UK tree contractors, Gristwood and Toms, together with Merseyside-based grounds and landscapers, Kingsman Gardens, are reportedly discovering the benefits of switching their fuel over to Aspen alkylate petrol.

Both are said to have reaped the rewards of using Aspen fuel – reducing harmful fumes and costly machinery servicing and repairs.

Gristwood and Toms started using Aspen 2 in their fleet of chainsaws 18 months ago.

“With a team of 220 people and nearly 200 vehicles on our books, it’s important that we’re taking steps where we can, to improve our green credentials,” explained director Dave Gristwood.

“Aspen came in to demonstrate the product and how, by removing all of the nasty chemicals, the fuel burns much cleaner than regular unleaded. Our chainsaws run well, now without the fumes which is much better health-wise for the guys using them.”

He continued, “In our line of work, it’s also quite common for spillages to occur, and if this happens now with the Aspen product, it’s noticeable that it doesn’t cause damage to plants or the surrounding environment to the same degree as conventional fuel.”

For Kevin Prince, owner of Kingsman Gardens, the difference he has noticed in the longevity of his machinery is said to have been massive since he switched to Aspen 2 two years ago.

“My team of five guys undertake a variety of domestic and commercial works from landscaping, garden clearances, tree cutting to pressure washing and cleaning. Because of the scope and variety of work we do, some items on our machinery fleet will sit around unused for a few months – sometimes even longer. Because the Aspen fuel doesn’t deteriorate like regular petrol would do, and keeps the inner workings so much cleaner, it means we’ve had machines that are unused for over a year that still start up first time.”

Kevin uses Aspen 2 in all of his two-stroke equipment, including chainsaws, strimmers and hedgecutters together with a small amount of the Aspen 4 mix in some of his four-stroke hover mowers.

“Being ready prepared, we’ve all but eliminated issues with mixing which is much safer and reduces my maintenance costs when machines weren’t running as they should. Customers have also commented on the reduction in smell and smoke which is especially important when you’re working in small, confined areas.”

Being virtually free from sulphur, benzene and solvents, Aspen alkylate petrol burns cleaner than regular petrol making it safer for operators, machinery and the environment, the manufacturer said.

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