Ever felt like your generator guzzles petrol faster than your mate downs a jug on a Friday night? Whether you’re keeping the shearing gear humming, running a food truck generator at the A&P show, or making sure the electric fence stays live, fuel efficiency isn’t just about saving a few bucks, it’s about getting the most bang for your fuel buck.
Let’s talk smart generator use, how to squeeze the most out of your petrol, and (best part) how to claw back some of that tax you’ve already forked out.
Maximising Petrol for Generator Efficiency
Size Matters
A generator that’s too big for the job guzzles petrol like a V8 on a hill climb, while one that’s too small will be straining harder than a bloke trying to shift a bogged-down ute.
So, how do you find the right fit? Check the wattage of everything you’ll be running—tools, appliances, the lot. Add a 20% buffer, and you’re on the money. A small food truck generator might do fine with 2000W, but if you’re running irrigation or heavy machinery, you’ll want something in the 7000W+ range.
Regular Maintenance = Fuel Savings
A well-maintained generator sips fuel, while a neglected one chugs it like nobodys business.
✅ Keep the oil fresh
✅ Clean the air filter
✅ Check the spark plugs
If you’re handy, it’s a simple DIY job. Otherwise, a quick service at the local workshop could save you more in petrol than it costs in labour. A basic service might set you back $100 - $200, but if it keeps your generator running efficiently and saves you $ in fuel, it’s a no-brainer.
Invest in an Inverter Generator
Old-school generators run flat out all the time, chewing through petrol like there’s no tomorrow. Inverter generators, on the other hand, adjust their speed to match demand—saving fuel and running quieter.
Best picks?
Honda EU22i – A top choice for food truck generators and small setups.
Yamaha EF2000iS – Reliable and efficient.
Briggs & Stratton P4500 – Solid power without excessive fuel burn.
Choosing the Best Petrol for Your Generator
Not all petrol is created equal, and what you put in your generator makes a difference.
✅ Use fresh, high-quality petrol. Stale fuel clogs up the engine and makes it run rough. If you’re storing fuel, add a stabiliser (available at auto shops) to keep it fresh for up to a year.
✅ Store it properly. Keep petrol for generator use in a sealed, approved container, out of direct sunlight, and away from moisture. Water in your fuel can cause rough running, corrosion, and starting issues, so it’s best to keep it dry.
✅ For long-term storage, empty the fuel tank. Either run the generator until it’s dry or transfer the fuel into an approved container. Follow your owner's manual for proper draining instructions.
✅ Know your fuel mix. Most generators in NZ, Honda, Yamaha, and Briggs & Stratton are 4-stroke, meaning petrol and oil go into separate compartments and mix automatically. These brands have moved away from 2-stroke generators in recent years, but if you do come across one, it’ll need a fuel-oil mix. The ratio is usually printed on the fuel cap, but always check your manual to be sure.
✅ Stick to 91 unleaded. For both 4-stroke and 2-stroke generators, 91 unleaded is the go-to fuel in NZ. Higher octane fuels (95 or 98) aren’t necessary and won’t provide any extra benefits, so there’s no need to splash out on premium petrol.
Claiming Tax Back on Petrol for Generator Fuel: A Hidden Win for NZ Businesses
Every litre of petrol you buy includes road user tax, even if that fuel never touches a road. If you’re using petrol-powered generators for farming, food trucks, or other off-road work, you could be eligible for a tax refund through NZTA.
Who Can Claim?
✅ Farmers running irrigation pumps, fencing tools, or backup generators.
✅ Food truck owners using petrol-powered generators at markets or events.
✅ Agricultural contractors with mobile fuel-powered equipment.
✅ Orchardists and vineyards running petrol-driven machinery.
How Much Could You Get Back?
The average first claim through Revved Refunds sits around $3,300—a tidy sum that could go back into running your business instead of vanishing into government coffers.
DIY or Skip the Paperwork?
You can lodge a claim yourself through NZTA and go back up to 24 months, but the process can be fiddly. Much like hiring a mechanic to service your ute or a bookkeeper to sort your GST, sometimes it’s worth getting a pro involved.
That’s where Revved Refunds comes in—we handle the whole process for you, hassle-free, with the best rates in NZ.
How to Get Started
1️⃣ Check if you qualify – If you’re a business using petrol-powered equipment off-road, chances are you do.
2️⃣ We handle the process – You sit back while we do the legwork.
3️⃣ Get your refund – Money back in your pocket, where it belongs.
💡 Find out how much you could claim. Try our calculator here.
Or book a free consultation if you’ve got questions.
Don’t Let Your Money Go Up in Smoke
Every quarter you don’t claim is money wasted. Whether you’re running a farm, a food truck, or an orchard, petrol tax refunds are an easy win. Get in touch today, and let’s put that petrol for generator tax money back where it belongs—in your pocket.