The best 2-stroke oil & fuel
The right oil and fuel keep a petrol brush cutter starting easily and running for years. Here's what we'd put in the tank — from universal 2-stroke oil to ready-mixed alkylate fuel.
In short:Two-stroke brush cutters need fresh petrol mixed with a good two-stroke oil at the ratio in the manual. Oils we cover include Stihl HP Super (JASO FD, part-synthetic), Husqvarna XP (synthetic), Motul Garden 2T and Castrol POWER1 2T (JASO FD). Ready-mixed alkylate fuels — Aspen 2 and Stihl MotoMix, both premixed at 50:1 — store far longer and suit occasional users and machines that specify 1:50. A marked mixing bottle such as the Arnold 6011 (1:25 and 1:50) makes mixing accurate.
The 18 we cover
A 5 litre can of Motul's Garden 2T oil for mixing your own fuel — a good-value bulk choice for owners with several two-stroke garden machines.
- Type2-stroke oil for garden machinery
- Volume5 L (part 100047)
- Approvals (Motul Garden 2T range)API TC, ISO-L-EGD, JASO FD
Ready-mixed 50:1 alkylate 2-stroke fuel with biodegradable oil — virtually free of benzene and aromatics, ethanol-free and slow to go stale.
- TypeAlkylate petrol, premixed 50:1
- OilBiodegradable 2-stroke oil
- Volume5 L can
A replacement air filter for Stihl FS 38, FS 45, FS 55, KM 55 and HL 45 machines, matching OEM part 4140 124 2800 — cheap routine servicing.
- Equivalent toStihl 4140 124 2800
- Listed forStihl FS 38, FS 45, FS 55, KM 55, HL 45
- MakePattern part (Jrisbo), not genuine Stihl
A low-cost gasket and diaphragm set for Walbro WA/WT-type carburettors (replaces D10-WTA, K10-WAT) — for rebuilding a leaking or poorly running carb.
- FitsWalbro WA / WT-type carburettors
- ReplacesD10-WTA, K10-WAT kits
- Contents4 gaskets and diaphragms (listing)
A part-synthetic 2-stroke oil meeting JASO FD, ISO-L-EGD and API TC — a widely available, high-spec oil for mixing your own brush cutter fuel.
- TypePart-synthetic 2-stroke oil
- SpecificationsJASO FD, ISO-L-EGD, API TC
- Volume1 L
Four in-tank pendulum fuel filters with felt elements and a 5 mm connector, 30 × 15 mm — trap dirt before it reaches the carburettor.
- TypeIn-tank pendulum filter, felt element
- Connector5 mm
- Size30 × 15 mm
Two sets of 3 mm fuel hose with in-tank filters, primer bulbs and tank grommets — for replacing perished fuel lines on small trimmer engines.
- Contents2 hose + filter sets, 2 primer bulbs, 2 grommets
- Hose size3 mm ID × 5.5 mm OD
- Hose lengths24 cm (black), 14 cm (yellow)
Arnold's 2-stroke mixing bottle, marked for 1:25 and 1:50 ratios — measure petrol and oil accurately at home for a brush cutter.
- Ratios marked1:25 and 1:50
- Part numberArnold 6011-X1-0201
Oregon's red, part-synthetic 2-stroke oil in a 1 L twin-neck dosing bottle, meeting API TC — for mixing your own brush cutter fuel.
- TypePart-synthetic, mineral-based 2-stroke oil
- SpecificationAPI TC
- Bottle1 L twin-neck, built-in dosing chamber
A flexible metal spout for 5, 10 and 20 litre metal jerry cans with a bayonet cap — drip-free pouring of petrol or 2-stroke mix into a brush cutter tank.
- FitsMetal jerry cans, 5/10/20 L, bayonet cap
- OutletFlexible metal pipe, 20 mm
- FuelsPetrol, E10, diesel, 2-stroke mix
Stihl's Superlub FS gear grease in an 80 g tube — the lubricant Stihl specifies for the angle gearbox on its brush cutters and trimmers.
- ProductStihl Superlub FS gear lubricant
- Size80 g tube
- Part number0781 120 1117
Husqvarna's XP synthetic performance 2-stroke oil in a 1 L bottle — Husqvarna's premium oil for mixing your own fuel at the ratio in your manual.
- TypeSynthetic 2-stroke performance oil
- Volume1 L
- Part number578 03 70-03
Twelve replacement primer bulbs — six 22 mm and six 19 mm — listed for Stihl FS 38 to FS 130 trimmers and Zama carburettors. Fix a cracked or hard bulb.
- Pack12 bulbs: 6 × 22 mm, 6 × 19 mm
- Listed forStihl FS 38–FS 130 and many Zama carburettors
- MaterialClear plastic
A complete pull-start (recoil starter) assembly with driver and seal for 43–52 cc brush cutters and multi-tools, such as some Fuxtec and other budget brands.
