Oil For Two-Stroke Engines Trimmers How To Dilute

How to dilute gasoline with trimmer oil

Dilute trimmer gasoline in the correct proportion. An insufficient amount of oil can lead to poor lubrication of the mower components, which contributes to rapid wear. In the event that the oil is more position, carbon deposits will form on the pistons and spark plugs. Carbon deposits on the moving parts of the engine interfere with normal operation and lead to early engine damage.

What proportion is required for a particular trimmer model can be found in the attached instructions. Most often, for 2-stroke gasoline engines of lawn mowers, a fuel mixture is used in a ratio of 50: 1, where 50 is part of gasoline, 1 is part of oil. That is, 20 ml of oil should be added to 1 liter of gasoline. The table will help you choose the required ratio.

Oil For Two-Stroke Engines Trimmers How To Dilute

To correctly measure the proportions, use measuring containers with a milliliter scale. For THESE purposes, a special double-necked canister is perfect, it is designed for mixing and storing oil gasoline. For example, oil can be drawn with a medical syringe without a needle. Before mixing liquids Make sure that the ready-mix container contains water, dust and dirt particles.

It is unacceptable to dilute gasoline with lubricant directly in the fuel tank; moreover, the proportion of oil and gasoline must be strictly observed. If you ignore this rule, then the trimmer motor may be unstable, due to which it will quickly fail.

It is not recommended to use plastic bottles or canisters for this purpose. This is due to the fact that gasoline tends to dissolve plastic, which means that some of the plastic can get into the fuel tank, which can lead to carburetor breakdown. Although there are special plastic canisters with markings “flame”.

This will require:

  • Petrol;
  • Oil suitable for air-cooled two-stroke engines;
  • Canister, preferably metal;
  • Mixing vessel, also better metal;
  • Gloves;
  • Respirator.

In addition to protective equipment, do not forget about fire safety rules, because gasoline and engine oil are highly flammable:

  • It works better outdoors to avoid the accumulation of gasoline vapors indoors;
  • Do not smoke and create spark situations.

Make a mixture of gasoline and oil as follows:

  • Pour 1 liter of gasoline into a container, add half the required portion of oil. Mix thoroughly, do it with extreme caution away from sources of open fire.
  • Add the rest of the oil to the trimmer gasoline and mix thoroughly again. Fuel can now be poured into the trimmer fuel tank.

The mixture can be stored for no more than three months, so it is better to dilute gasoline in such an amount that it is enough for a few used.

Which oil to choose

For effective trimmer operation, it is necessary to select oil for two-stroke engines. This is due to the lack of an oil sump in such a device. Depending on the chemical composition of the oil, the following classification is distinguished:

  • Mineral. based on petroleum distillate, suitable for low-power and air-cooled equipment, but requires frequent replacement and can only be used in good weather in the warm season;
  • Semi-synthetic. suitable for garden equipment with air and liquid cooling;
  • Synthetic. based on esters, and do not require frequent replacement and can be used at any time of the year.

Oil for 2-stroke engines is characterized by good solubility and complete combustion feature. It is recommended to use a lubricant for the trimmer that is suitable for air-cooled units. Most often, it is indicated on the packaging that the oil is intended for garden equipment and is marked I, TV or TC. over, the last of them is the most preferable.

If the consumption of engine oil during the summer season is planned to be large due to the presence of a chainsaw, brush cutter, lawn mower in the garden arsenal, then it is advisable to buy 5 liters of oil at a more favorable price. If it is needed only in order to mix with gasoline and fill the only tool, then 1 liter will be enough.

Lawn mowers often produce the right oil, so you can make your choice easier if you choose the right brand fluid.

The choice of oil and gasoline for preparing a fuel mixture for a trimmer: dilution ratio table

A trimmer, or lawn mower, is an indispensable tool in the household. over, its reliability, efficiency and long service life depend on many factors. For example, the quality of fuel. This means that you need to select the correct oil for the trimmer, observe the proportions when adding to gasoline and the rules for refueling the device.

What gasoline to fill

Gasoline for the trimmer should be chosen unleaded with a stroke number of 92 or 95. As practice shows, AI-80 gasoline can lead to device breakdowns, which is a questionable economy.

Fuel must be fresh, that is, after purchase it can be stored for no more than 60 days.

