Proudly serving the industry for which it was named for more than 50 years, Outdoor Power Equipment provides dealers who sell and service outdoor power equipment with valuable information to succeed in a competitive market.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/30905
ing ensure commercial lawn and landscape companies use the proper equipment. Two types of fuel systems are available for propane-fueled commercial mowers — liquid injection and vapor injection. Equipment dealers who understand the fuel service requirements of available mod- els can assist commercial lawn and land- scape company operators in identifying the mower and fuel system that best fits the needs of their fleet. Many propane providers offer cylinder exchange programs to lawn and landscape companies. These programs usually include on-site installation of a cage to house cylinders. For larger volumes, a no-spill dispenser can be installed on site and used to refuel both mowers and vehicles like work trucks fueled by propane autogas. Available equipment options While some commercial lawn and land- scape company operators are already asking questions about this growing trend, the opportunity to introduce many more op- erators to propane-fueled equipment exists for dealers. Either way, a dealer can posi- tion itself as an expert in this growing trend, and will reap the benefits when a purchase decision is made. Following is a brief overview of propane-fueled mowers, many of which are featured on pages 28-29. Keep in mind, this list is just a start — contact manufacturers to gather further details about their full line of propane-fueled mowers or visit www.pow eredbypropane.org for more information. • Ariens/Gravely:The Gravely Pro- Master XDZ 260H LP zero-turn mower features a 28-hp./992-cc Generac air- cooled V-Twin engine and uses twin 33.5- pound LP tanks. • Cub Cadet Commercial:The TANK S LP zero-turn mower utilizes an 852-cc or 999-cc Kawasaki engine pow- ered by liquid propane. • Dixie Chopper: The Xcaliber Propane zero-turn mower is fueled by two 40-pound propane cylinders and a 990-cc Generac LP engine. • Exmark:The Lazer Z Advantage Se- ries zero-turn mower is powered by a 28- hp. Kawasaki V-Twin engine. Also available are the Turf Tracer and Turf Tracer HP propane-fueled walk-behind mowers. • Ferris:The IS 3100ZP zero-turn mower features an 895-cc Briggs & Strat- ton Vanguard Big Block V-Twin engine with vapor-draw fuel tanks. • Husqvarna:The PZ6029PFX zero- turn mower uses a Kawasaki FX Series 29- hp./852-cc engine. Optional 33-pound tanks hold about 14 gallons of propane, al- lowing all-day operation. • Scag Power Equipment:The zero- turn Dual-Fuel Turf Tiger is a dual-fuel powered commercial mower, offering both liquid propane fuel and gasoline operation. An optional propane-only conversion kit allows it to conform to local regulations, while the mower is also available with a Kohler propane-specific engine. • Schiller Grounds Care:The BOB- CAT Predator-Pro LP zero-turn mower uses a 30-hp. Generac engine designed to take advantage of propane’s higher octane level. • Snapper Pro:The S200xp zero-turn mower features an 895-cc Briggs & Strat- ton Vanguard Big Block V-Twin engine, of- fering up to 30-percent reduced emissions. • Zipper Mower:The front-mount Model STS-28LP uses a Kawasaki 28-hp. air-cooled OHV engine. In addition to those mowers, propane- fueled handheld equipment is also avail- able. For example, propane-fueled string trimmers produce no evaporative emis- sions or ozone-depleting hydrocarbons. Fleet trucks fueled by propane autogas Propane autogas is the leading alterna- tive fuel in the United States and the na- tion’s third most common vehicle fuel, after gasoline and diesel. In fact, according to the Energy Department, there are more than 270,000 on-road vehicles running on propane autogas across the United States, including buses, taxis, delivery vehicles, and other fleet vehicles. That provides an emis- sions reduction opportunity for equipment dealers that utilize a fleet of work trucks for pickups, deliveries and other uses. Fleet vehicles fueled by propane autogas emit 12-percent less carbon dioxide, about 20- percent less nitrogen oxide, and up to 60- percent less carbon monoxide than gasoline-powered vehicles. Plus, propane autogas burns cleaner in engines than gasoline and diesel, which results in longer engine life and reduced maintenance costs. Purchasing brand-new work trucks fu- eled by propane autogas to replace existing conventionally fueled fleet vehicles is one approach that makes sense for fleet man- agers, since a variety of models from multi- ple manufacturers are available. Another approach is converting existing conven- tionally fueled fleet vehicles. Keep in mind that propane autogas aftermarket systems must meet federally imposed standards and be certified with the U.S. EPA. There are multiple aftermarket systems that meet these requirements and are available in a variety of vehicle makes and models, and installation should be performed by a trained mechanic to ensure the system is in proper working order. For more informa- tion about fleet trucks fueled by propane autogas, visit www.poweredbypropane.org. Becoming a resource Information is power. An equipment dealer’s knowledge of the wide variety of propane-fueled lawn care equipment cur- rently available will offer valuable resources for commercial lawn and landscape com- pany operators. In addition, share informa- tion about local propane providers’ cylinder exchange programs. Ultimately, the trend toward propane- fueled equipment allows a dealer to be viewed as a resource. That can pay divi- dends both today and well into the future, as relationships with commercial lawn and landscape companies grow. Brian Feehan is vice president of the Propane Education & Research Coun- cil (PERC). PERC was au- thorized by the U.S. Congress with the passage of Public Law 104-284, the Propane Education and Research Act (PERA), signed into law on Oct. 11, 1996. The mission of PERC is to pro- mote the safe, efficient use of odorized propane gas as a preferred energy source. OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT MAY 2011 27 OPE