Propane Mowing

[lawntennis]

Anyone on this sight ever try mowing with propane? It's 35% less polluting. If you have what are the pros and cons?

[nc-jrock]

I have not heard of propane mowing, but recently I did see a propane weed eater at ace hardware.

[phasthound]

I don't know anyone doing it yet.

http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&source=hp&q=propane+lawn+mower&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=OSRFS4HHPMmQlAeHqqUJ&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved=0CCMQrQQwAg

[ted putnam]

Anyone on this sight ever try mowing with propane? It's 35% less polluting. If you have what are the pros and cons?

I've seen a couple before but they were being used by grounds crews not lawn pros. They were set up similar to a propane forklift. I was a fireman for almost 10 years. I've seen some wild thing and I have a deep respect for LP. If I ever used one I would never carry the mower in an enclosed trailer. Other than that, seems like overall it would be a good thing.

[ICT Bill]

I have seen them at shows but I don't know anyone that uses one.......yet
I used to drive occasionally for a good buddy when he needed help, he had a 10 ton propane dump truck

He bought it from the area water company used, it worked great, a little less horse power but not a lot

[ecoguy]

I've looked all over for a gasless mowing option (besides the impractical reel and electric models). I thought I'd be able to find a diesel (biofuel option) but there's nothing for WB and who has 4-5k for the other ones. I did find one in China but by the time they ship it over it'll be 1k. I've seen propane convertors but no Propane mowers. If you find one, let me know.

I currently use Lehr's propane trimmers. They're heavy as hell but the power's there and a canister actually goes a long way. They have a blower I'll be using too. Yes, propane burns MUCH cleaner. Encouraging to see others pursuing greener options.

[lifetree]

Scag has a dual fuel type model ... you can convert between gas and propane !! There are a couple of other propane models available, too.

[ecoguy]

Lifetree. Other models? Do tell..

[hunter]

The other day I came across this mower it says it a Envirogard mower they're out of Arizona. They even offer a conversion kit. http://www.envirogard.com/

[lawntennis]

I saw that envirogard mower on ebay also. The guy selling it is from arizona but the co is base in NC. I've been calling and e-mailing for a week with no reply. The operators mailbox is full and can't take anymore messages so they may be having problems. Exmark, Dixie Chopper, Ferris all make propane mowers. Honestly I thought I could market the name "envirogard" but now I would be wary of buying from them. If they go under it may be difficult finding parts.

[DUSTYCEDAR]

its only a carb change to run propane

[nc-jrock]

I saw that envirogard mower on ebay also. The guy selling it is from arizona but the co is base in NC. I've been calling and e-mailing for a week with no reply. The operators mailbox is full and can't take anymore messages so they may be having problems. Exmark, Dixie Chopper, Ferris all make propane mowers. Honestly I thought I could market the name "envirogard" but now I would be wary of buying from them. If they go under it may be difficult finding parts.

Do you know where in NC they are located? If it is close enough to me I will go buy and check them out and see what there deal is.

[JDUtah]

http://dixiechopper.com/home/news/64

[lawntennis]

They are in Stanley NC wherever that is. It is actually onyx environmental solutions.

[Competitive Lawn Service]

This link of our company should help: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2JBEZWZv8k

We have done much of the research, already have one fully propane powered crew and intend to be completely green propane powered in the foreseeable future. Hope that helps!

[Competitive Lawn Service]

You should get some information from this site:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2JBEZWZv8k

[DUSTYCEDAR]

thanks for the links and info
i love the fact that propane is us money at work
how do you find places to fill up the pickup?????

[Competitive Lawn Service]

We installed our own fill station in 2009. We fill all of our own tanks right in our yard.

[DUSTYCEDAR]

THAT is GREAT
i doubt ill need my own fill station for a while

[MarcSmith]

its only a carb change to run propane
plus hoses, regultaors, propane tank mounts, propane tanks, 10-15% loss of horsepower...Its not a cheap conversion...


Good Job CLS.... were the mowers you bought purpose built propane machines or converted units. What issues have you noticed.

have you noticed any of the benefit like increased oil change intervals, from the cleaner burning fuels. ect...

