There have been many questions and misconceptions regarding the mixing of 2-Cycle Fuel that is used in most chain saws, trimmers, and other small handheld equipment. I am hoping that I can clarify some of these issues. Two-cycle engines require the mixing of oil with fuel. This oil is needed for internal lubrication of the engine. Unfortunately this oil is not good for the combustion process. This is one of the inherent issues with two-cycle engines is the poor emission quality. The EPA has been strong in its regulation on how much emissions these units can produce. These regulations have been causing manufacturers to create leaner and leaner running engines. Lean engines have less oil in the fuel mixture that what there were in the past. I remember seeing fuel ratios of 16:1 and 24:1 years ago. A 16:1 ratio translates to 8oz of oil to every gallon of fuel. Now, most manufacturers are running 40:1 or even 50:1. This is 2.6oz of oil to every gallon of fuel.
Where some of the problems are now arising is having to retrain the users of the older equipment. It was no issue to add a little extra oil to the fuel in the older models. This would just help in increased lubrication. The engines at that time had larger orifaces in the carburetors, larger exhaust ports, and the manufacturers tolerances inside the engine were not at tight.
Now, these newer engines are running ALOT leaner, the orifaces in the carburetor are smaller, and exhaust ports are smaller. The addition of extra oil causes many problems. This oil does not burn properly, causing the unit to smoke. Continued use of a rich mixture will cause carbon buildup within the exhaust port. As the piston moves up & down past the port, this buildup can break off & fall back into the combustion chamber. If this carbon gets between the cylinder wall & piston, it will score the cylinder walls & exhaust face of the piston. After continued use, compression is lost and the engine will no longer operate. This damage can occur very quickly if not caught.
Ok, after hearing all this, one might think to use a little less oil. NO NO NO. Now, there is not enough adequate lubrication, the engine heats up more that normal, metal expands more than it should & you begin to cause damage throughout the cylinder.
The best advise I can give is to follow the manufactures recommendations that are listed in the owners manual & mix the proper ratio that your unit requires. There are some companies that have actually gone and done the work for you and you can purchase pre-mixed fuel. This is great, because you will be using the correct ratio fuel, and these fuels are usually ETHANOL-FREE!!! Ethanol is a whole other problem that we will try to address in another post.
Showing posts with label Product Information. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Product Information. Show all posts
Monday, December 19, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Big Box vs. Independent Retailers
We have often been asked why should we buy from you and not from Lowes, Home Depot, or Wal-Mart. Here is some information that I compiled to help you in answering this question.
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Have you ever really heard the answer to these controversial advertisements? The rise of the Big Box Stores has had a major impact on the outdoor power equipment business. The retailer is often the focus when companies like Lowe's and Home Depot setup shop right down the road for your local mower shop. However now that the dust has settled it appears as if these stores maybe sending many new customers back to local mom and pop shops. Box stores have an admitted problem when it comes to providing knowledgeable sales and service. There is also a disturbing trend concerning the quality of the heavily cost reduced products that they sell.
Recommending the right product for the customer is no easy chore. When it comes to something as simple as a chainsaw there are literally dozens of models to choose from. It's hard enough to get Joe in isle 4 to come get you an air filter from the top shelf. Try getting his attention for all the time needed to explain the proper sizing, use and safety features of a very dangerous tool. All too often all you have is a 3x5 product card filled with marketing lingo and a price to help you make a decision. This self serve business model is part of the way that box stores try to keep costs to a minimum. Lowe's and Home Depot both print in their quarterly stock reports that one of their biggest threats is the lack of service provided by their own personal.
Service after the sale is also a big struggle. It’s safe to assume that even the best product will need serviced and maintained at some point. Box stores simply do not have a service department. When establishing a new product line vendors usually link each box store to a local full service vender to handle their service issues. These vendors send personnel, not only to the manufacturers for official training, but they are required to go to annual updates to keep abreast of changes and service issues. When something breaks you’re referred to the vendor that is actually knowledgeable about the product. A recent Home Depot model was the subject of some uproar when owners where sent notifications that there was a safety issue with the chainsaw that they had purchased and they should discontinue using it. The saw was made in China and had no local parts or service support to correct the issue. The customer was left with the option to either dispose of the product, or keep using it under unsafe conditions.
Big Box stores have broad appeal because of convenience and an image of a lower price. The drive to keep prices down and profit margins high has a direct impact on product quality. As a vendor committing to sell at a super store you also commit to their mantra of a lower cost every year. These companies become slaves to the box stores because they either have to meet their low cost demands or risk losing their business and having major production capacity go unused. The end result is that product quality is chipped away at every year until a quality product is reduced to cheap junk. The best example of this trend is Homelite chainsaws. In their prime Homelite controlled near 60% of the U.S. chainsaw market. Wal-mart took on the product line and pressed Homelite to deliver a cheaper product or face being replaced by a competitor. Just recently Homelite was sold to a Chinese company for a fraction of the market value that they had 30 years ago.