Other factors also affect the quality of the fuel, such as using a special lawn mower lubricant and diluting it in a separate container. It is also recommended to use special canisters designed for storing gasoline.

How and how much to refuel

Filling the trimmer fuel tank is easy. To do this, place the tank in such a way that the lid is on top. The amount of fuel depends on the trimmer model. This information is indicated in the instructions, there is also a mark directly on the tank.

Doing so can cause fuel to spill into the intake manifold and fuel filter, which can cause engine damage or fuel ignition.

When refueling the trimmer, you must observe safety measures:

  • Try to fill in the liquid so that it does not spill, you can use a watering can for this;
  • If gasoline still spills, then wipe it up immediately;
  • The trimmer should be started after the container with fuel is removed to a safe and secure place, preferably at a distance of more than 10 meters;
  • If there is a long break between operation, drain the remaining fuel.

Correct proportion and adherence to mixing and filling techniques will help prolong the life of the trimmer. In this case, it is recommended to choose only a high-quality product of the corresponding brand.

The choice of oil and gasoline for preparing a fuel mixture for a trimmer: dilution ratio table

A trimmer, or lawn mower, is an indispensable tool in the household. over, its reliability, efficiency and long service life depend on many factors. For example, the quality of fuel. This means that you need to select the correct oil for the trimmer, observe the proportions when adding to gasoline and the rules for refueling the device.

How to dilute gasoline with trimmer oil

Dilute trimmer gasoline in the correct proportion. An insufficient amount of oil can lead to poor lubrication of the mower components, which contributes to rapid wear. In the event that the oil is more position, carbon deposits will form on the pistons and spark plugs. Carbon deposits on the moving parts of the engine interfere with normal operation and lead to early engine damage.

What proportion is required for a particular trimmer model can be found in the attached instructions. Most often, for 2-stroke gasoline engines of lawn mowers, a fuel mixture is used in a ratio of 50: 1, where 50 is part of gasoline, 1 is part of oil. That is, 20 ml of oil should be added to 1 liter of gasoline. The table will help you choose the required ratio.

To correctly measure the proportions, use measuring containers with a milliliter scale. For THESE purposes, a special double-necked canister is perfect, it is designed for mixing and storing oil gasoline. For example, oil can be drawn with a medical syringe without a needle. Before mixing liquids Make sure that the ready-mix container contains water, dust and dirt particles.

It is unacceptable to dilute gasoline with lubricant directly in the fuel tank; moreover, the proportion of oil and gasoline must be strictly observed. If you ignore this rule, then the trimmer motor may be unstable, due to which it will quickly fail.

It is not recommended to use plastic bottles or canisters for this purpose. This is due to the fact that gasoline tends to dissolve plastic, which means that some of the plastic can get into the fuel tank, which can lead to carburetor breakdown. Although there are special plastic canisters with markings “flame”.

This will require:

  • Petrol;
  • Oil suitable for air-cooled two-stroke engines;
  • Canister, preferably metal;
  • Mixing vessel, also better metal;
  • Gloves;
  • Respirator.

In addition to protective equipment, do not forget about fire safety rules, because gasoline and engine oil are highly flammable:

  • It works better outdoors to avoid the accumulation of gasoline vapors indoors;
  • Do not smoke and create spark situations.

Make a mixture of gasoline and oil as follows:

  • Pour 1 liter of gasoline into a container, add half the required portion of oil. Mix thoroughly, do it with extreme caution away from sources of open fire.
  • Add the rest of the oil to the trimmer gasoline and mix thoroughly again. Fuel can now be poured into the trimmer fuel tank.

The mixture can be stored for no more than three months, so it is better to dilute gasoline in such an amount that it is enough for a few used.

What gasoline to fill

Gasoline for the trimmer should be chosen unleaded with a stroke number of 92 or 95. As practice shows, AI-80 gasoline can lead to device breakdowns, which is a questionable economy.

Fuel must be fresh, that is, after purchase it can be stored for no more than 60 days.

Other factors also affect the quality of the fuel, such as using a special lawn mower lubricant and diluting it in a separate container. It is also recommended to use special canisters designed for storing gasoline.