[Competitive Lawn Service]

He's right. There is a bit more to it than just changing carbs. But, I don't know that much about it. I run the office, so let's not get too technical! :-) We have tried almost every propane mower that we know of on the market. (I chuckled when I saw one of the responses from "DixieChopper".) They were one, Caterpillar was another, and a few more. So far, we have determined that our own conversions are the best for our uses right now. We are also converting our 2 and 4 cycle motors so that at least one of our crews will be 100% propane powered for our commercial customers when season opens in April. I have not heard anyone say anything, good or bad, about the horsepower or speed. But, they are quieter and cleaner, therefore don't need oil changes as often. And I believe we are getting far better mileage from them. We are looking at saving the equivalent of 10,000 gallons of gasoline this year. (i.e. gas vs. propane mileage). This might be of more assistance - http://www.melaweb.org/news.html

[ehansen@competitivelawn.c]

Anyone go to the GIE-EXPO this last week!!. We did and we are stoked! 1 pound refillable propane cylinders(think green coleman camping containers). This will be able to run everything small that we have. Trimmers, blowers, push mowers, etc. Being the first company on the planet running on 100 percent domestic alternative fuel, Propane, Competitive Lawn Service is now the first company for Propane Snow and Ice Management services. Now those penguins and polar bears are really being saved!!

Check this out and start switching over now.

http://www.lawnandlandscape.com/gie-show-eric-hansen.aspx

[Kiril]

I don't think I would consider propane an alternative fuel given it is a byproduct of refined petroleum and processed natural gas.

[ehansen@competitivelawn.c]

Kiril,

Since it is 20-60 percent less greenhouse gas emissions, domestically produced, and cleaner than fossil fuels, got a better idea? Batteries? They are charged with domestically produced coal or nuclear power, or windmills, all which have their faults as well. I believe that you are the only one who believes propane to NOT be an alternative fuel.........

[Kiril]

Given it is derived from fossil fuels, it doesn't really matter if it is cleaner or not. IMO, alternative means something other than fossil fuels, and it would appear I am not alone in that thinking.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_fuel

[AlternativeFuelLawnCare]

Alternative Fuel Lawn Care specializes in conversion of fuel systems on commercial mowers. Propane was added as an approved Alternative Fuel by the Energy Act of 1992. http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/ It is however a co-product or by-product of fossil fuel refinement so we are hopeful even better alternatives will become available in the future.

For now and the near future we advise our customers that propane is the best alternative fuel for use commercially. It greatly reduces emissions and will save a little over $1000 per unit annually through fuel cost and maintenance reduction. Over 82% of propane used nationally is produced right here in the USA. Another 12% comes from Canada and Mexico.

Whether you purchase our products or elsewhere please don't hesitate contact us with any questions you may have.

[ehansen@competitivelawn.c]

Kiril,

According to the Federal Government 1992 act, propane is an alternative fuel. See the Department of Energy report on Propane

http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/fuels/propane_alternative.html

The Federal Government has set up local not for profits around the country calling them the Clean Cities Coalition. Our group is the Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition. Its Mission Statement is to promote the transition to alternative fuels. Bio Diesel, CNG, E85, Propane, Electric, and Hybrid Electric Trucks and Cars.

All of these are known to reduce the carbon emissions that an engine emits. Just because it isn't a bicycle, doesn't mean it is bad. We can be doing our part when we reduce our emissions. If you need more information about propane, post it.

Did you go to the Louisville Kentucky show last week. We were there in the Propane Education and Research Booth. Here is my Ford F350 Roush/Ford dedicated propane 4x4 supercab with 8 foot Ultramount Pro Plow and tow/snow prep package. It was wrapped by the Roush Boys(can I say that??) and is kickin' . It is surrounded by a bunch of propane mowers that sponsor this site(can I say that?).....


Best Regards,

Eric Hansen

www.greenpropanepower.com

[Kiril]

Don't really care what the federal government chooses to include in their list of "alternative" fuels for transportation purposes, especially considering they reserve the right to change that list as they see fit. IMO (in my opinion), it is not alternative unless it is something other than fossil fuels or derivatives of fossil fuels. Clearly the definition of "alternative fuel" is subjective here. You guys can choose to include propane in that list, or at least until the feds decide to remove it from their list of "approved alternative fuels", I however choose not to.

[ehansen@competitivelawn.c]

There is some money and a little research behind it....just sayin....what are you running on sustainable?

Best regards,

Eric Hansen
www.greenpropanepower.com
Posted via Mobile Device

[Kiril]

There is some money and a little research behind it....just sayin....what are you running on sustainable?

I'm not in the mow & blow biz.

[GreenT]

.

Semantics.

I agree with Kiril, he's absolutely correct, but let me add to his point.

The "Alternative" moniker in and of itself is meaningless, here's the real question... is it a "green" fuel -as in non polluting and renewable- or not? Plutonium could be considered 'alternative' but we all know it would be a joke to include it on such a list, and clearly propane is not either. Regardless of what our fine, corporate sponsored gov't says.

All that out of the way, I am very interested in propane as an alternative (there's that semantic trap again :)) to fossil fuels. If only because the options in our industry are so slim, which I think it's a disgrace btw.

