Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.
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www.landscapeirrigation.com Doorstep delivery Propane retailers don't really drop propane cylinders off at the door, but the ease and convenience of propane delivery programs makes it seem like they do. Landscapers have a couple of propane delivery op- tions available. The first option for refueling with propane is to participate in an onsite cylinder refill program. A cylinder refill program is exactly what it sounds like. A propane retailer refills empty propane cylinders at a landscaper's shop a specified number of times per week, depending on the size of their fleet and needs during peak months. The second option for refueling with propane is a cylinder exchange program. Like the refill program, this method offers the same hassle- free benefits as an onsite refill program. A retailer delivers full propane cylinders to a landscaper's cylinder cage and switches out empty cylin- ders for full ones on a regular schedule. With this option, propane re- tailers will train landscapers and crews on how to properly store empty and full cylinders so the retailer knows which ones to take. Both of these programs are ideal for contractors who are just getting started with propane or who run a small fleet of five mowers or less. Tom Procter, a plant manager for MFA Oil, said each program and ex- change route is customized to fit the landscaper's needs. "If they cut frequently, we do it three days per week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, so they have enough fuel to run through the weekend," Procter said. "We make sure they have propane ready at all times." Whether a contractor chooses the refill or exchange option depends on a few variables, including customer preference. These delivery meth- ods work really well for smaller fleets of propane-powered equipment, because less propane is needed per week than contractors who may also drive a fleet of propane autogas pickups. "Ultimately, we want contractors to understand this is a fuel-to-you program," said Linkletter. "Ferrellgas has more than 600 retail locations across the country and thousands of individual retailers. If we're not in the area, chances are someone else is, so landscapers are going to be able to get their fuel." Luke Fitzpatrick, another MFA Oil plant manager, added that they also consider weather and shifts a contractor runs when determining when to exchange or refill cylinders. "Propane is domestically produced and very portable, so contractors won't have supplier issues in their area," he said. "The main thing is working out when the best delivery times are throughout the week, especially during peak season." Landscapers can find a propane retailer in a variety of ways, including on autogasusa.org or by visiting their state propane gas association web- site. Most retailers travel within a 20 to 30 mile radius, but some will extend their service area up to 50 miles. Contractual details Another convenience of participating in a cylinder exchange or refill program is that retailers provide the cylinders, and ensure they've been properly inspected. Landscapers don't need to furnish their own cylin- ders or be concerned with legalities of proper cylinder certification or inspection. "We assist in providing cages and cylinders, so landscapers don't have to invest any more money than what they're paying for their new propane equipment," Linkletter explained. "This allows us to maintain the cages and cylinders so landscapers don't have to worry about it." The cost of the cages, cylinders, delivery, and propane are all wrapped into the contract a landscape contractor enters into with the retailer. Landscapers can either sign a bulk rate contract, keeping their propane-per-gallon price steady throughout the year, or they can pay by the gallon as they purchase or refill cylinders. With this type of contract, contractors must pay the current market price of propane. There are benefits to both types of contracts. Locking in a price makes it easier for landscapers to plan fuel costs for the entire year. Paying by the gallon allows them to take advantage of a down market. Propane retailers will work with landscapers to determine the best method based on their needs. Propane on demand Contractors who have grown their propane-powered fleet and re- quire a large volume of propane on demand may fare better with in- stalled onsite fueling infrastructure. This option gives contractors the ability to pump their own propane into empty cylinders or refuel propane-autogas trucks. Propane retailers determine whether a contractor is ready for onsite infrastructure based on a couple factors: annual usage, and how many "units" a contractor runs. "I look at a standard 60-inch zero-turn mower as one propane unit, and we set the threshold at six units before looking at infrastructure for a contractor," said Proctor. "That could add up to about 4,000 to 6,000 gallons annually for that propane customer." Said Linkletter, "We look at every customer independently and work together to implement a fuel solution. Just like our customers have discovered no two lawns are alike, we've discovered there's not a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to meeting our customers' propane needs." Landscape and Irrigation 37