- TypeComplete recoil starter assembly
- IncludesPull starter, starter driver, seal
- For43–52 cc brush cutters, hedge trimmers, multi-tools
Thin-wall magnetic 14 mm and 16 mm 12-point spark plug sockets on a 3/8 in drive — fit 16 mm hex brush cutter plugs; many small engines need a 19 mm spanner.
- Sizes14 mm and 16 mm, 12-point
- Drive3/8 in (ratchet not included)
- FeaturesMagnetic hold, thin wall, swivel
Stihl's HP Super part-synthetic 2-stroke oil (JASO FD, ISO-L-EGD) with low-ash additives, mixed 1:50 — recommended by Stihl for its 4-MIX engines.
- TypePart-synthetic 2-stroke oil, low ash
- SpecificationsJASO FD, ISO-L-EGD
- Mix ratio1:50 (20 ml per litre)
Stihl's ready-mixed 1:50 fuel for 2-stroke and 4-MIX engines — ethanol-free with a 5-year shelf life, in a 5 litre can. No mixing, easy starting.
- TypeReady-mixed fuel, 1:50
- For2-stroke and Stihl 4-MIX engines
- EthanolNone
An angled polypropylene fuel funnel with a 120 mm mouth, built-in filter and handle — cleaner, spill-free filling of a brush cutter's small tank.
- TypeAngled funnel with handle
- Mouth120 mm
- FilterBuilt-in strainer
Mix your own, or buy it ready-made?
You have two routes. Mix your own with a quality 2-stroke oil (like Motul Garden 2T) and fresh petrol — cheapest, but you must measure accurately and use it reasonably fresh. Or buy ready-mixed alkylate fuel (like Aspen 2) — more expensive, but benzene-free, healthier to breathe, and stable for years so it never goes stale between seasons.
Get the ratio right
Most modern machines run 1:50 (check your manual). Measure carefully — too little oil risks seizing the engine, too much fouls the plug. Whatever you use, fresh fuel is the single biggest factor in easy starting. See our buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
What oil should I use in a 2-stroke brush cutter?
A quality 2-stroke oil designed for air-cooled garden engines, mixed at the ratio in your manual (commonly 1:50). A universal semi-synthetic like Motul Garden 2T works across all brands.
What is alkylate fuel and is it worth it?
Alkylate fuel (like Aspen 2) is pre-mixed, benzene-free and stores for years. It's cleaner for your health and your engine, and removes the need to mix — ideal for occasional users, at a higher price.
What is the correct 2-stroke mixing ratio?
Most modern machines use 1:50 (some older ones 1:40). Always follow your manual, measure accurately, and use fresh fuel — stale mix is a common cause of starting problems.
Can I leave fuel in my brush cutter over winter?
Ordinary petrol mix goes stale and gums up carburettors. Either drain it, or use alkylate fuel like Aspen which stores for years without degrading.
Which one for which need
Getting through a season
The volume determines how many mixes you get before buying again. With regular use, the large container works out markedly cheaper.
Avoiding old mix
Mixed fuel ages and fouls the engine. A small container used up quickly avoids keeping mix that degrades.
Who each type suits
- Regular use
- Mixing it yourself works out markedly cheaper per litre. The rigour of the dosage then becomes the only constraint.
- Occasional use
- Ready-mixed fuel keeps for years and removes the risk of a dosing error. It is where it most justifies itself.
- Winter storage
- It is fuel aged in the tank and the carburettor that causes most refusals to start in spring.
The trade-offs to weigh
- Home mix against ready-mixed
- Home mix costs far less per litre and assumes an exact dosage; ready-mixed fuel keeps for years and costs several times more.
- Volume bought against shelf life
- A large can of mix works out cheaper and degrades over time. Mix is prepared according to what you will actually use.
- Synthetic oil against mineral
- Synthetic fouls less and lubricates better when hot, for a modest premium. It is where the saving shows itself fastest in use.
Questions buyers ask
What happens if the mix is too low in oil?
The engine lacks lubrication, overheats and can seize. That is a permanent failure, and it is the most expensive mistake in this range.
And if the mix is too rich?
The engine smokes, fouls the spark plug and loses power. That is reversible, unlike a mix that is too lean.
Can car fuel be used?
Only mixed with two-stroke oil in the right ratio. Putting neat petrol into a two-stroke engine destroys it within minutes.
How do I prepare a mix correctly?
In a dedicated, graduated can, oil then petrol, shaking before every fill. Pouring straight into the tank mixes nothing.
How do I recognise aged fuel?
It takes on a varnish smell and a darker colour. An engine that refuses to start in spring almost always points to that fuel.
What should I do before winter?
Drain the tank then run the engine until it stops, to empty the carburettor. That is what prevents the spring breakdown.
Does alkylate fuel change anything?
It keeps for years without degrading and gives off markedly fewer irritant compounds. Its cost reserves it for occasional use or for sensitive users.
Where should fuel be stored?
In an approved can, cool, away from sunlight and any heat source, outside the home.
What to remember
A mix too low in oil seizes the engine, and that is permanent: mix in a dedicated, graduated can, never in the tank. Drain and run the engine until it stops before winter — aged fuel explains most refusals to start in spring.