Vendors do recognize the cost reduction problem that I've described. To avoid alienating existing dealers and please the wants of the box stores many lines have created specific low-cost product for the box stores. John Deere and Cub Cadet are both prime examples. Both companies offer a line of value tractors that are specifically engineered to meet the required price points of mass merchants. These models are of far lesser quality than the core product that these companies built their reputation on. Independent dealers still sell the better, longer lasting product in addition to the price point tractors.
Recommending the right product for the customer is no easy chore. When it comes to something as simple as a chainsaw there are literally dozens of models to choose from. It's hard enough to get Joe in isle 4 to come get you an air filter from the top shelf. Try getting his attention for all the time needed to explain the proper sizing, use and safety features of a very dangerous tool. All too often all you have is a 3x5 product card filled with marketing lingo and a price to help you make a decision. This self serve business model is part of the way that box stores try to keep costs to a minimum. Lowe's and Home Depot both print in their quarterly stock reports that one of their biggest threats is the lack of service provided by their own personal.
Service after the sale is also a big struggle. It’s safe to assume that even the best product will need serviced and maintained at some point. Box stores simply do not have a service department. When establishing a new product line vendors usually link each box store to a local full service vender to handle their service issues. These vendors send personnel, not only to the manufacturers for official training, but they are required to go to annual updates to keep abreast of changes and service issues. When something breaks you’re referred to the vendor that is actually knowledgeable about the product. A recent Home Depot model was the subject of some uproar when owners where sent notifications that there was a safety issue with the chainsaw that they had purchased and they should discontinue using it. The saw was made in China and had no local parts or service support to correct the issue. The customer was left with the option to either dispose of the product, or keep using it under unsafe conditions.
Big Box stores have broad appeal because of convenience and an image of a lower price. The drive to keep prices down and profit margins high has a direct impact on product quality. As a vendor committing to sell at a super store you also commit to their mantra of a lower cost every year. These companies become slaves to the box stores because they either have to meet their low cost demands or risk losing their business and having major production capacity go unused. The end result is that product quality is chipped away at every year until a quality product is reduced to cheap junk. The best example of this trend is Homelite chainsaws. In their prime Homelite controlled near 60% of the U.S. chainsaw market. Wal-mart took on the product line and pressed Homelite to deliver a cheaper product or face being replaced by a competitor. Just recently Homelite was sold to a Chinese company for a fraction of the market value that they had 30 years ago.
Vendors do recognize the cost reduction problem that I've described. To avoid alienating existing dealers and please the wants of the box stores many lines have created specific low-cost product for the box stores. John Deere and Cub Cadet are both prime examples. Both companies offer a line of value tractors that are specifically engineered to meet the required price points of mass merchants. These models are of far lesser quality than the core product that these companies built their reputation on. Independent dealers still sell the better, longer lasting product in addition to the price point tractors.
One common myth is that because of their size the box stores are selling at lower prices. In most cases this is not true. Independent dealers sell both the quality models, and the inexpensive tractors at the same price points as the super stores. In fact you’re more likely to get a deal at an independent dealer because many do not charge any setup or delivery fees which are levied by all box stores.
Below is a chart showing the main differences between a big box & independent retailer.
BIG BOX STORES | INDEPENDENT RETAILERS | |
Pricing | Assumed cheaper pricing | Usually same price |
Set-up | Either in box or partially set-up | Completely Set-up & most of time fuel & tested at time of purchase |
Model Line-up | Select models of basic units | Full Line Dealers of most or all models |
Service | None or sent out from store | On site ( Some even are the ones that are the repair centers for the big box stores) |
Parts | Basic Availability, you have to read packaging or shelf labels to find correct part | More variety & availability will also help in making sure you get the CORRECT part the first time. |
Training | None or limited | Factory Trained & updated annually. |
· This chart assumes identical brands & models
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Excel Industries installs new mower testing grounds.
Excel Industries, Inc. installs new mower testing grounds
Excel Industries, Inc., manufacturer of Hustler Turf Equipment, has developed a new 20-acre mowing test facility near its production plant in Hesston, Kan. The area, which includes trees and slopes, was installed as an expansion of Excel’s current testing grounds.
The mowing facility will be the centerpiece of Hustler Days 2012. Hustler Days is a three-day dealer event held every two years and involves almost 700 dealer, distributor, vendor, and employee
EPA has authorized the use of E15 fuel...coming soon.
Upfront: EPA ethanol ruling sends shockwaves through OPE industry
By Steve Noe November OPE Magazine 2010
If you believe that 13 is an unlucky number, then chances are the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) didn’t do anything to help you get over that superstition on Oct. 13, 2010.
On that historic day, the EPA announced that it is waiving a limitation on selling fuel that contains more than 10-percent ethanol (E10) and up to 15-percent ethanol (E15) for model year 2007 and newer cars and light trucks.
