Motor Tools and Equipment: Petrol, Diesel and Gas Engine Machines

First define the task — felling and pruning, grass cutting, soil tilling, pumping water, generating power, cutting and compacting concrete or heating — and choose the matching type. Handheld and backpack tools suit the garden, while wheeled and construction machines are built for large volumes and daily work. See how to choose a petrol trimmer, brushcutter, hedge trimmer and pole pruner.

Petrol engines are light, affordable and start easily in the cold, so they dominate handheld tools and small machines. Diesel engines use 20–30% less fuel, deliver more torque and last longer, which suits generators, tillers and long running hours, while gas engines give cleaner exhaust. Read how to choose a gasoline generator and how to choose a diesel generator.

Handheld tools usually have 25–75 cm³ engines (0.8–4 kW), wheeled machines and generators 100–420 cm³ (3–15 hp), and diesel models up to 500 cm³ or more. Two-stroke engines are light and powerful for their weight, while four-stroke engines are quieter, more economical and need no fuel mix. More: differences between two-stroke, four-stroke and diesel engines and engine displacement, power, torque and RPM: how to compare engine-powered equipment.

Compare each type by its key figure: 1–10 kW output for generators, 15–100 m³/h flow for water pumps, 150–300 bar pressure for pressure washers, working width for garden machines and 10–30 kN impact or centrifugal force for compaction equipment. See how to choose a motor pump for clean, dirty or high-pressure water.

Most models start with a manual recoil starter, while easy-start systems and a decompression valve reduce pulling effort. Generators, tillers, snow blowers and diesel models are often available with an electric starter with a battery and key, which is convenient for frequent starts and in cold weather.

Two-stroke engines need a mix of petrol and special oil, usually at 1:40–1:50, while four-stroke and diesel engines run on straight fuel with separate oil in the crankcase. Use fresh fuel and the oil specified by the manufacturer. Read fuel, engine oil and two-stroke mix: how to choose and use them correctly.

For handheld tools, a weight of 4–8 kg, an anti-vibration system, a shoulder harness and comfortable handles matter most. For heavy machines, check the wheels, folding handles, lifting points and transport dimensions, as a vibrating plate or diesel generator can weigh 60–150 kg or more.

Engine-powered equipment usually runs at 95–110 dB, so work with ear defenders, safety glasses and gloves, and never run an engine indoors because of exhaust fumes. Inverter and four-stroke models are quieter. See how to choose safety glasses and how to choose hearing protection.

Refuel only when the engine is off and cool, keep fuel in an approved can, and check for a chain brake, guards and an emergency stop switch. Change the oil, air filter and spark plug regularly, drain the tank before long storage and choose models for which spare parts are available. Read how to safely use internal-combustion-engine tools and equipment, how to maintain and store motor tools and engine-powered equipment and how to choose spare parts for gasoline and diesel engines.