Americans are unsure about how to properly fuel outdoor power equipment and mis-fueling is occurring at increasing rates, says a new nationwide online research study of over 2,000 adults conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).
According to the research, an escalating number of outdoor power equipment owners are using the wrong type of fuel in their products. In 2018, 11 percent reported using E15, E30, E50 or E85 to fuel their equipment, up from 7 percent in 2015.
Manufacturers of outdoor power equipment are warning consumers that most products are designed to run on E10 (fuel with 10 percent ethanol) or less. It’s also illegal to use fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol in any outdoor power equipment, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“Higher blended fuels containing more than 10 percent ethanol have been shown to damage the equipment. Mid-level ethanol fuels are known to phase separate, further endangering equipment,” explains Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the OPEI, an international trade association representing more than 100 power equipment, engine and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. If damaged, consumers may have to pay for costly repairs or replace equipment.
Kiser continues, “What goes in your car or truck may not be safe to put in your lawn mower, and consumers are not paying attention and making unintended mistakes. Yet pump labeling and consumer education are inadequate. As ethanol continues to be subsidized, more stations sell it. We’re concerned about consumer safety and choice.”