We are the 'green' industry and I think we should leading in this area, so.... anything that is somewhat less polluting, it's ok in my book. I consider it a small step in the right direction.

Off of my soap box now. :)

.

[Kiril]

We are the 'green' industry and I think we should leading in this area, so.... anything that is somewhat less polluting, it's ok in my book. I consider it a small step in the right direction.

That is the key .... perhaps a cleaner fuel (in end use), but not really an alternative (to fossil fuels). Doesn't anyone have any biodiesel options on their equipment?

[Harley-D]

I'm all for the environment and "cleaner" fuel but does anyone think about everything that goes into the production of...let's say biodiesel? It comes from mostly soy and corn which require a certain amount of fertilizer which needs to be produced by the use of natural gas right? So doesn't it take more pollutants to create biodiesel than it saves? I really think that we are on to something with the process of algea and deriving energy from that. Less total input for the end product.

[AlternativeFuelLawnCare]

.

We are the 'green' industry and I think we should leading in this area, so.... anything that is somewhat less polluting, it's ok in my book. I consider it a small step in the right direction.

.

You said it perfectly. When we set up shop notice we didn't choose "propane fuel lawn care". Propane mowers reduce their harmful emissions between 60-80% not 100%. For my daughters sake I truly hope there is something better than propane for our industry in the future. Technically you could use solar or wind power to recharge push mowers but for most contractors that just isn't practical. As of today propane is the best option for saving costs while reducing the harmful emissions.

Our company did research on bio-diesel quite a bit and keep an eye on it for further developments. Unfortunately most units use only 5% bio and the rest diesel. The best units are 20% bio and there have been reports of troubles in cold weather when using the b20 fuel. That said check with your mower manufacturer, they may have already approved your owned equipment for b5 in which case every little bit helps.

[Kiril]

I'm all for the environment and "cleaner" fuel but does anyone think about everything that goes into the production of...let's say biodiesel? It comes from mostly soy and corn which require a certain amount of fertilizer which needs to be produced by the use of natural gas right?

It does? You should check your information before posting.

So doesn't it take more pollutants to create biodiesel than it saves? I really think that we are on to something with the process of algea and deriving energy from that. Less total input for the end product.

You mean like using algae to produce biodiesel?

[Harley-D]

Sorry, i just changed subjects too quick. I have read very little on the use of algea but that it a very prolific reproducer and can be used in some green energy way. Basically hear say but figured this may be a good thread to bring it up on.

"It comes from mostly soy and corn which require a certain amount of fertilizer which needs to be produced by the use of natural gas right?" Maybe you misread Kiril but this is a question, not a fact stated. You should read the posts before gunslinging.

[JDUtah]

Algea still needs nutrients. You can't build a cell without the right molecules after all. Hence it still needs fertilizer. Now you aren't using as much energy to plant/harvest it, but you are using energy to cycle it through the system (most systems are not still bound), and fertilize it.

[ehansen@competitivelawn.c]

All,

All this future stuff is interesting.

All I know is that my commercial crew drove to their jobs today on propane. They blew leaves into a pile with a propane backpack blower. They ran them over with a propane wright stander to grind them up, put them in the back of the truck to complete the job.

If you can give me a single fuel source that can do that other than propane for next week, I will consider that. A bio diesel trimmer???

Best Regards,

Eric Hansen,
www.greenpropanepower.com

[Kiril]

Algea still needs nutrients. You can't build a cell without the right molecules after all. Hence it still needs fertilizer. Now you aren't using as much energy to plant/harvest it, but you are using energy to cycle it through the system (most systems are not still bound), and fertilize it.

Ever heard of an sewage pond? How about instead of treating water bodies with pesticides to get rid of unwanted algae, you harvest it instead? Neither one of these require fertilizer.

[JDUtah]

Ever heard of an sewage pond? How about instead of treating water bodies with pesticides to get rid of unwanted algae, you harvest it instead? Neither one of these require fertilizer.

Good points, but most commercial systems I have read about don't consider such things.

[Ireland Lawn Care]

All,

All this future stuff is interesting.

All I know is that my commercial crew drove to their jobs today on propane. They blew leaves into a pile with a propane backpack blower. They ran them over with a propane wright stander to grind them up, put them in the back of the truck to complete the job.

If you can give me a single fuel source that can do that other than propane for next week, I will consider that. A bio diesel trimmer???

Best Regards,

Eric Hansen,
www.greenpropanepower.com
Eric,

What kind of propane backpack blowers do you have and where can I find them? I own a small lawn care company in Virginia and have three propane lawn mowers, trimmers and handheld blowers from Lehr but I have been looking for a propane backpack leaf blower for some time. Thanks in advance for the info.

