# Help with info from my gas string trimmer manual - John Deere T30C
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-info-from-my-gas-string-trimmer-manual-john-deere-t30c/625721
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [June 20, 2012, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-info-from-my-gas-string-trimmer-manual-john-deere-t30c/625721 "2012-06-20T05:44:43Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)
#### Post date: [June 20, 2012, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-info-from-my-gas-string-trimmer-manual-john-deere-t30c/625721/1 "2012-06-20T05:44:43Z")
I purchased a gas powered string trimmer at an auction. Unfortunately, it didn’t have the instructions for it so I’ve yet to use it.
I know it requires a gas/oil mixture, but can someone tell me what ratio? Also, can you tell me the grade of oil I’m supposed to use?
Again, model is **John Deere T30C trimmer**
FYI, I’ve looked all over the web, and it seems the only way to get this info is to buy it. John Deere sells the manuals, ebay has a bunch of them, and a number of sites that sell this type of product have it in stock. I just need to look at it for a few minutes.
Thanks again!
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### Author:  [@Khendrask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khendrask)
#### Post date: [June 20, 2012, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-info-from-my-gas-string-trimmer-manual-john-deere-t30c/625721/2 "2012-06-20T06:57:12Z")
Most small engines use either a 40:1 or 50:1 gas to oil mixture, with 40:1 being by far the most common. You can use any two stroke oil for the mix, and also add a stabilizer for two stroke fuels. You can usually be pretty safe with a 40:1 mix, though it might be a bit smokey.
For what it’s worth, I stopped using a mixture about two years ago, and just buy a product called ‘TruFuel’. It is premixed, and stabilized, and doesn’t separate or clog up carbs if it sits too long.
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### Author:  [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)
#### Post date: [June 20, 2012, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-info-from-my-gas-string-trimmer-manual-john-deere-t30c/625721/3 "2012-06-20T12:50:17Z")
Googling “John Deere T30C gas mix” produces [this PDF](http://www.greenpartstore.com/assets/images/info/CCEFluidCapacities2007.pdf) which says:
> [@](#):
>
> 50:1 Ratio when using John Deere 2-cycle oil
> — 32:1 for all other 2-cycle oils.
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### Author:  [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)
#### Post date: [June 30, 2012, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-info-from-my-gas-string-trimmer-manual-john-deere-t30c/625721/4 "2012-06-30T03:41:45Z")
> [@Xema](#):
>
> Googling “John Deere T30C gas mix” produces [this PDF](http://www.greenpartstore.com/assets/images/info/CCEFluidCapacities2007.pdf) which says:
XEma, thank you! I looked for a PDF just like that and couldn’t find one.
I just learned this past weekend that Deere doesn’t make trimmers anymore, which might explain a few things. But I thought it strange that Deere didn’t just put user manuals out on the web in PDF format.
Thanks again!
for an update, my frustration reached a boiling point this weekend when I went to a local JD dealership, and learned that they didn’t make trimmers any more. After a quick talk with one of the service guys, he said that most use the 50:1 ratio, but they cover their butt by giving the 32:1 ratio for those that don’t use their special JD oil. He said that they never sold JD oil and instead ran this high quality echo brand oil. I bought the bottle for 2 gallons, mixed it up, and will use it tomorrow. I guess we’ll see if this works okn