Thread: John Deere ride-on, what petrol to use?

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Hi folks, I have just received back a John Deere LT155 ride-on lawn mower.

The Manuel states to use 87 octane petrol, but I keep 98 octane for my generator, mowers, and weed-eaters.

I am no mechanic so can I use the 98 in the ride-on or will this cause problems?

You may possibly need an additive for leaded fuel, mind you ive ran 98 through a really old Howard (60's) withought an issue.
Cheers Jim

nothing with ethanol in it.

Thanks Jim and I forgot to post the manual states 87 unleaded octane.

I warned you I am no mechanic!

Hi
Your John Deere manual will be stating the US octane rating (AKI ), Australia uses RON ( research octane number) so the US 87 octane is the equal of 91 RON
All your equipment will actually run better on 91 as it will all be relatively low compression stuff which has no knock sensors or ability to advance the timing to take advantage of the 98 you currently use

It will run with whatever petrol you put in it. None of them will cause problems.

Including E10...

Originally Posted by Slunnie

It will run with whatever petrol you put in it. None of them will cause problems.

Probably quite right - BUT, I think from memory, that in JD caution about using anything with ethanol in their current models.

I use so little petrol these days I just get 98 when required, even for the mowers.

I'm a bit wary of ethanol in carby engines generally, but have run my 20yo Husky with Kwaka twin many times on it (like half the time or more) and after 500+ hrs it is still sweet as a nut. Kwaka say E10 is OK, and small amount of ethanol is good to emulsify any water and also clean the system. Best check the engine manufactures recommendation if unsure.