TruFuel 2-Cycle 50:1 Pre-Blended Fuel for Outdoor Power Equipment - 32 oz. (Case of 6)

Why I switched to premix

Nothing sours a Saturday faster than fighting a two‑stroke that won’t start. After too many carb cleanings and fuel‑line replacements caused by stale, ethanol‑blended gas, I started running canned premix in my small engines. TruFuel 50:1 has become the option I reach for because it solves three common headaches at once: it’s ethanol‑free, it’s already mixed at a precise 50:1 ratio with high‑quality oil, and it has a long shelf life. The case of six 32‑ounce cans is the format I’ve been using across my chainsaw, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, and handheld blower.

What it is

TruFuel 50:1 is a pre‑blended, high‑octane, ethanol‑free gasoline mixed with two‑stroke oil at 50:1, intended for air‑cooled, 2‑cycle equipment. The oil is ashless and designed to reduce deposits and plug fouling. The fuel is stabilized and packaged in metal cans to resist vapor loss and moisture ingress. A case contains six quart cans (192 ounces total), which in practice is enough for a full season’s worth of homeowner yard work—or a couple of months if you’re running higher‑consumption tools like backpack blowers more frequently.

Setup and use

There’s no measuring, no guessing, and no extra stabilizer to add. I shake the can briefly, crack the cap, and pour. Each quart gives me:
- About two full fills on my 50–60 cc chainsaw
- Three to four fills on a typical trimmer or handheld blower

The small can size makes it easy to carry one in a tool bag without committing to a big gas jug. The pour is controlled, the caps seal well, and I haven’t had leaks tossing them in the truck bed. The metal packaging is a plus; it doesn’t permeate fumes like plastic.

Starting and running performance

Across the board, my 2‑stroke tools fire easier with TruFuel 50:1. Cold starts typically take one to two pulls with choke on, and the engines settle quickly with a smooth idle and clean throttle response. Under load (ripping hardwood with the chainsaw or edging with the trimmer), power delivery is consistent, and I notice less smoke compared to mid‑grade pump gas mixed with generic oil.

The biggest difference shows up after equipment has sat for a few weeks. With premix, I’m not babysitting the primer bulb or chasing inconsistent idle; the motors light and run like I left them yesterday. Spark plugs from engines run exclusively on this fuel look cleaner, with less sooty buildup and fewer signs of oil fouling.

Maintenance impact

Ethanol attracts moisture and can separate, leaving varnish and corrosion in carburetors and tiny metering passages. Switching to ethanol‑free premix has been the single most effective step I’ve taken to cut down on gummed carbs, hard starting, and cracked fuel lines. I still practice good storage habits—running the engine for a minute every month or so in the off‑season or draining the tank before long storage—but the margin for error is noticeably bigger with this fuel.

If you’re breaking in new equipment, TruFuel’s clean burn helps avoid early plug fouling. That said, always follow your manufacturer’s break‑in advice. Some brands want a richer oil ratio for the first tank, and not all tools are spec’d for 50:1.

Shelf life and storage

Long‑term stability is a core selling point. TruFuel’s stated shelf life is up to five years when sealed and up to two years once opened, which is far beyond what you’ll get from pump gas. That matters if you only run a trimmer a handful of times a season or keep a chainsaw on standby for storm cleanup. I label the cap with the open date and rotate cans so the oldest gets used first. Store them in a cool, dry place, cap tight.

Compatibility and caveats

• Intended for 2‑cycle, air‑cooled engines requiring a 50:1 mix (most modern saws, trimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers).
• Not for 4‑cycle engines—those require straight gasoline.
• Not for marine 2‑strokes that require TC‑W3 oil; those are water‑cooled and use different oil chemistry.
• If your equipment specifies a different ratio (40:1 or 32:1), get the matching premix version or blend according to the manual.

Value and cost

Let’s address the biggest drawback: cost. Canned premix is several times more expensive than mixing your own with pump gas and two‑stroke oil. Buying a case trims the per‑quart price a bit, but per‑gallon it’s still significantly higher than DIY.

For me, the math balances out because:
- I don’t burn through huge volumes; convenience and reliability are worth the premium.
- Fewer carburetor repairs and fewer wasted weekends chasing fuel issues have real value.
- I can keep fuel on the shelf year‑round without worrying it’s gone stale.

If you’re running equipment daily or consuming gallons per week, you’ll likely save money mixing ethanol‑free pump gas (if you can source it) with a high‑quality synthetic oil and a stabilizer. For intermittent use, the canned approach is hard to beat.

How it compares to mixing your own

I’ve tried most combinations: E10 pump gas with quality oil, rec‑fuel (ethanol‑free) from a marina, and various stabilizers. My takeaways:
- E10 + oil + stabilizer can work if you’re disciplined about small batches and fast turnover, but it’s the least forgiving if fuel sits.
- Ethanol‑free pump gas + good oil is close in performance, cheaper, and a great option if you have a reliable local source. You still have to measure accurately and manage storage.
- TruFuel 50:1 is the most consistent day‑to‑day, with the lowest hassle factor and the best shelf stability.

Practical tips

• Buy the case if you have multiple tools or a high‑consumption blower; you’ll go through singles faster than you think.
• Mark cans with the open date. Use older cans first.
• In the off‑season, run the engine briefly every few weeks or drain the carb bowl if your equipment allows it.
• Keep at least one unopened can for emergency storm cleanup; chainsaws are famously picky after a long sit.

What I like

• Noticeably easier starts and smoother idle after storage
• Cleaner burn with minimal smoke and less plug fouling
• Ethanol‑free formulation that resists moisture and varnish
• Long shelf life and robust metal packaging
• Zero mixing, zero mess—especially handy for occasional users

What could be better

• Price is high for heavy users
• 50:1 ratio limits one‑can convenience if your tools need 40:1 or 32:1
• Quart cans are great for portability, but a larger, discount multi‑gallon option would better serve pros

The bottom line

TruFuel 50:1 does exactly what it promises: it makes small two‑strokes start easier, run cleaner, and stay reliable, especially when they sit. It won’t be the cheapest way to power your tools, but it’s one of the most trouble‑free. For homeowners, property managers, and anyone who uses 2‑cycle equipment intermittently, the case of six is a smart, low‑maintenance way to keep quality fuel on hand without worrying about mixing accuracy or shelf life.

Recommendation: I recommend this premix for anyone who values reliability and convenience over the lowest possible operating cost. If you run equipment every day and can source ethanol‑free gasoline easily, mixing your own will save money. For everyone else—especially if you’ve battled hard starts or gummed carbs—TruFuel 50:1 is a worthwhile upgrade that pays you back in time saved and tools that simply run.