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Toro String Trimmers Use This Type of Gas & Oil (Get It Right)

Using the right kind of fuel and knowing how to care for that fuel can help minimize fuel-related problems from developing.

Toro string trimmers with 2-cycle engines require gas and oil mixed at a 50:1 ratio.

  • 50 parts gas: Unleaded gasoline with a minimum 87-octane rating and maximum 10% ethanol content.
  • 1 part oil: 2-cycle premium engine oil.

Take caution when filling your Toro string trimmer’s fuel tank. Remove the fuel tank cap slowly in case the tank is under pressure. Always work in a well-ventilated area away from combustible products.

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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.

Old or Bad Gas in a Toro String Trimmer

Gas is often the underlying cause of a performance issue that has developed in a Toro string trimmer. It can contribute to issues with starting, dying, or a loss of power.

Gas can begin to break down as soon as 30 days after purchase. The ethanol found in most gasoline naturally attracts moisture to the fuel system.

This moisture and ethanol mixture leaves behind varnish and gummy deposits that can restrict fuel flow and cause component failures. It is often the reason why a Toro carburetor fails.

Ethanol is added to gas to make it more environmentally friendly since it is developed from high-starch content plants like corn. While this product is better for the environment, it is not good for a small engine.

Because gas breaks down quickly, it is important to use fresh gas. Add a fuel additive like Sea Foam Motor Treatment to stabilize gas and reduce moisture so it lasts a little longer.

Toro string trimmers require unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 and a maximum ethanol content of 10% (E10). Mix a 2-cycle premium oil with the gas for a 2-cycle Toro before adding it to the fuel port.

Avoid gasoline that includes ethanol contents greater than 10% including fuels sold as E15, E30, or E85. These fuels contain up to 15%, 30%, and 85% ethanol respectively. Ethanol-free fuels are best and will reduce the issues you experience due to old fuel.

Gas and Oil Fuel Mix to Use in a 2-Cycle Toro String Trimmer

2-cycle Toro string trimmer engines require oil to be mixed with gas before adding it to the fuel tank. Don’t make the mistake of adding straight gas or not adding enough oil to the gas.

Gas runs extremely dry. Without proper lubrication to cool the engine and allow the internal parts to move freely, the engine may seize and no longer run. You may end up having to replace the string trimmer with a new one.

Your Toro 2-cycle string trimmer uses a gas and oil mixture at a ratio of 50:1. This means 50 parts gas is mixed with 1 part oil. Refer to the chart below for the proper gas and oil measurements required.

When creating this mix, use unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 (regular) and maximum ethanol content of 10%.

Add a 2-cycle premium oil that is ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD certified like Toro All Season 2-cycle engine oil. DO NOT USE REGULAR ENGINE OIL.

How to mix gas and oil for a 2-cycle Toro string trimmer:

  • Use the chart below to determine how much fuel mix to prepare.
  • Remove the cap from an approved gas can. Add unleaded fuel (minimum 87 octane rating & maximum 10% ethanol content) to a gas can.
  • Using the chart for ounces of oil required, add the 2-cycle oil to the gas can.
  • Replace the cap.
  • Gently shake the fuel and oil until they are mixed.
  • Wipe around the fuel cap on the string trimmer to remove loose dirt before removing it.
  • Add the mixed fuel to the Toro string trimmer’s fuel tank.
  • Replace the fuel cap.

2-Cycle Toro Gas-to-Oil Mix

Gas to Oil Mix Ratio1 Gallon Gas2 Gallon Gas2.5 Gallon Gas
50:12.6 oz Oil5.2 oz Oil6.4 oz Oil
Toro 2-Cycle Gas to Oil Mix Ratio

2-Cycle Premixed Ethanol-Free Fuel

A great option to reduce fuel problems and extend engine life is using an ethanol-free fuel mix. This is an ethanol-free blend of oil and fuel that is ready to pour into your Toro string trimmer’s fuel tank.

You won’t have to deal with the bad effects of ethanol as discussed in the fuel section.

Ethanol-free fuels can be found at your local hardware store or online. I like the stay with the OEM brands like STIHL, ECHO, and RedMax. Some of the aftermarket brands provide poor running performance.

In Summary

The fuel used in your 2-cycle Toro string trimmer affects performance. When fuel ages, it can cause corrosion and fuel restrictions. Follow these simple steps when choosing a fuel for your Toro string trimmer:

  • Always use fresh gas and consume it within 30 days.
  • Make sure the gas contains no more than 10% ethanol and a minimum 87-octane rating.
  • Mix gas with a premium 2-cycle engine oil at a 50:1 ratio.
  • Add a fuel stabilizer so your gas lasts longer before breaking down. Some oils include a fuel stabilizer. An additive like Sea Foam Motor Treatment or STA-BIL can also be used.
  • Store gas in a dry location away from moisture and combustible products.