SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/34725
Tools&Equipment | Products Propane group highlights on-site refueling options tant considerations is refueling. Whether a fleet is used to maintain a single field, or many across a wide area, making sure both mowers and trucks can be easily refueled saves time, effort, and cost. More than 15 models of propane-fueled A commercial mowers are available today from industry-leading brands, while over the past 20 months, 10 new vehicle plat- forms fueled by propane autogas have been introduced to the market. Ease of re- fueling has accelerated the use of both types of equipment. A number of options exist for central- ized, on-site refueling for both applications, making these mowers and trucks feasible for fleets that service large or multiple areas. Cost-saving measures also are avail- able for the installation of infrastructure, and the fuel itself. Fleets adopting propane-fueled mowers and work trucks fueled by propane autogas can refuel via the same centralized, on-site infrastructure, which can be tailored to fit its unique needs. Depending on storage necessity, longevity and available space, managers can choose between several op- tions: • Skid-mounted above-ground portable platforms • Permanent above-ground stations • Underground storage tanks Skid-mount systems are typically pre-as- sembled, making installation or relocation quick and inexpensive, and allowing for safe refueling without the permanence of stationary systems. Skid-mount systems in- clude an above-ground propane tank, dis- penser, pump, piping, and control panel mounted on a concrete or steel frame to create a portable unit that can be installed, and then relocated in a matter of days if necessary. They require no permanent changes to the installation site, though above or underground storage tanks are also an option for longer-term use. Local propane providers can help deter- mine the best on-site refueling option for their mower and truck fleets, and facilitate ongoing fuel delivery. That includes mower 42 SportsTurf | July 2011 s sports turf managers research new additions to their mower and work truck fleets one of the most impor- One machine, one operator from Kromer The Field Commander Chameleon uses a “one machine, one operator” concept to maintain both natural and synthetic turf fields. This machine can groom, condition, level, paint, stripe lines, apply logos, end zone markings, yard markers, and coaching boxes. It also sprays water, chemicals, and disinfectants for both indoor and outdoor appli- cations. The synthetic turf version can even cut a line and remove painted lines and logos in just min- utes. All Field Commander units can be customized to meet your needs and budget. Kromer Company Stow-n-Go athletic >> PROPANE-FUELED COMMERCIAL MOWER CYLINDER EXCHANGE PROGRAMS usually in- clude installation of a cage and replacement of empty cylinders during regularly scheduled de- liveries. The cylinders can be refueled via a centralized, on-site refueling infrastructure. cylinder exchange programs, which usually include installation of a cage and replace- ment of empty cylinders with full ones dur- ing regularly scheduled deliveries. Propane providers also offer appropriate training to ensure safe refueling practices are always used. Thousands of refueling stations across the country also make propane au- togas readily available for off-site refueling (see http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/ locator/stations/) MANAGING COSTS The federal government, along with many states, offer programs to encourage the use of propane as an engine fuel. Cur- rently, a 50-cent-per-gallon alternative-fuel tax credit is available for vehicles fueled by propane autogas. Federal tax credits are also available for 30% of the installation cost up to $30,000 of alternative refueling structures. Consult their tax advisor regard- ing claims for credits or refunds, and the IRS website for appropriate dates and forms. Operators can also increase savings as propane-fueled commercial mowers can operate during pollution advisory periods, such as ozone action days, when local regu- lations ban gasoline mowers to protect air quality.-Brian Feehan, Vice President, Propane Education & Research Council. ■ field marker Tru Mark Athletic Field Marker introduces the Model EZ-70 Stow-n-Go field marker. Tru Mark incorporated their proven floating paint shoe technology for crisp field lines on a three wheel steel chassis for durability and con- trol even when painting curved lines and in close quarters. The EZ-70’s walk behind compact design with ergonomic folding handlebar assembly ensures lightweight mobility. This field marker integrates easy operations and maintenance capabilities with a removable 5-gallon paint tank, a 12 volt sealed battery and an industrial strength 12 volt diaphragm pump. The EZ-70 along with SwitchBack Double Play Liquid chalk satisfies both natural grass and synthetic turf applications with easy removable per- formance of tradition powdered chalk. Tru Mark New, lighter synthetic field groomer Wiedenmann has introduced the new, lighter weight Terra Groom. The design and placement of the brushes is a combina- tion of zigzag brushes with a straight row of brushes in the front and rear of the brush. Wiedenmann engineers discovered that using stiffer bristle brushes on the front, straight row of the Terra Groom created results similar to that of using the rake finger attachment, and without the risk of catching a seam. The resulting distribution and decompaction of the infill is equal to or better than the results created when using rake fingers. Wiedenmann North America www.sportsturfonline.com