Thinking Outside
Should Propane Be in Your Plans
Some contractors are finding that using propane powered mowers
By Aaron DeWeese
More and more
landscape professionals are discovering the advantages of propane-powered commercial mowers compared to traditional gasoline and diesel mowers. From cheaper fuel, dependability and lower maintenance costs, to significant environmental emissions reductions, the merits of propane mowers are being proven on the turf. According to a two-year study conducted by the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Tennessee and the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) analyzing the emissions, economics and performance of propane vs. gasoline fueled mowers, propane-fueled mowers cost about 30 percent less to operate than gasoline mowers. The study also revealed that propane-fueled mowers generate up to 50 percent less greenhouse gas emissions, cut carbon monoxide by more than 80 percent, and produce fewer groundlevel ozone precursors and particulate matter. The main agents found in engine exhaust are compounds known as hydrocarbons, which help ground-level ozone form. Ground-level ozone is a particular problem in cities during the sultry summer months, when heat, sunlight and pollution combine in a potent mix. High levels of groundlevel ozone exacerbate asthma and other lung problems, and can even cause respiratory problems in otherwise healthy people.
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As a result, more than 20 states, and 60 cities and regions, including Chicago, are issuing ozone action/advisory days. Consequently, when high ozone pollution levels trigger restrictions on operations of traditional mowers, propane mower operators have an advantage, because propane is an approved alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act of 1990, and can therefore be operated on ozone action/advisory days, which can increase work productivity, as well as provide landscapers the public relations opportunity to promote good environmental and community stewardship. It was this environmental benefit that first motivated the Forest Preserve District of Cook County to consider adding propane-powered mowers to its fleet in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations. Celebrating its Centennial in 2016, the Forest Preserve is comprised of more than 69,000 acres, (the largest in the United States) and is a vital component of the overall environmental health of the Chicagoland Area. “We are by design a green organization,” observes Tom Thompson, fleet operations manager for the Forest Preserve. “We’ve always had our eyes on propane mowers, but it wasn’t as cost effective as it is now.” Going green was not the only factor driving the Forest Preserve. Maintaining 69,000 acres of open space requires
The Landscape Contractor February 2016