One reason I use Aspen

[muttley9050]

I'll never use it while it comes in disposable containers. Huge amounts of the recyclable plastic ends up in the sea and not recycled. I was always taught reduce, reuse then recycle. Not recycle as the favoured option. Recycling plastic has a massive carbon footprint if it gets recycled at all.
I buy my milk from a local farm in a refillable stainless churn. I have a water bottle I fill from the tap.
Another thing that bugs me now is coffee cups. Why isn't there an option at the machine to use your own reusable mug.

[GardenKit]

10 minutes ago, muttley9050 said:

I'll never use it while it comes in disposable containers. Huge amounts of the recyclable plastic ends up in the sea and not recycled. I was always taught reduce, reuse then recycle. Not recycle as the favoured option. Recycling plastic has a massive carbon footprint if it gets recycled at all.
I buy my milk from a local farm in a refillable stainless churn. I have a water bottle I fill from the tap.
Another thing that bugs me now is coffee cups. Why isn't there an option at the machine to use your own reusable mug.

Can't argue with a man of principles. Is this a satisfactory re-use of containers?

[Sawchip]

What is the "official" Aspen line on usage of the Asp 2 if its from a opened container . 

A general point of ref for age would be good as i guess there is a latitude for safety on the oil content being affected regardless of if the fuel looses some freshness .

[Sawchip]

A few things running about in my mind ...

What was the thinking in developing a fuel that was going to be so much more expensive than what is already being used? ...not just a bit, but multiples more expensive. Small volume domestic users may not have so much concern ...pro users may.

Companies dont set out to lose money on something ....There must be a thought through reason with the price difference .

I know both Husqvarna and Dolmar put Aspen in there product catalogue and Stihl have there Motor Mix. There is a recommendation from all 3 to use these products thus giving some "industry" endorsement .

Also...Manufacturers do like constants. They would much rather the fuel that went into there product was "accurate" in its content for there warrantee liabilities. 

The current 2 cycle motors are becoming much more stringent on the amount of fuel going through them so  perhaps it is helpful for manufacturers to have a product that they could endorse.

 

Edited November 17, 2017 by Sawchip

[GardenKit]

3 hours ago, Sawchip said:

A few things running about in my mind ...

What was the thinking in developing a fuel that was going to be so much more expensive than what is already being used? ..

 

This was the thinking Mr Sawchip!

 

"Aspen's founder Roland Elmäng was a thoughtful and innovative engineer. And a man of action. One day in the late 1980s, he read an article about the harmful conditions that forestry workers had to work in, surrounded by chainsaw fumes. Roland thought it should be possible to do something that would improve the situation. With many years of experience in the petroleum industry and as fuel expert at Volvo, he was the right man for the task. He had a sudden brainwave about producing a fuel that was adapted for the environment and health. He realised that there were fuel components that would work much better – both for people and machines.

Roland recollected that during the second World War, high-octane fuel had been produced from gases created in the oil refining process. This fuel was used by the air force. The technique was called alkylation and provided an improved product which, in contrast to regular petrol, did not contain benzene, lead, sulphur or other hazardous substances. No sooner said than done – and with alkylate as the main component – Roland developed a specialist fuel for chainsaws.

It proved to be a stroke of genius. He had created an improved fuel that was not just better for the health of forestry workers, but for the chainsaws too. The cleaner, more efficient fuel led to better performance and reliability for the engines and, on top of that, fewer repairs were required. It also produced much lower emissions and was therefore better for the environment. It was almost too good to be true.

Searching for strategic partners to enable further product development, Roland approached Husqvarna. In contrast to the major oil companies, they immediately saw the benefits of Aspen's cleaner fuel. Aspen alkylate petrol was launched at the forestry industry trade fair, “Skogs Elmia” in 1989 and success was secured. In principle, all forestry workers changed over to alkylate petrol overnight. This was the start of an enduring and comprehensive partnership. Aspen handled product development and Husqvarna, with its nationwide network of distributors, became the perfect channel to reach customers. At specialist servicing centres, mechanics were transformed in to entrepreneurs who did more than fix chainsaws.They now stocked petrol and a range of accessories."

[Sawchip]

34 minutes ago, GardenKit said:

This was the thinking Mr Sawchip!