Which oil to choose

For effective trimmer operation, it is necessary to select oil for two-stroke engines. This is due to the lack of an oil sump in such a device. Depending on the chemical composition of the oil, the following classification is distinguished:

  • Mineral. based on petroleum distillate, suitable for low-power and air-cooled equipment, but requires frequent replacement and can only be used in good weather in the warm season;
  • Semi-synthetic. suitable for garden equipment with air and liquid cooling;
  • Synthetic. based on esters, and do not require frequent replacement and can be used at any time of the year.

Oil for 2-stroke engines is characterized by good solubility and complete combustion feature. It is recommended to use a lubricant for the trimmer that is suitable for air-cooled units. Most often, it is indicated on the packaging that the oil is intended for garden equipment and is marked I, TV or TC. over, the last of them is the most preferable.

If the consumption of engine oil during the summer season is planned to be large due to the presence of a chainsaw, brush cutter, lawn mower in the garden arsenal, then it is advisable to buy 5 liters of oil at a more favorable price. If it is needed only in order to mix with gasoline and fill the only tool, then 1 liter will be enough.

Lawn mowers often produce the right oil, so you can make your choice easier if you choose the right brand fluid.

How and how much to refuel

Filling the trimmer fuel tank is easy. To do this, place the tank in such a way that the lid is on top. The amount of fuel depends on the trimmer model. This information is indicated in the instructions, there is also a mark directly on the tank.

Doing so can cause fuel to spill into the intake manifold and fuel filter, which can cause engine damage or fuel ignition.

When refueling the trimmer, you must observe safety measures:

  • Try to fill in the liquid so that it does not spill, you can use a watering can for this;
  • If gasoline still spills, then wipe it up immediately;
  • The trimmer should be started after the container with fuel is removed to a safe and secure place, preferably at a distance of more than 10 meters;
  • If there is a long break between operation, drain the remaining fuel.

Correct proportion and adherence to mixing and filling techniques will help prolong the life of the trimmer. In this case, it is recommended to choose only a high-quality product of the corresponding brand.

Two-stroke trimmer oil

For cutting grass in the country or in the field, you will need gasoline trimmers. They run on gasoline, unlike their electric counterparts. How petrol and oil for trimmers, petrol and lawn mowers are diluted, are not known by many masters. Step-by-step instructions for preparing the fuel mixture in the trimmer will be useful Not only for beginners, but also for specialists who may be refueling chainsaws incorrectly.

Learning to dilute gasoline with trimmer oil if you grieve or pour oil

If you bought a trimmer, lawn mower, lawn mower, chainsaw and other types of equipment, then you probably know that they use two-stroke motors as power units. These engines do not run on pure gasoline, like four-stroke engines, but on a mixture of gasoline and oil. In what proportion should gasoline be diluted with trimmer oil. this question is asked by every summer resident before preparing the tool for work. We will understand this issue in detail, since diluting gasoline with trimmer oil affects the life of the tool, and improper mixture preparation will lead to rapid engine wear. What is the danger of excess or insufficient amount of oil in gasoline for a trimmer:

  • If gasoline is diluted with a large amount of oil (above the norm), then this will lead not only to the appearance of a large amount of smoke, but also to the formation of carbon deposits on the cylinder walls and a drop in power. This carbon deposit will become a prerequisite for piston wear, which will be diagnosed by a decrease in its performance.
  • If the gasoline contains not enough trimmer oil, this is even more dangerous. After all, the working mechanisms of the engine will NOT be lubricated in sufficient quantities, which will eventually lead to their rapid wear (there is a rapid destruction of the piston rings and engine jamming). With an insufficient amount of oil in gasoline, poured into the trimmer, engine wear will occur ten times faster

In order not to have to pay for mistakes with the cost of overhauling the engine or buying a new tool, it is necessary to fill the fuel of the correct consistency into the tank from the first day. You can find out the ratio in the instructions for the tool, since models from different manufacturers may give different recommendations. Usually this ratio is the following norms:

  • 1 in 25 or for 1 liter of gasoline 40 grams of two-stroke oil
  • 1 to 40 or 1 liter of gasoline 25-30 grams of lubricant
  • 1 in 50. this is 20 grams of oil per liter of gasoline

The standard value is considered to be 1 to 50 (indicated on a canister of oil for two-stroke engines), but it is necessary to rely on it in the most extreme case, since the manufacturers indicate the recommended value of the proportion, and if it is NOT observed, then the service life of the two-stroke motor is reduced.

