KyCGA Helps Dispel Myths of Ethanol Effects on Small Engines

Last week KyCGA combined efforts with the National, Missouri, and Indiana Corn Growers Associations to attend the GIE+EXPO (Green Industry and Equipment), a national meeting of small engine manufacturers, distributors and lawn/landscape professionals. The purpose for participating was to dispel the many myths about ethanol's effect on small engine wear.

The display contained small engines that have been operated on various levels of ethanol blends ranging from E15 to E85. Many mechanics and engineers visited the booth, all of which had major concerns about perceived hazards of ethanol in fuel.

Bradley Schad, director of ethanol policy at Missouri Corn Growers Association, spoke about factors other than ethanol that may be responsible for small engine wear. KyCGA's Adam Andrews assisted.

“It was a great opportunity to respond to their concerns and provide facts about changes in gasoline that are causing the problems that ethanol is getting blamed for,” said Adam Andrews, KyCGA Director of Programs. “We made tremendous strides in clearing up a lot of confusion. The research that we outlined in our display showed them clear evidence that the problem is beyond ethanol. In the end, most appreciated us being there and took away valuable information that will help them and their consumers solve problems that have recently surfaced in small engine operation – whatever the cause.”