 

"Aspen's founder Roland Elmäng was a thoughtful and innovative engineer. And a man of action. One day in the late 1980s, he read an article about the harmful conditions that forestry workers had to work in, surrounded by chainsaw fumes. Roland thought it should be possible to do something that would improve the situation. With many years of experience in the petroleum industry and as fuel expert at Volvo, he was the right man for the task. He had a sudden brainwave about producing a fuel that was adapted for the environment and health. He realised that there were fuel components that would work much better – both for people and machines.

Roland recollected that during the second World War, high-octane fuel had been produced from gases created in the oil refining process. This fuel was used by the air force. The technique was called alkylation and provided an improved product which, in contrast to regular petrol, did not contain benzene, lead, sulphur or other hazardous substances. No sooner said than done – and with alkylate as the main component – Roland developed a specialist fuel for chainsaws.

It proved to be a stroke of genius. He had created an improved fuel that was not just better for the health of forestry workers, but for the chainsaws too. The cleaner, more efficient fuel led to better performance and reliability for the engines and, on top of that, fewer repairs were required. It also produced much lower emissions and was therefore better for the environment. It was almost too good to be true.

Searching for strategic partners to enable further product development, Roland approached Husqvarna. In contrast to the major oil companies, they immediately saw the benefits of Aspen's cleaner fuel. Aspen alkylate petrol was launched at the forestry industry trade fair, “Skogs Elmia” in 1989 and success was secured. In principle, all forestry workers changed over to alkylate petrol overnight. This was the start of an enduring and comprehensive partnership. Aspen handled product development and Husqvarna, with its nationwide network of distributors, became the perfect channel to reach customers. At specialist servicing centres, mechanics were transformed in to entrepreneurs who did more than fix chainsaws.They now stocked petrol and a range of accessories."

Much obliged.....That explains many things and confirms some thoughts  i had...

[oldwoodcutter]

Here’s one for Barrie, I’ve used aspen 2 for a year or 2 now.
Back in the days we used pump petrol and 2 stroke oil, we habitually used a small funnel with a very fine screen to protect the carbs from flaky old forecourt underground tanks.
We continue still with the same funnel, and at almost every fill up you can see small black debris on the screen.
Now you would think aspen being sold as ‘clean’ fuel wouldn’t have any bits in it, but I can guarantee it has.
What’s all that about then?

[Khriss]

On 25/08/2017 at 17:41, Rough Hewn said:

Reputable dealer in Brittany.
As soon as I read this, I knew it's going wrong.
Reputable Breton is an oxymoron.
My brother in Redon
Had a blocked oil pump,
250euro to replace on a saw that cost 200 new!
Next month I'm moving near Rennes.
I'll be getting my uk dealer to send me aspen and other kit.

Rennes has lovely carving on the beach ! K ( Yup the saw guy there is an ass ) K

[peatff]

37 minutes ago, oldwoodcutter said:

Here’s one for Barrie, I’ve used aspen 2 for a year or 2 now.
Back in the days we used pump petrol and 2 stroke oil, we habitually used a small funnel with a very fine screen to protect the carbs from flaky old forecourt underground tanks.
We continue still with the same funnel, and at almost every fill up you can see small black debris on the screen.
Now you would think aspen being sold as ‘clean’ fuel wouldn’t have any bits in it, but I can guarantee it has.
What’s all that about then?

I use a funnel like that which came with my first saw and I've never seen any debris in it from Aspen, that sounds odd has anyone else found it in theirs ?

[devon TWiG]

I am  very dubious of the claims made by sellers/ users  of Aspen  , firstly even if the fuel is cleaner burning than petrol it is still mixed with 2 stroke oil , and it is the burning of oil with fuel that  gives 2 strokes the reputation of being "dirty " also the way a 2 stroke works means that fuel is burnt less efficiently compared to 4 strokes , also consider the fact that there will be atomised lubrication oil flung in to the air form the chain , also not to mention DUST , from  the saw you are using , the chipper ( plus it's fumes ) and the blower ....also background pollution from traffic , industry etc etc  when all this is considered as potential hazards to health in this industry then the level of reduction of potential harm overall to the users respiratory system   by using Aspen must be so  small as to be impossible to quantify , and the cost /benefit to me is ridiculous ,  I have never felt I have suffered from fumes or had saw problems that could be positively attributed to the fuel ..........however if others are convinced and are happy to pay such a premium then it is of no concern of mine ...  

Edited November 17, 2017 by devon TWiG