Rob

[greencollarlawn]

Hey Rob,

How do you find using the Lehr mowers? I was considering purchasing one or two but don't know too much about them. Thank you for any input.

Sean

[AlternativeFuelLawnCare]

I haven't yet seen a backpack propane blower directly from a manufacturer although I expect they will have them soon. Currently the Lehr handheld model is the only propane blower known from the factory. We can convert most 4 cycle backpack blowers with our least expensive conversion kit but at $335 for the conversion I would prefer the manufacturers just stepped up and offered one.

[tallrick]

Does it count to use a diesel mower powered by used vegetable oil?

[Kepple Services]

I have a larger customer that converted their mower fleet to propane late last year and are planning on converting all their handhelds this year. I do believe their trucks are on the list to get converted as time goes on as well. They said everything that has been stated here in this thread, engines run quieter, cleaner, less oil changes, less maintenance. The propane company here did the convertions for them.

[LiveGreenLawn]

I have a SCAG v ride stander 52. Considering converting to propane. Any one have any advise or can see any problems i.might run into converting a stander into.propane. such as weight of tank on one side. Would i need to add weight on opposite side to offset? Got a eco.friendly.property that will only.use cleaner burning equipment. Plus propane conversion is free. Thanks for any.input.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Mark Oomkes]

I haven't yet seen a backpack propane blower directly from a manufacturer although I expect they will have them soon. Currently the Lehr handheld model is the only propane blower known from the factory. We can convert most 4 cycle backpack blowers with our least expensive conversion kit but at $335 for the conversion I would prefer the manufacturers just stepped up and offered one.

4 stroke backpack blower? What brand is it?

Are there kits to switch diesels to propane? Or is that only viable with natural gas? Or is that just a stupid question?

I'll be giving you guys a call.

[AlternativeFuelLawnCare]

4 stroke backpack blower? What brand is it?

Are there kits to switch diesels to propane? Or is that only viable with natural gas? Or is that just a stupid question?

I'll be giving you guys a call.

Makita makes a nice 4 stroke backpack blower and there are a few others we've seen.

I have yet to see any full diesel conversion although there are quite a few propane injections added onto diesels to increase horsepower. I doubt any fuel savings would offset the injection however it does add power with a more complete burn of the diesel.

In very few instances do we recommend natural gas conversions with mowers due to the high pressure tanks being so much heavier and the lack of easy refill through tank exchange.

Looking forward to your call, we are always willing to share information.

[unit28]

Common algae from ponds and waste-water treatment plants has been found to produce vast amounts of burnable oil, say researchers at the University of Minnesota, algae produces an astounding 5,000 gallons of oil per acre. Corn, by comparison, produces a measly 18 gallons

[Grohorganic]

Common algae from ponds and waste-water treatment plants has been found to produce vast amounts of burnable oil, say researchers at the University of Minnesota, algae produces an astounding 5,000 gallons of oil per acre. Corn, by comparison, produces a measly 18 gallons

in some photo bio reactors it has been as high as 30,000 gallons per acre

[retrodog]

My only compaint running both a dixie chopper and a bad boy propane set-up was the tanks were on both sides, and on both being 60" units, I still couldn't see the trim side of the deck. I couldn't tell if I was getting close to stuff. I have been mowing long enough to get close without looking, but I like the option every once in a while......

[Mark Oomkes]

Common algae from ponds and waste-water treatment plants has been found to produce vast amounts of burnable oil, say researchers at the University of Minnesota, algae produces an astounding 5,000 gallons of oil per acre. Corn, by comparison, produces a measly 18 gallons

Can't be, we are running out of our finite supply of oil. :rolleyes:

[LupineLandscaping]

Interesting post.

We run all 21's and aerators on propane. The conversions were inexpensive and we refill smaller tanks from our 100lb cylinders with wet line conversions. It's really not a problem at all. We are located at 7000 ft and see a small loss of hp but not enough to NOT justify the fuel savings and cleaner burn. Propane is American Made and generally comes from my part of the country, SW CO. I will agree with the folk that argue that it is not a solution to the problem, it is a mere step in the correct direction.

This will be the first year we run our MDGGHS Walker on propane. We look forward to seeing the results.

Also we have a MDDGHS Walker that we run on waste oil. The oil we use in all of our equipment in Made in America. It is made out of plant and animal fats. We've used it for years with NO issues. We take that oil after an oil change and run it through a filtration process and burn it off in the Walker. It's a full process with no waste.

Green Earth Technologies (G Oil)
AltFuel Propane Conversions