be cleaned andreplaced. efficiently and last longer. Review your manual. Nowis a good time to read the operator’s manual and refamiliarize yourself with the controls and what they do. Make sure you know how to stop the machine quickly if needed. About OPEI The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute is an international trade association representing more than 100 power equipment, en- gine and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. OPEI is the advocacy voice of the industry, and a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSDand active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the developmentof safety and performance standards. OPEI is managing partner of GIE+EXPO, the industry’s annual international trade show,and the creative force behind the environmental education program, TurfMutt.com. OPEI-Canada represents members on a host of issues, including recycling, emissions and other regulatory developments across the Canadian provinces. For more information, visit www.OPELorg.