In addition to keeping the proportion, you must also learn how to prepare the mixture. After all, the option of adding oil to the gas tank is categorically contraindicated, although some do so. If you bought a trimmer or lawn mower, you will need consumables that you will use to prepare the mixture. Instructions for preparing the fuel mixture in the trimmer are as follows:

  • Prepare gasoline and two-stroke oil based on the above recommendations for the selection of lubricant and fuel
  • In addition, to prepare the mixture, you need to take a container or container. Usually, a plastic bottle is used for this, to the selection of which an Appropriate approach is needed. It must be clean inside. It is not recommended to use a container for milk, beer and other drinks. The best option is a container of mineral water
  • It is very important that the container has a whole volume value, that is, 1 or 2 liters, so that you do not have to calculate how much oil to pour into a 1.5 liter, 1.3 or 1.25 liter bottle, because you can easily make a mistake
  • You will also need a syringe, which is used as a measuring device for dispensing oil. For such purposes, a conventional medical syringe for 10 or more cubes is suitable. It is desirable that the syringe has an accurate measuring scale
  • After preparing the necessary materials, you can start cooking

Instructions for preparing a fuel mixture in a lawn mower:

  • First you need to fill the plastic container. The container is filled with 2 fingers, do not refill to fit the oil
  • The required amount of two-stroke oil is drawn into a syringe, and poured into a bottle with collected gasoline. You need to do this, and not vice versa.
  • After adding a lubricant to the bottle, it requires you to close it tightly with a lid and stir. However, at the same time Considering that oils with the designation “pre mix” need to be mixed. If the oil container has the designation “self mix”, then it is not necessary to shake the container, and after combining the substances, you can pour them into the tool tank

After preparing the fuel mixture for the trimmer, it remains to refuel the tool and start working. How to properly refuel trimmers, lawn mowers, chainsaws and other types of motor vehicles, we will consider in detail.

How to use?

For the proportion of oil used, see above. Let’s say right away that you should not deviate from the indicated values ​​and dilute gasoline by eye. At best, you just need to change the oil, and at worst, engine damage cannot be avoided.

It is important to be able to prepare the mixture correctly. It cannot be poured into the gas tank. It is better to pour the oil into a special container that already contains gasoline. A plastic bottle of mineral water is perfect for this. It is very important here that it is clean, which is why beer or milk bottles will not work. And it is better that it be a liter or two-liter, since it will be difficult for many to calculate how much oil to fill in a 1.5-liter or 1.25-liter bottle. You will also need to have a syringe on hand that will function as a dosimeter. It is best to take a regular medical one for 10 or more cubes.

Now explain step by step how to make a good gasoline trimmer oil.

  • First, you should find out exactly what type of oil is required for a particular braid model, as well as find out the exact ratio of gasoline and oil to create a mixture.
  • Then you need to fill the container. The container should not be filled with gasoline to the end, because oil must still fit there;
  • Now we draw the required amount of 2-stroke oil into the syringe and pour it into a bottle of gasoline. You cannot do the opposite, otherwise all ingredients will need to be replaced, and the mixture will need to be done again.
  • Close the bottle with a lid and stir. Here it is important NOT to forget that you need to stir the mixture if the words Premix are on the bottle with oil. If it says Selfmix, then after mixing the substances, everything is poured into the tank.

Now all that remains is to refuel the petrol trimmer, and you can carry out the necessary work.

For information on how to choose oil for gasoline trimmers, see the following.

Oil plays a huge role in the performance and durability of the gasoline trimmer, which protects the parts of the cylinder-piston group from rapid wear.

In order for the lawn mower to please its owner with trouble-free operation, a competent approach to maintenance is required. Currently, it is customary to distinguish between two main types of engine by the number of working strokes:

Working principle of two- and four-stroke engines

  • Two-stroke engines, where oil is added directly to the fuel tank;
  • Four-stroke engines with separate oil reservoir. An exception in this category is the STIHL 4-MIX engine, which runs on an oil-gasoline mixture, but at the same time has 4 strokes.

However, most trimmers on our market are equipped with powertrains that run on a mixture that has been pre-filled with a fuel tank.

Appointment

Engine oil is a special blend of solvent and friction-reducing additives. They form a certain viscosity and DO NOT allow the composition to thicken when the temperature is lowered. Usually oils are specially colored in different colors: green, red or blue. This allows them not to be confused.