“Thorough testing has now shown that E15 does not harm emissions control equipment in newer cars and light trucks,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, who made the decision after a review of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) extensive testing and other available data on E15’s impact on engine durability and emissions. “Wherever sound science and the law support steps to allow more home-grown fuels in America’s vehicles, this administration takes those steps.”
Although Jackson’s statement may be true when it comes to E15’s impact on model year 2007 and newer cars and light trucks, the same cannot necessarily be said about the effects of E15 on more than 200 million pieces of outdoor power equipment without the use of fuel additives.
“The Department of Energy’s 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 of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “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.
“Consumers should understand that current outdoor power equipment may be permanently damaged and could pose a safety risk if E15 fuel is used,” added Kiser. “Almost without exception, current equipment is not designed, built, or warranted for mid-level blends.”
EPA is not granting a waiver this year for E15 use in outdoor power equipment because current testing data does not support such a waiver. However, the concern with the Oct. 13 waiver is that the drivers of those E15-approved vehicles are likely to pump E15 into both their vehicles and their gas cans for their outdoor power equipment. They will then pour E15 from the gas can into their E10-approved outdoor power equipment -- without using an ethanol fuel stabilizer -- which could lead to product failure, void the warranty, and pose a safety risk.
EPA is proposing a regulatory program to help mitigate potential misfueling of certain engines, vehicles and equipment with gasoline containing greater than E10 and no more than E15. This proposed rule would require all E15 fuel dispensers to have a label if a retail station chooses to sell E15.
However, you and I both know this it is highly unlikely that most people will notice or even bother to read these labels before fueling their vehicles and gas cans or switch from an E15 pump to fuel their vehicle to an E10 pump to fill the gas can for their outdoor power equipment. Or, they may not know, or forget, to use an ethanol fuel stabilizer.
For more information, visit www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/.Friday, November 26, 2010
STIHL Inc. Produces 40 Millionth Unit at Virginia Beach Facility
STIHL Inc. Produces 40 Millionth Unit at Virginia Beach Facility
Leader in outdoor power equipment industry marks major achievement
Release Date: October 2010
Press Inquiries:
Anita Gambill
757-486-9151
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.)- Today, STIHL Inc. celebrated a milestone in its history as the 40 millionth powerhead manufactured in the U.S. rolled off the line. President Fred Whyte accepted an MS 290 STIHL FARM BOSS® chain saw, from Executive Vice President of Operations Peter Mueller in front of a gathering of STIHL employees.
“This unit is symbolic of years of hard work and dedication by all of our STIHL employees, from the men and women in product assembly and manufacturing to our territory managers across the country,” said Whyte. “We are the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor equipment in the country for a reason, and today I salute each and every person responsible for this success.”
STIHL Inc., one of several manufacturing facilities in the STIHL Group worldwide, has been headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va., since 1974. The company began its U.S. operations with 50 employees and manufacturing a single model of chain saw. Since then, production has grown and the company now employs more than 2,000 people nationwide, 1,800 in Virginia Beach, and produces a full line of high-quality, handheld outdoor power equipment including blowers, trimmers, brushcutters, and multi-task tools, as well as the number one selling brand of chain saws worldwide. In addition to serving the U.S. market, the company exports to over 90 countries.
About STIHL Inc.STIHL Inc. manufactures the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America for homeowners and professional landscapers*, as well as the number one selling brand of chain saws in the world. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast- not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. For more information or for the name a local STIHL retailer, call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the dealer locator on the STIHL website at www.stihlusa.com.
*"Number one selling brand" is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research (commercial landscapers) as well as independent consumer research of 2009 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers.
STIHL is pleased to support the work of the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), National FFA, Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), and the National Association of State Park Directors.
http://www.stihlusa.com/pressrelease/october10_40millionth_corporate.aspx
“This unit is symbolic of years of hard work and dedication by all of our STIHL employees, from the men and women in product assembly and manufacturing to our territory managers across the country,” said Whyte. “We are the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor equipment in the country for a reason, and today I salute each and every person responsible for this success.”
STIHL Inc., one of several manufacturing facilities in the STIHL Group worldwide, has been headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va., since 1974. The company began its U.S. operations with 50 employees and manufacturing a single model of chain saw. Since then, production has grown and the company now employs more than 2,000 people nationwide, 1,800 in Virginia Beach, and produces a full line of high-quality, handheld outdoor power equipment including blowers, trimmers, brushcutters, and multi-task tools, as well as the number one selling brand of chain saws worldwide. In addition to serving the U.S. market, the company exports to over 90 countries.
About STIHL Inc.STIHL Inc. manufactures the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America for homeowners and professional landscapers*, as well as the number one selling brand of chain saws in the world. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast- not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. For more information or for the name a local STIHL retailer, call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the dealer locator on the STIHL website at www.stihlusa.com.
*"Number one selling brand" is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research (commercial landscapers) as well as independent consumer research of 2009 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers.
STIHL is pleased to support the work of the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), National FFA, Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), and the National Association of State Park Directors.
http://www.stihlusa.com/pressrelease/october10_40millionth_corporate.aspx
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