Petrol trimmer oil: types and recommendations for use

Gasoline trimmers are some of the most popular lawn mowing attachments. They are easy to use, mobile, allow a person not to depend on an outlet and show excellent results in the places where they are used. But for the stable operation of a gasoline trimmer, high-quality consumables are needed. In particular, we are talking about gasoline and oil. It is about the last component that we will talk about in this article.

Engine oil is a special blend of solvent and friction-reducing additives. They form a certain viscosity and do not allow the composition to thicken when the temperature is lowered. Usually oils are specially colored in different colors: green, red or blue. This allows them not to be confused.

Please note that they may vary in composition, so petrol trimmer oil will be labeled “for gardening”. In addition, it may still differ in marking: "2T" or "4T". The first is two-stroke oil, which is poured into the corresponding engine. And the second is intended for pouring into the crankcase.

A high-quality oil that can be poured into a gasoline trimmer must meet a number of requirements and standards to ensure reliable operation of the device and its performance. The oil should:

• provide an increase in wear resistance for various elements (in particular, the gearbox is especially susceptible to this);
• ensure the formation of smoke and exhaust gases is as low as possible;
• do not allow premature ignition;
• mix well with gasoline when exposed to low temperatures;
• have good viscosity and flow characteristics in various temperature ranges;
• be as safe as possible in terms of environmental impact.

As mentioned, two-stroke engine oil will differ from four-stroke engine oil. It has higher power, which is why fuel for it is obtained by mixing a certain amount of gasoline and oil. For each brushcutter, the ratio will be different. You can find out its meaning in the instructions for the device. These proportions must be observed with maximum accuracy. When adding additives, the type of motor must be taken into account.

If mineral oils are used, the mixing should be somewhere in the ratio of 1: 25, 30 or 35, depending on the type. If we are talking about a synthetic analogue, then the proportion will be 1: 50 or 80. That is, a certain amount of oil is dissolved in the volume of gasoline.

The oil that is poured into the engine may differ in the production method. According to this criterion, it happens:

• mineral - this type is obtained during the processing of petroleum products;
• synthetic - it is obtained by processing or synthesizing gas;
• semi-synthetic - this type has better characteristics due to the introduction of synthetic-based components into it.

Oil for petrol cutters refers to compositions intended for use in air-cooled engines, which have a combustion chamber volume of 50-200 cubic centimeters.In addition, any two-stroke oil can differ from analogs in additives that give it certain additional characteristics. They are of the following types.

• Antiwear. The main task of the oil will be to reduce the wear of parts during the operation of the device.
• Antioxidant. They do not allow oxidation to occur and make it possible to maintain the performance of the oil for a long time.
• Anti-corrosion. Their job is to prevent corrosion from forming on engine parts.
• Friction modifiers. These additives can significantly reduce the coefficient of friction.

Recently, when purchasing oil for dilution with gasoline, users very often come across the fact that special letter abbreviations are applied to the canisters. These designations are made within the framework of the API classification. Consider what types of oils exist in accordance with it.

• TA is used for air-cooled brushcutters, the volume of the engine of which is no more than 50 cubic centimeters. It can be used not only for mowers, but also for mopeds, lawn mowers and other types of machinery. For a petrol trimmer, this is the optimal solution.

• TB is used to refuel a chainsaw, a scooter, moped or motorcycle with an engine capacity of less than 200 cubic centimeters. It can also be used for refueling petrol trimmers.

• TC is suitable for thinning with petrol and pouring into a snowmobile, motorcycle and other types of equipment.

• TD is intended for refueling boats, yachts and hoverboards.

But in addition to this classification, other letter designations of the FA-FD type are often found. It should be said that the API is an American standard that is used in Europe. But there is a discrepancy between European and American smoke emission regulations. For this reason, additional lettering should also be taken into account.

• FA can be used in countries where minimum exhaust gas emissions are required by law. Subtle smoke may be emitted when using oils with this mark.
• FB - can be used in countries where the restrictions on the emission of smoke and gases are much stricter. In this case, the smoke will practically not be emitted.
• FC - a transparent smoke appears here, which the human eye cannot notice.
• FD is a special category of oils for 2-stroke engines, they do not create smoke at all. They have increased chemical properties. Usually this oil is used for mixing with gasoline and subsequent refueling of boats and yachts.

In addition, oils come in two more categories:

• Selfmix;
• Premix.

In the first case, this will mean that it is necessary to carry out self-mixing, which does not require shaking, and in the second case, it will also be necessary to do it.

Now let's try to figure out how to choose a quality gasoline trimmer oil. The main feature to look out for is the base number. This moment excludes the oxidation of the parts in which friction is observed, and slows down their deformation as much as possible. The more this compound is used, the faster it loses its alkalinity and becomes more oxidized. The optimal indicator of acidity (PH) is a value of at least 8-9 units.

The second important factor, which also has a serious impact on the performance of a gasoline trimmer, is the viscosity of the oil. This characteristic determines the ability to use the device at different temperatures. Summer brands of oils begin to thicken already with a minimal temperature drop.

The third point, the importance of which should not be underestimated, is the flash point. This indicator should not be less than 225 degrees. Otherwise, the composition will burn out very quickly and the load on the piston group will begin to increase, which will cause its accelerated wear. Also, 4-stroke oil will not work for 2-stroke. Namely, the latter type of motors is used in the vast majority of mowers.

If we talk about manufacturers, then you can make a small rating, which will allow you to navigate the formulations offered by various manufacturers. For example, Stihl offers quality synthetic and mineral oils, which have already proven themselves as an excellent solution at any time of the year.

It is considered very good Shell Helix Ultra oil. Experts note its high characteristics and excellent indicators of alkalinity and viscosity. In addition, the products of brands such as Oleo Mac, Motul, Hammerflex, Echo... If we talk about the products of domestic brands, then you should pay attention to Lukoil oil... Its price is several times lower than its foreign counterparts, but at the same time it has high quality and good technical characteristics.

For the proportions of oil used, see above. We must say right away that you should not deviate from the indicated values ​​and dilute gasoline by eye. At best, you just need to change the oil, and at worst, engine damage cannot be avoided.

It is also important to be able to prepare the mixture correctly. It cannot be poured into the gas tank. It is better to pour the oil into a special container that already contains gasoline. A plastic bottle of mineral water is perfect for this. It is very important that it is clean, which is why beer or milk bottles will not work. And it is better that it be a liter or two-liter, since it will be difficult for many to calculate how much oil to fill in a 1.5-liter or 1.25-liter bottle. You will also need to have a syringe on hand that will function as a dosimeter. It is best to take a regular medical one for 10 or more cubes.

Now we will explain step by step how to make a good gasoline trimmer oil.

1. First, you need to know exactly what type of oil is required for a particular scythe model, as well as find out the exact ratio of gasoline and oil to create a mixture.
2. Then you need to fill the container. The container should not be filled with gasoline to the end, because the oil must still fit there;
3. Now we draw the required amount of 2-stroke oil into the syringe and pour it into a bottle of gasoline. You cannot do the opposite, otherwise all the ingredients will need to be replaced, and the mixture will need to be redone.
4. Close the bottle with a lid and stir. It is important not to forget that you need to stir the mixture if there are the words Premix on the bottle of oil. If it says Selfmix, then after mixing the substances, everything is poured into the tank.

Now all that remains is to fill the petrol trimmer, and you can carry out the necessary work.

For information on how to choose oil for gasoline trimmers, see the next video.