Aztec Rental: The Backfill

Your equipment might be in harm’s way with the decision of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve higher levels of ethanol in gasoline for use in 2007 and newer automobiles.  The approval is going to bring a 15% Ethanol fuel (E15) to the pumps, a 5% increase to the current Ethanol Fuel (E10) already being sold.

The use of E15 or higher ethanol blended fuels in outdoor power equipment or small engines could cause performance issues, damage the engine, and void the manufacturer’s warranty.  As we know from our posts, Equipment Repair and Warranty Work & Fuel Is Biggest Factor In Engine Problems, fuel related issues are not covered by warranty.  All equipment from lawn mowers to chainsaws and utility vehicles to generators are in the risk of damage scope.

There are problems that can occur with the use of E10 Ethanol fuel already, so the use of E15 will only enhance these issues.  We broke down the four main problems that the E10 Ethanol fuel could cause and the ways to combat it:

Ethanol 101: 4 Main Problems With Ethanol Fuel (E10)
Problem 1: Debris In Fuel
Problem 2: Excessive Water In The Fuel And Phase Separation
Problem 3: ETHANOL Fuels Break Down Quickly
Problem 4: ETHANOL Causes Lost Power, Performance And Decreased Fuel Economy

Click Here for full post on: Ethanol 101: 4 Main Problems With Ethanol Fuel (E10)

With the probability of many people having equipment issues with the use of E15 extremely high, The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) issued a consumer alert on new Ethanol fuel. [GreenIndustryPros.com]

OPEI Issues Consumer Alert on New Ethanol Fuel The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) has advised outdoor power equipment users to be aware of new fuel coming on the market with higher levels of ethanol that could harm equipment sitting in their garages, tool sheds and maintenance buildings. Over two hundred million pieces of outdoor power equipment could be at risk of product failure or voided warranty, including chainsaws, lawnmowers, utility vehicles, generators, snow throwers, trimmers, edgers, pruners, chippers, shredders and blowers.

This advisory comes after the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve higher levels of ethanol (E15 or 15% ethanol) in gasoline for use in only 2007 and newer automobiles.

Until recently, the maximum allowable limit of ethanol in gasoline was E10 or 10%. That means, all engine products in use today, with the exception of “flex-fuel” automobiles, were designed, built and warranted to run on gasoline containing no more than 10% ethanol. Use of E15 or higher ethanol blended fuels in any engine product, with the exception of a “flex-fuel” automobile, could cause performance issues, damage engines, and void the manufacturer’s warranty.

OPEI advises consumers of the following measures to protect products and prevent voided warranties:

1. Read and follow the owner’s manual. It will clearly explain what fuels can be used to ensure a properly functioning product.

2. Do not put any fuel containing more than 10% (E10) in small engine products (EPA’s decision only applies to 2007 and newer highway vehicles), unless otherwise stated.

3. Check the pump to be sure that it is dispensing E10. Some gas pumps at local gas stations may offer both E10 and E15, or have blender pumps that dispense mid-level ethanol fuels for “flex-fuel” automobiles. Higher ethanol fuel (E15) may be less expensive than regular (E10) fuel, but putting E15 into an E10 approved product could cause product failure and void its warranty.

4. Many consumers fill their vehicle gas tank and the gasoline can at the same time. Be sure that the gas can is filled only with E10 fuel.

“The Department of Energy’s (DOE) own testing has shown that putting anything other than E10 in non-road, small engines can cause performance irregularities and equipment failure,” said Kris Kiser, executive vice president at the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. “Consumers need to understand this or they could encounter performance irregularities, increased heat and exhaust temperatures, failure or unintentional clutch engagement when using outdoor lawn and garden equipment.”

OPEI supports Congressional efforts towards energy independence and the use of biofuels, including ethanol, and manufacturers can design and build future equipment to run on specific blends. However, current equipment was not designed to run on any fuel exceeding 10% ethanol.

Bottom line, stay away from the use of the 15% blended Ethanol Fuel (E15) in your small engine and outdoor power equipment, it can only bring bad news.  So, make sure to pay attention to what fuel you are putting in your equipment and fuel cans.

[Ethanol 101: 4 main problems E10 can cause]
[Don't Shoot The Messanger: Equipment Repair & Warranty Work]
[Biggest Factor In Engine Problems Are Fuel Related Issues]
[Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)]
[GreenIndustryPros.Com]

The new system is set to begin operations once all of the existing inventory is transferred to the UPS facilities.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Engine and Power Products Division will initiate a new storage and distribution system for its parts, accessories, handheld power products and engines. The company announced it will partner with UPS to consolidate and streamline all elements of the distribution business that support its dealers.

Kawasaki’s solution to its sales growth and an expanding dealer network, coupled with a need to provide efficient, timely deliveries that satisfy end-users was a logical step given the reputation of UPS.

Full Article: Green Industry Pros

Is there going to be an increase in landscaping business this year? [Pro Magazine asks]

Results from a landscape contractor survey conducted in early-March by PRO Magazine show that one in four contractors across all major landscape industry service sectors expect an increase in business this year. However, this level of contractor confidence represents a step backward from a similar survey PRO conducted four months earlier.

Backfilled:  A recognition of people or companies  that have linked us, tweeted about us, or mentioned us.  Want to get your website or blog on The Backfill?  Just link our posts, website or even retweet our posts and tell everyone how awesome we are. Rocket science it is not, but the awesome part is a requirement!

Basically, we just want to say thanks and maybe put in a good word for you. 

Featured on Backfilled:

Two of the most trusted sources in the landscaping business have combined forces to provide an online tool that gives busy landscapers and power equipment dealers more of the information they need to grow their businesses profitably—in a quick, easy, convenient format. PRO Magazine and Yard & Garden have launched http://www.greenindustrypros.com/, a new website delivering daily green industry news, product information, management tips and best practices.

Follow on Twitter [ @YG_PRO ]

Save money. Save Time. Increase bottom line. Can it be true? [maybe]

Agrium Advanced Technologies has released Spread it & Forget it, a new controlled-release fertilizer that feeds lawns and professional turf for six months or more with just one application. Spread it & Forget it enables turf professionals to spread fertilizer once, instead of multiple times, and keeps turf lush, green and healthy for a full growing season, according to Agrium Advanced Technologies.

[Green Industry Pros]
[Spread It and Forget It]