Please note that they may vary in composition, so petrol trimmer oil will be labeled “for gardening”. In addition, it may still differ in marking: “2T” or “4T”. The first is two-stroke oil that is filled into the corresponding engine. And the second is intended for pouring into the crankcase.

What to look for when choosing an oil?

Modern two-stroke engines of the lawn mower are fueled with a mixture of AI-92 gasoline and oil marked “2T”. Using a fuel with a higher octane rating will increase the flash point and, as a result, burnout of the lubricant.

Undoubtedly, the best trimmer oil is the one recommended by the manufacturer, but the owner does not always have the opportunity to purchase exactly the “branded” lubricant. Experts recommend Shell Helix Ultra, based on Pureplus technology, which improves the basic properties of the lubricant.

For gasoline trimmers of the German manufacturer Stihl, it is necessary to use oils Stihl HP Ultra, Stihl HP, Stihl HP S. A budget substitute can be Vityaz products, which in their properties are the most similar to the recommended material.

How to choose trimmer oil or types of lubricants

Trimmers and lawn mowers are powered by two-stroke engines, which have a simplified design. Rarely, but there are models of trimmers with 4-stroke motors, which run on pure gasoline. Two-stroke power units do not have a compartment for filling engine oil (oil sump), thereby reducing the weight of the tool and reducing their cost. If the rotating parts of the motor are not lubricated, then in the end they will quickly fail. To prevent this, the trimmer is filled NOT with pure gasoline, but with a mixture with oil. What oil to dilute with gasoline for a trimmer?

To begin with, let’s remember or find out what types of oils are produced by chemical composition:

  • Mineral liquids. designed for low power equipment with air cooling. It is the cheapest type of engine lubricant
  • Semi-synthetic substances. they are used for equipment that has air and water cooling
  • Synthetic. suitable for all types of motors with different types of cooling. They DO NOT require frequent replacement, and this type of lubricant is several times more expensive than mineral and semi-synthetic

From the above it follows that oil with any composition is suitable for a trimmer. mineral water, synthetics and semi-synthetics. Oils with different chemical compositions differ in price, so when buying, you need to rely on the recommendations of the tool manufacturer. The instructions indicate advisory information on which types of oils are best to use. If this is the TC-W3 standard, then it is not so important what composition the substance should have. In this case, mineral water, semi-synthetics and synthetics can be diluted with gasoline.

How to properly fill the finished fuel into a two-stroke engine

Many do not comply with some fundamental recommendations for pouring fuel into the gas tank of a trimmer or lawn mowers, which ultimately leads to unpleasant consequences. Consider important recommendations on how to properly fill the gas tank with diluted fuel from gasoline and oil:

  • Prepare a funnel or watering can. Despite the large diameter of the hole in the gas tank, very often when trying to get into it, some part of the fuel is spilled, which gets on the body of the tool. Fuel that gets on the tool can cause ignition during heating, so it is very important to use a funnel or LEAKOME here.
  • Before unscrewing the plug, thoroughly clean the surface of the tank, as dirt can get inside, which will become a prerequisite for the rapid clogging of the gas filter
  • Fuel filling work must be carried out in calm weather or in a secluded place to exclude the possibility of dust and small grains of sand getting into the tank
  • DO NOT leave the tank hatch open for a long time, as not only small Grains of sand and dust, but also insects can get into it
  • When filling, DO NOT inhale gasoline vapors, as they are dangerous to humans. When working with a trimmer, the master must use protective goggles, headphones and a respirator
  • It is necessary to pour fuel into the tank up to the mark. If you fill the tank full, then when screwing the plug, some of it will pour out. wasteful use of fuel. In this case, sorrow is better than pouring

Given these recommendations, you can significantly extend the life of the gasoline tool in question.

Choosing a lawn mower oil useful tips from professionals

If the instructions for the tool have been lost, and there are difficulties with choosing the right oil, then it is recommended to stop your choice on the following two options:

  • Semi-synthetic. they are cheaper than synthetics, but more expensive than mineral water. Suitable for equipment, both Russian and foreign. They have low smoke parameters, and adequately “take care” of the structural elements of the engine. Manufactured by ferrying oil products and hydrocarbons
  • Synthetic. expensive types of lubricants, which are suitable for all types of equipment. If you use synthetics for your trimmer, then the engine of the tool will work like a clock.

