Lawn mowers are essential for keeping your yard neat and well-groomed. If you are planning to invest in a lawn mower, then it is important to know how much gas it uses. In the U.S., mowers consume 1.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually. This is about 1% of U.S. motor gasoline consumption.
This blog will walk you through a few important things to know about gas usage before buying a lawn mower.
Mower Types and Their Gas Requirements
An average capacity of a lawn mower gas tank can range anywhere from 1 to 3 gallons. Mowers largely fall into two types: Push mowers and Riding mowers.
Push Mowers and Riding Mowers
Push mowers usually have smaller tanks, typically holding 1 to 1.5 gallons of fuel. On the other hand, riding mowers have large tanks. Their capacity is often between 2 to 3 gallons, though some models hold more. This is a standard figure, but the fuel capacity can differ based on the model and manufacturer. To get a more exact figure, it is better to check the capacity details on the specific model.
Fuel Use for Commercial Mowers
In addition to these two types, there are also commercial mowers. With these mowers, it is difficult to minimise gas consumption. Often used by large property owners and mowing companies, these mowers can consume 900 to 2,000 gallons of fuel per year.
However, this also depends on the climate and season. Along with gasoline, it also consumes large amounts of diesel annually. This option is for high-intensity use and can get on the pricier side of your budget.
Factors Influencing Gas Usage
Mower Size and Fuel Capacity
The size of the mower also makes a huge difference in how much gas it uses. A medium-sized riding mower can hold up to 2 gallons of gasoline. Whereas larger models like lawn tractors have more capacity and can hold up to 4 gallons.
A four-stroke engine riding lawn mower with 13 to 20 horsepower burns 1 to 2 gallons of gas per hour. And if you are confused between two-stroke and four-stroke engines, opt for the latter since it is quieter and uses less gas.
Frequency of Lawn Mowing
Gas usage is not the same for everyone, but it depends on how often you mow. For instance, a 30-inch Toro has 1.2 quarts of fuel capacity. Most people don't use a full tank every time they mow. On average, it takes about a quart of gas per cut. So if you are mowing approx 45 times a season, then you might use around 11 gallons of gas.
Type of Gas Used
Gas selection is crucial in making sure that your mower runs smoothly without any potential damage. It is not only how much to use, but also which kind of gas to use. For instance, fuel like ethanol can pose a threat to your equipment because it burns hotter in smaller engines.
It can also attract moisture from the air, leading to the presence of water in the fuel tank. This can cause corroding and clogging of the fuel system. To avoid all this, it is better to substitute ethanol with a gas that is either ethanol-free or has the least amount of ethanol.
Try choosing E-10 gas at the gas station, which contains only 10% ethanol. It is advised to avoid E-15 gas, which contains 15% ethanol, as it may harm the mower's engine. For walk-behind mowers, you can go ahead with precision-engineered fuel that does not contain any ethanol. These work for both two-stroke and four-stroke engines.
How Maintenance Affects Fuel Efficiency?

One of the convenient ways to save on gas would be to take care of the mower. A routine inspection of the mower is essential to understand its condition. Checking the filters, spark plugs, tire pressure, and oil can help it run more efficiently.
A dirty or clogged air filter often prevents the engine from keeping cool. This leads to the engine consuming and burning more fuel. A timely cleaning of air filters can prevent the need to refuel. In addition to this, underinflated tires make it difficult for the mower to get over bumps. This results in extra gas consumption by your mower.
Mowing wet grass can also lead to extra gas consumption. Moist clippings often get stuck on the underbelly of your riding mowers, thereby putting more stress on the engine. This extra stress always leads to more fuel being burned than necessary.
Conclusion
Figuring out the gas cost can help you choose the right mower that will not end up burdening you financially. Whether it is a push mower or a riding one, knowing the fuel needs may help you choose wisely. Pick a mower that fits your yard and budget; this way, maintenance also stays simple and affordable.