Tip 3: How to Refuel Small Garden Machines Correctly
3 min read
Using the wrong fuel or spilling petrol while refuelling a small garden machine can cause unnecessary problems. In OVDV Tip 3, I show you a simple and controlled way to refuel. Watch the video to see how I demonstrate the process.
Refuelling a brushcutter, hedge trimmer or another small petrol garden machine may seem straightforward, but a few details make a big difference.
Using the correct fuel, keeping the tank area clean and filling in a controlled way can help prevent unnecessary starting and running problems later.
In OVDV Tip 3, I show you how I refuel a small garden machine using a practical fuel can and filling system.
Use the correct fuel for your machine
Not every petrol garden machine uses the same fuel.
Many small two-stroke machines require a mixture of petrol and two-stroke oil, while other engines use a different fuel setup. Always check the manual for your specific machine before filling the tank.
The key point is simple: never assume that every type of petrol is suitable for every garden machine.
Why a filling system is useful
Pouring fuel directly from a large can into a small tank opening can quickly become messy. A suitable filling system gives you more control and reduces the risk of spilling fuel onto the machine or the ground.
This is especially useful for compact machines such as brushcutters, grass trimmers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws and other small petrol-powered garden tools.
In the video, I show you how I position the can and filling attachment directly above the tank opening before refuelling.
Before you refuel
- Switch off the engine.
- Allow a hot machine to cool down before opening the fuel tank.
- Place the machine on a stable surface.
- Remove dirt and grass around the fuel cap so nothing falls into the tank.
- Check that you are using the correct fuel or fuel mixture for the machine.
- Open the fuel container carefully, especially if it has been stored in warm conditions.
Do not overfill the tank
A small fuel tank does not need to be filled right to the top. Leave enough space for the fuel and tank system to operate as intended, and avoid spilling fuel around the filler neck.
If fuel is spilled, clean the affected area before starting the machine and follow the safety instructions in the manual.
Fresh and correctly mixed fuel matters
Fuel quality is an important factor in the reliability of small engines. For two-stroke machines that use mixed fuel, always use the fuel-to-oil ratio specified by the manufacturer for your exact machine.
With a compatible ready-mixed fuel, the petrol and oil are already combined in the intended formulation. Always follow the requirements for your specific machine rather than automatically using the same mixture for every engine.
Common refuelling mistakes
- using the wrong fuel or incorrect mixture ratio
- refuelling while the engine is still hot
- allowing grass or dirt to enter the tank
- pouring too quickly and spilling fuel
- overfilling the tank
- using old or contaminated fuel
- starting the machine where fuel has been spilled
OVDV Tip 3: Make refuelling simple
The key takeaway from Tip 3 is simple: use the correct fuel and keep the filling process as clean and controlled as possible.
A suitable fuel can and filling attachment can make regular refuelling much easier, especially on machines with small fuel tanks.
Not sure which fuel your garden machine needs?
I provide professional garden machinery advice, maintenance and repair in Laarne and the surrounding area. If you are unsure which fuel your machine needs, or if it is difficult to start or does not run correctly, I can inspect it and advise you on the right next step.
