Tag Archive for: Fuel

Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel

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Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel: Having read about the positive experiences of other clubs making the switch, the team at Gloucestershire’s Minchinhampton Golf Club are themselves now discovering the efficiency and safety benefits of Aspen alkylate petrol.

Used across a suite of 2-stroke equipment, club Mechanic Tom Dorey notes the significant reduction in costly faults and breakdowns, while its delivery by the barrel has reduced the time and risks associated with transporting fuel from the forecourt.

Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel

Efficiency and safety gains with switch to Aspen Fuel

Minchinhampton comprises of 36-holes at the New Course site along with a further 18-holes at the historic Old Course – established in 1889 and situated 4 miles away on SSSI common land, managed in partnership with the National Trust. The third, the parkland Avening Course, has been used on multiple occasions as an Open Qualifying venue. Looking after the maintenance is a team of 17 greenkeepers who, alongside Mechanic Tom, keep the large machinery fleet and busy courses in tip-top condition.

“I was familiar with Aspen Fuel from personal experience but was seeing more articles in the press about facilities switching over and felt it was worth exploring” explains Tom. “We spoke with some other golf clubs and then met with Aspen’s Roy Narbey at BTME in 2025 who arranged a trial of Aspen-2 for us. The rest, as they say, is history and we’ve recently just taken delivery of our second barrel.”

Being virtually free from ethanol, aromatics and benzene Aspen alkylate petrol presents a 99% cleaner fuel when compared with traditional pump fuel. The significantly reduced emissions not only benefit the health and safety of the operator but also contributes to increased sustainability standards, helping the team to meet the courses environmental responsibilities.

Like other Aspen users, Minchinhampton quickly discovered the immediate benefits but were pleasantly surprised by the further ‘wins’ that came from the switch. “The difference was notable almost immediately. The team all commented on the better working environment when using tools such as backpack blowers and hedgecutters and reported the reduction in fumes and headaches as soon as we switched.” Tom adds, “In the workshop, servicing of the equipment is now much simpler. I haven’t had to spend time repairing or replacing gummed up carburettors, saving us money and enhancing the overall lifespan of the engines and the equipment.”

Aspen-2’s pre-mixed formula has also eliminated issues with incorrect mixture ratios. “Convenience has been another big plus point, with the fuel readily available on site, pre-mixed so there’s no risk of issues associated with incorrect fuel and oil ratios.”

“The support from Roy throughout the trial and in getting us up and running has also been brilliant. He gave us lots of hints and tips for correct pump operation and getting the most from our equipment.” He concludes, “The experience has been incredibly positive and eventually we hope to extend our use to Aspen-4 for the cleaner running of some of our larger equipment.”

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GVA become the preachers of benefits of Aspen Fuel

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GVA become the preachers of benefits of Aspen Fuel: ‘Your environment, our responsibility’ is not just the strapline of contractors GVA – it’s very much a motto the company embody everyday in their operations with National Highways, utility providers, countryside managers and other leading land agencies throughout the UK.

Longstanding users of Aspen 2 and Aspen 4 across their machinery fleet, their confidence in the environmental and operator benefits of alkylate fuel has moved from being simply their fuel of choice to a core element of their brand new GVA Training school.

GVA become the preachers of benefits of Aspen Fuel

GVA become the preachers of benefits of Aspen Fuel

Already familiar with the firm from over 20 years’ experience in the arboricultural industry, Andrew Fletcher joined GVA in September 2024 to become their new Corporate Training Instructor and Coordinator. He came with a clear vision – to build a training centre that reflects best practice across the industry and just a few short months later, and with LANTRA qualifications to teach across 10 specialist disciplines under his belt, that vision became a reality in the form of GVA Training.

“It’s been incredibly exciting – to develop this new project within such an established and well-respected business” Andrew explains. “Because of GVA’s growth, we see a steady stream of new recruits so it made complete sense to develop a training model to run alongside our operations which supports our clients and demonstrates our commitment to continual professional development and high safety standards.”

