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.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/534207
SPECIAL FEATURE there were, at most, four manufacturers that even offered a single propane model in their product line. These mower offer- ings were targeted toward a niche cus- tomer willing to pay a premium price for a "greener" mower than what a mower powered by traditional fuel options could offer. Initially, other manufacturers were slow to jump on the propane bandwag- on in the first few years following 2006. Those that eventually offered a propane mower model did so to meet very specific customer demands. A BREAKTHROUGH YEAR IN 2013 During the 2011 and 2012 cutting sea- sons, the market grew to 12 manufactur- ers offering roughly 20 propane-powered mower models. While that increase in equipment options was fairly dramatic over a five-year span, all of the propane mower models on the market were exist- ing gasoline- or diesel-fueled mowers that required installation of a propane con- version kit at the factory level. But PERC used this increased interest in propane as an opportunity to develop more fuel- efficient technology. It began dedicating more resources to the landscape mar- ket with programs such as the Propane Mower Incentive Program, which helped offset some of the upfront costs contrac- tors faced when making the switch from gasoline- or diesel-fueled mowers to pro- pane. In fact, the Propane Mower Incen- tive Program became so popular among contractors that it has grown into a pillar program for PERC. A breakthrough year occurred in 2013 when propane received some noteworthy buy-in from large players in the market. PERC helped Kohler launch its 747cc Command Pro electronic fuel injection (EFI) propane engine, the first OEM-built EFI propane engine to enter the market. That same year, two leading equipment manufacturers, Exmark and Toro, adopt- ed the Kohler engine and developed dedi- cated propane-powered mowers, while John Deere made available 20-plus mower options approved for dealer conversions. Several other manufacturers — such as Hustler, BigDog, and Wright — took the same approach shortly thereafter. The spike in manufacturers offering propane- powered models totaled 18, selling more than 75 options to the market by year's end. Commercial mowers powered by propane were here to stay. FURTHER EXPANSION EXPECTED Today, EFI propane has been adopted across an even wider range of manufac- turers, such as Gravely and Walker, offer- ing additional propane-powered models. In all, this increased acceptance and reli- ance on propane as a power source for the commercial landscape market equates to roughly 18 manufacturers offering 135 or more propane-powered mower models and EPA-certified conversion kits. The growth in this industry is an indication that propane is a proven fuel that can re- duce emissions and operating costs for customers. Alternative fuels are already setting up to have another year of mower model growth and market expansion in 2015. The Kohler 824cc Command Pro EFI Propane engine, launched at GIE+EXPO 2014, is expected to continue to increase the number of OEMs offering propane-powered mowers. To date, PERC's Propane Mower Incen- tive Program has helped put 3,033 new propane-powered mowers in the field in 48 states. PERC is committed to increasing aware- ness of propane's benefits to additional markets, including the golf industry, where propane can meet customers' alternative- fuel needs in a similar fashion. Jeremy Wishart is the deputy director of business development at the Propane Education & Research Council. He can be reached at jeremy.wishart@propane.com. www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation July/August 2015 23 LI This increased acceptance and reliance on propane as a power source for the commercial landscape market equates to roughly 18 manufacturers offering 135 or more propane-powered mower models and EPA-certified conversion kits.