Propane Mowers: Cleaner Emissions, Cheaper Maintenance
propane, lawn mowers, bio-diesel, ethanol April 23, 2009
This is Chris Matt, Associate Editor of Maintenance Solutions magazine. Today’s tip is saving money and going green with propane-powered mowers.
With the nation’s heightened concerns over all issues green, it is surprising just how little attention landscape-maintenance equipment receives. After all, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates engines in such equipment are responsible for up to 10 percent of the air pollution in the United States. Alternative fuels are a way to limit those harmful emissions. Take propane-powered mowers, for example.
In addition to fuel savings and cleaner emissions, propane mowers can offer several other advantages.
First, they can eliminate spillage. Landscape-equipment operators accidentally spill 17 million gallons of fuel each year while refilling their cans or equipment, according to estimates. Propane is a gas in its uncompressed state, but it is stored as a liquid. Closed storage and delivery systems prevent leaking and evaporative emissions by their nature.
Second, propane mowers can curtail maintenance costs. Propane mowers’ higher octane level, higher compression ratios and closed systems are more environmentally responsible than gasoline-powered mowers.
Third, managers will worry less about fuel supplies. Propane has an established supply infrastructure, unlike some of the other alternative-fuel options, such as bio-diesel or ethanol. Therefore, managers can secure the supply of propane for a mower fleet when they need it.
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