Courses are open to anyone, and include a dedicated segment on fuelling – focussed on the science, environmental and operator health benefits and practical advantages of Aspen Fuel over regular petrol. “We see it in our day-to-day business – the reduction in smoke/haze, the lack of strong odour, the benefits it brings to engine life and equipment performance. It’s now about informing the next generation, many of whom have heard about Aspen but some who only experience it hands-on for the first time when they come and learn with us. They notice the difference straight away” he adds.

“During the morning maintenance session, trainees get the chance to inspect machines from GVA’s own fleet which is where they can clearly see Aspen’s cleaner burn and reduced carbon deposits. Come the afternoon, its outdoor training using both battery tools and conventional equipment fuelled exclusively with Aspen.” This combination of theory and practice, Andrew says, helps to overcome any perceived barriers some of the attendees sometimes have. “Cost always comes up, but when you factor in that Aspen is pre-mixed with 2-stroke oil, the reduction in machinery maintenance, downtime, not to mention the health benefits, it pays for itself. We’re fully converted which makes it easy to present with confidence.”

With support from their local Aspen distributor Stuart Taylors International, GVA Training has welcomed over 100 students since the scheme launched in April 2025 and with demand steadily increasing, they expect numbers to grow rapidly over the coming year. “We use Aspen because it works. Now it’s brilliant that we can teach so many others why!”

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Cleaner fuel powers healthier operation

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Cleaner fuel powers healthier operation: The switch to Aspen Fuel has transformed operations for the Cowdray Estate forestry team– delivering significant health, safety and efficiency benefits to maintenance works across the 6,800 acres of managed woodland.

Cowdray’s decision to start using Aspen two years ago has brought tangible benefits to both daily working conditions and long-term equipment performance.

Cleaner fuel powers healthier operation

Cleaner fuel powers healthier operation

Assistant Forestry Manager Kris Gillespie has worked at Cowdray for the last seven years and is part of an 11-strong team looking after the maintenance of the conifers, broadleaf high forest and chestnut coppice that make up 36% of the total footprint of the estate. “Anyone who works with petrol-powered equipment will know that one of the major downsides is the fumes, and the implications this has for operator health and safety” Kris explains. “Even if you’re not actually using the tools, simply transporting cans from one place to another is enough to notice the smell.”

“As soon as we started using Aspen, this all changed. The fact that it’s odourless in operation not only brings real health benefits for the team, it is also really beneficial for the visitors who regularly use the 100 miles of footpaths that run through our woodlands.”

Aspen is an alkylate petrol, available for two and four stroke engines. Aspen 2 is pre-mixed with a fully synthetic, biodegradable oil removing the need to manual mixing and improving consistency and engine performance.

Kris continues, “Not only has Aspen presented us with a cleaner, safer alternative, it’s also brought us efficiency savings by having Aspen delivered to site by the pallet – eliminating trips to the petrol station.” The absence of ethanol and other hazardous hydrocarbons has also been a gamechanger. “With a range of tools of all shapes and sizes, it’s not unusual for some machines to sit unused for a year or two at a time. Because Aspen is ethanol-free it doesn’t degrade like traditional petrol which means we can take a saw that hasn’t been used for a while, start it up and get straight to work.” He adds, “Before, we’d be spending money on repairs to machines which had barely clocked up any hours, just because of rotten fuel lines. That hasn’t happened since we started using Aspen fuel.”

The Cowdray team has also adopted Aspen’s Fillpartner Combihandle, bringing further practicality and safety into practice. “With this, we can ensure no spills and quickly and easy swap out the Aspen can with a spare when required to get through a full day’s work with ease.”

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Aspen redefining operator-friendly fuel

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Aspen redefining operator-friendly fuel: Aspen Fuel return to GroundsFest, putting the spotlight on petrol power that protects the professionals working closest to it.

Known widely as the pioneers of alkylate petrol, Aspen has been transforming the working environment for landscape and groundcare operatives for over 40 years, changing the way we think about fuel to prioritise clean performance and personal wellbeing.

