Propane

[cimkill]

O.K I talked to Ferris they said that they should have something that prevents you from pulling from both tanks that it should sputter, and shut down. Dunnoh? Obviously your not having that problem, but they said you shouldnt. The baffles on the discharge he said are good in some grasses and not so good in others, so like you will take them off along with striping kit. They are not for bagger attatchement. The mixer the guy said should not increase hp but might increase RPM. He said that propane engines dont give you as much power as gas, so that might be my problem, but will wait till I have done everything I can to get more power.

[atlantistom]

Interesting...
The 895cc Vanguard is about 31 HP. When running on Propane, the HP drops to around 30. I almost purchased the 32 HP gasoline for this reason, but only have a small area where the bahia is so thick that I have to slow down a bit to prevent bogging. I was sold on the propane due to the lack of fuel related problems.
As far as pulling from both tanks, I don't see anything in the lines that prevent this and I haven't had any issues in doing so. I'll give it a closer look tomorrow.

[Terry Metro Lawn]

Originally Posted by cimkill

Got yours from Lou also? I am getting about 1.4 GPH now. I am using a 40% propane 60% butane mix. Thats all they have down here. I have not removed the baffles or striper yet. I will take your advice thanks. yeah fuel economy improved drastically in last 20 hours now its got 45 hours on it and does alot of work. I have not noticed any increase in power so far. I was going to call commercial lawn and ask about power. My blade belt might not be tight enough. Will remove baffles and see. Thanks.

Holy Smokes I was just in Belize! I wish I'd known.

Can you post a bit more about your setup?

[cimkill]

Originally Posted by Terry Metro Lawn

Holy Smokes I was just in Belize! I wish I'd known.

Can you post a bit more about your setup?

Darn Terry Metro, I could have met up with you the country is small. I bought a Ferris IS3100zp it comes set up with propane. I have not done anything else to it except remove the rear discharge baffle, Thanks Atlantistom. It works alot better with that out. Have not removed striper but will do. Ok Terry, Aside from the Ferris I have an 05 Hustler Z 60" gas with a new 27 kohler engine that has maybe 70hours on it. I would love to convert that to propane also, as long as i would not loose my blade tip speed. I have 2 FS250's, 1 Husqvarna 143R, stihl blower, and edger. I think im the only commercial lawn buis in the country. LOL

[Terry Metro Lawn]

Well, your country isn't very big but it sure is beautiful there. I just happened to be there the day where your schools were having a parade through downtown. We were also up the coast in Costa Maya.

Stay tuned for some neat things happening here (lawnsite.com). There are some very knowledgeable people (more than I) coming online who will be able to answer all your technical questions!

[groverandson]

if u like ur mower ck and see if a bobcat predator pro lp is available in your area and demo one comes with a 30 hp generac that is actully 30 hp generac is the only engine manufacturer that rates there engines true hp every other kawi kohler brigs are all about 10 - 30 percent less than stated due 2 the fact there tested with no muffler no air filter

[Jungle J]

Use fuel calculator at www.gogreenmetrolawn.com to check out the savings for your specific use. The horse power should not vary much with propane conversion but if it is a vapor delivery system then the hesitation you have with gasoline to flash in the carborator is gone as propane is a vapor and burns instanly. This does help with thicker grass situations and can give the feel of more horse power because of the instant ignition. The only cons we have come across in the US is propane availibility and knowledge of doing the proper conversions. Metro Lawn addresses both of these issues and delivers both.

[cimkill]

Originally Posted by groverandson

if u like ur mower ck and see if a bobcat predator pro lp is available in your area and demo one comes with a 30 hp generac that is actully 30 hp generac is the only engine manufacturer that rates there engines true hp every other kawi kohler brigs are all about 10 - 30 percent less than stated due 2 the fact there tested with no muffler no air filter

Thanks for the advice, but I live in Belize Central America there are no commercial mower dealers here when i need equipment I have to fly up to florida buy my stuff and pay a heck of a lot of money for shipping and duty when it arrives down here. I am dealer loyal. I purchase my stuff from commercial lawn care in kissimmee florida. They work with me being down here give me advice cover parts under warranty, help me trouble shoot over the phone. You just cant beat their service! I buy whatever they have, and they dont carry bobcat. Great info on the generac, I did not know that. Thanks again.

[atlantistom]

Commercial lawn has a small selection of Bobcats. No Propane models. Lou might be able to order one for you.
I checked the manifold hose assembly that connects the two tanks and don't see anything that prevents pulling from both tanks. In fact, if you pull from both tanks, they both get cold, indicating gas is flowing equally from both. I'm going to err to the side of caution and go back to only pulling from one tank.
I've tried to get the local hardware store to fill the tanks to 7 Gal. but they'll only fill them to 5 Gal. Very frustrating!

[Terry Metro Lawn]

Originally Posted by atlantistom

Commercial lawn has a small selection of Bobcats. No Propane models. Lou might be able to order one for you.
I checked the manifold hose assembly that connects the two tanks and don't see anything that prevents pulling from both tanks. In fact, if you pull from both tanks, they both get cold, indicating gas is flowing equally from both. I'm going to err to the side of caution and go back to only pulling from one tank.
I've tried to get the local hardware store to fill the tanks to 7 Gal. but they'll only fill them to 5 Gal. Very frustrating!

Pressure should be the same with either one or both tanks on. Be sure to turn them on slowly as to not slug the "excess flow" valve.

If you continue to have problems with either the filling or operation feel free to pick a location here and I'm sure they can get you going:

http://www.heritagepropanelp.com/retail.asp?c=FL

If not let me know.