When choosing and buying oils for dilution with gasoline, you may be faced with the fact that some letter designations are indicated on the canister. These designations are an API classification, which will be useful to find out who wants to fill the tool with a lubricant suitable for the parameters. Let’s consider all types of oils according to API classification for two-stroke engines:

  • TA. intended for air-cooled units with a volume of up to 50 cm3. These include mopeds, lawn mowers, trimmers, and lawn mowers. Optimal solution for lawn mowers and trimmers
  • TB. used for refueling engines of units such as mopeds, chainsaws, scooters and motorcycles. The engine displacement of such equipment ranges from 50 to 200 cm3. This type of oil is also suitable for trimmers
  • TC. designed for dilution with gasoline and filling in motorcycles, snowmobiles and other types of land equipment
  • TD. serves for refueling outboard motors, hydro-scooters and boats

API classification is an American standard used in Europe. However, when choosing, there are additional designations for a canister of oils for two-stroke engines, for example, FA, FB, FC, FD and others. This is a smoke emission classification of oils developed by the Japanese JASO standard. If such designations are found on the selected oils for trimmers and chainsaws, then their decoding must be taken into account:

  • FA. used in countries where the legislation provides for the minimum emissions of smoke into the atmosphere. Emits invisible smoke during operation
  • FB. Designed for use in countries where there are strict restrictions on the release of smoke into the atmosphere. Produces virtually NO white smoke
  • FC. smoke is released into the atmosphere transparent, And not noticeable by a person
  • FD. smokeless types of oils for 2-stroke internal combustion engines, which do NOT emit smoke, but still have improved chemical properties. They are usually used for mixing with gasoline and refueling boats, boats and yachts.

If the container with the lubricant contains the designation “self mix” and “pre mix”, then they mean. self-mixing with gasoline (the first option, and not requiring shaking), and the need for forced dissolution (second option).

Knowing the classification of oils by their types, it will not be difficult to choose the best option for your brand of lawn mowers. On the market you can find a variety of brands of oils for two-stroke engines, but it is better to pay special attention to such companies:

  • Stihl. they produce mineral and synthetic, and semi-synthetic of this brand are rare
  • Shell Helix Ultra. Recommended by Specialists
  • Motul
  • Oleo-Mac
  • ECHO
  • Hammerflex
  • Lukoil is a Russian oil that costs 3 times cheaper than foreign analogues, but at the same time has excellent quality indicators

Product are NOT indicated as vary. There are many other brands, and if you still want to find the perfect trimmer lubricant for yourself, then it is recommended to watch the test in the below.

From the, we can conclude that it is not always useful to buy expensive oils, since they may be of unsatisfactory quality, which can be seen in a real example.

Tips for choosing

Now let’s try to understand how to choose a quality trimmer oil that runs on gasoline. The main feature to look out for is the base number. This moment excludes oxidation of the parts in which friction is observed, and slows down their deformation as much as possible. The more this compound is used, the faster it loses its alkalinity and becomes more oxidized. The optimal indicator of acidity (PH) is a value of at least 8-9 units.

The second important factor, which also has a serious impact on the performance of the gasoline trimmer, is the viscosity of the oil. This characteristic determines the ability to use the device at different temperatures. Summer brands of oils begin to thicken already with a minimum temperature drop.

The third point, the importance of which should not be underestimated, is the flash point. This indicator should NOT be less than 225 degrees. Otherwise, the composition will burn out very quickly and the load on the piston group will begin to increase, which will cause its accelerated wear. Also, 4-stroke oil will not work for 2-stroke. Namely, the latter type of motors is used in the vast majority of lawn mowers.

If we talk about manufacturers, then you can make a small rating, which will allow you to navigate the formulations offered by various manufacturers. For example, Stihl offers quality synthetic and mineral oils, which have already proven themselves as an excellent solution at any time of the year.

Shell Helix Ultra oil is considered very good. Experts note its high characteristics and excellent indicators of alkalinity and viscosity. In addition, the products of such brands as Oleo-Mac, Motul, Hammerflex, Echo are considered worthy. If we talk about the products of domestic brands, then you should pay attention to Lukoil oil. Its price is several times lower than foreign counterparts, but at the same time it has high quality and good technical characteristics.