Aspen redefining operator-friendly fuel

Aspen redefining operator-friendly fuel

Traditional petrol from the pump contains harmful substances including benzene, aromatics and sulphur – all of which contribute to air pollution and can pose serious health risks for operatives. Long-term exposure to exhaust emissions can cause respiratory issues, headaches, fatigue and, in some cases, even more serious health consequences. Aspen’s alkylate petrol offers an alternative.

Available in 2 and 4-stroke formulations, Aspen is 99% cleaner than regular petrol when it comes to the level of hazardous hydrocarbons. Almost completely odourless in operation, users of petrol-powered equipment are exposed to far fewer toxic emissions, making it a safer and more sustainable choice for maintenance teams working long hours or in enclosed environments.

Visitors to stand H50 at GroundsFest will have the opportunity to learn how Aspen not only prioritises the working conditions for the operator but extends engine life and improves performance. Ethanol-free and purchased pre-mixed with biodegradable two-stroke oil, Aspen 2 provides unbeatable consistency and an optimal mix to protect the performance of chainsaws, hedge trimmers and other petrol-powered tools. Without all of the harmful ingredients, Aspen also does not degrade, extending its shelf life and protecting the engines of machines that spend seasons – or longer – in storage.

Live demonstrations and expert advice will be available on the stand, giving attendees the chance to see and smell the Aspen difference for themselves. Details of trial opportunities can also be discussed, enabling workers and employers to discover the many benefits of switching to Aspen in their own working environments.

Whether you manage a grounds team, run a landscaping business or just care about the safety of your own daily operations, a stop on the Aspen stand is a must for visitors to Stoneleigh Park this 9th and 10th September.

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Aspen Fuel provides environmentally-friendly power

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Aspen Fuel provides environmentally-friendly power: One of the country’s leading treework, grounds and estate contractors has praised the role of Aspen Fuel in powering their environmentally-friendly maintenance operation.

Based on the outskirts of Cardiff, TR33 is utilising Aspen alkylate petrol in all of their 2-stroke equipment, playing its part in a wider ‘green’ strategy and helping the firm to win a number of commercial groundcare tenders.

Aspen Fuel provides environmentally-friendly power

Aspen Fuel provides environmentally-friendly power

Undertaking all elements of tree surgery, grounds and estate management, TR33 are proud to work for a number of local governments, housing associations, retail and park managers within a 90-minute radius of their base in Michaelston Y Fedw. Neil Davies has been one of TR33’s Managers for the last four years and oversees a team of over 50 operatives. “Whether you call it humility, respect or admiration for nature or being ‘green’ or environmentally aware, TR33’s ethos right from the outset 20 years ago is to work in harmony with our surroundings” says Neil.

“Our use of Aspen Fuel pre-dates me, but the reasons we continue to use it for all of our two-stroke equipment remains the same –this being the benefits it brings to the environment and the health of our operators.”

Free from ethanol and many of the hazardous hydrocarbons found in traditional unleaded petrol, Aspen alkylate petrol burns cleaner. Its use, compared with pump fuel, reduces ground-level ozone – which can negatively affect plant growth and reduce carbon uptake – by up to 40%. Together with keeping engine components healthier for longer, using Aspen also all but eliminates the smell and knock-on health implications of prolonged exposure to the haze omitted from petrol-powered equipment.

“Ultimately we’re nothing without our staff so putting their welfare front and centre is incredibly important to us.” He continues, “The Aspen 2 is delivered in barrels supplied by Forest Park & Garden to our yard and arrives pre-mixed which avoids us having to police how the 2-stroke oil and petrol is being mixed, further improving health and safety and giving us fantastic consistency for our chainsaws, hedge cutters, leaf blowers and other 2-stroke equipment.”

When it comes to commercial tenders, Neil explains that it’s important for TR33 to demonstrate that they are practicing what they preach. “Explaining that we use Aspen Fuel is another way for us to demonstrate our environmental credentials. This has undoubtedly played its part in securing some of our big commercial contracts over the years.”

He adds, “People will be aware there is a cost implication for using an alternative fuel such as Aspen, but for us that is more than offset by the knowledge that our team can go about their business in a way which is not detrimental to their health. It’s something appreciated by the operators, our customers and, increasingly, by the market as a whole.”

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