Running the wrong type of fuel through your Kubota lawn mower can have detrimental effects on your mower’s fuel system and engine. Read the labels on the fuel pump to make sure you are purchasing the correct type for your Kubota mower
Gas-powered Kubota lawn mowers use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher and an ethanol content no greater than 10 percent. Purchase high-quality gasoline and stabilize any fuel stored longer than 30 days. Store any unused gas in a dry location away from combustible materials.
While many of Kubota’s lawn mowers use gasoline, Kubota Tractor Corporation does also offer diesel-powered lawn mowers. This article is written specifically for gasoline-powered lawn mowers. If you are unsure what type of mower your own, refer to your Kubota owner’s manual.
This post may include affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may provide a commission for us, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Consult a professional if you don’t have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.
What is the Best Gas for Kubota Gas Powered Lawn Mowers?
Kubota gas-powered lawn mowers come in different sizes and types including riding lawn mowers, zero-turn mowers, and stand-on mowers. While they are different, they all use the same four-stroke engine style that uses unleaded gasoline.
Some things to keep in mind when purchasing fuel for your Kubota mower:
- Only use fresh gasoline and don’t let it sit for extended periods of time.
- Store in a dry area to prevent water from mixing with the gas.
- Use gasoline with an octane of 87 or higher.
- Make sure the gasoline has no more than a 10% ethanol content. The lower the better.
Choosing Gas for Your Kubota Lawn Mower
With so many options at the fuel stations today, you may be wondering which fuel you should be using for your Kubota gas-powered lawn mower.
You have invested a lot of money into your mower. Keep it running at its best by using the correct type of gas. Use a quality fresh unleaded fuel that has a low ethanol content.
Buy Fresh Gas for Your Kubota Lawn Mower
Because gas can begin to break down and become less effective as soon as 30 days after purchase, it is important to buy fuel and use it right away. Some people fill up a plastic container with gas and allow it to sit for extended periods of time. When they go to use this gas, it has become unstable.
Avoid High Amounts of Ethanol in your Kubota Lawn Mower
Ethanol, a corn-based product used in most gasoline today, can be damaging to small engines. Ethanol is corrosive to your Kubota’s fuel system. It also degrades plastics and components on your mower.
Old fuel can leave behind a sticky, gummy substance that can cause blockages in your fuel system. Blockages in your filter, fuel lines, and carburetor can prevent your Kubota’s engine from receiving the fuel it requires. This can make your Kubota mower run sluggish or possibly not run at all.
Types of gasoline that contain ethanol attract moisture from the air. When gasoline begins to break down, the ethanol and water mixture will separate from the gasoline and sink to the bottom of your gas tank.
Running this water and ethanol mixture through your Kubota can cause your engine to run very hot causing it to overheat resulting in engine damage.
Purchase High-Quality Fuel for Your Kubota Lawn Mower
While buying expensive fuel isn’t always best, I do recommend buying a good quality gas with a low ethanol content if you can afford to. Another option for fuel is ethanol-free fuel.
Gasoline with an ethanol content no greater than 10% is okay to run through your Kubota, but a fuel without ethanol is even better. It has less damaging effects on your fuel system as it does not break down like fuels that contain ethanol.
Ethanol-free fuels are more expensive, especially if you are purchasing them in canisters at your local hardware store. The more economical way to purchase gasoline is at the fuel station.
Many fuel stations are adding ethanol-free fuel as an option. This type of fuel is often marketed as recreation fuel or REC-90.
Currently, a gallon of ethanol-free fuel can cost you up to $3.00 more per gallon. You will need to weigh the cost of fuel against the potential cost of damage from running other fuels.
Use a Fuel Additive in Your Kubota Lawn Mower
While ethanol-free fuel is best, I still use high-quality unleaded gasoline that has a 10% ethanol content. I add a fuel additive to each tank of gas just in case I don’t use it timely. It prevents the fuel from gumming up and reduces moisture to protect the fuel system and engine.
The fuel additive I prefer is Sea Foam Motor Treatment. The product not only is good for the engine, but it also stabilizes my fuel for up to two years and acts as a fuel system cleaner.
This product should be used in your fuel tank, when storing excess fuel and when storing your lawn mower with fuel during the off-season.
You may have more questions about Sea Foam and why it is my preferred fuel additive. Read more about it in my article on the advantages of Sea Foam in your lawn mower.
Don’t Overthink It
Purchasing good fuel for your Kubota lawn mower shouldn’t be a stressful process. Just keep a few basic tips in mind when visiting the fuel station and you’ll be all set:
- Buy fresh fuel
- Use a fuel stabilizer
- Avoid high ethanol percentages
Refer to your owner’s manual if you have additional questions about the correct fuel to use in your Kubota lawn mower.