Menu
Posted October 27, 2014

Growth Projected for Propane Power
After 'Coming Out Year' 

by Mike Martin

Last year was propane’s “coming out year,” says Jeremy Wishart, Deputy Director of Business Development for PERC, the Propane Education & Research Council. He characterizes the year that way not because propane-powered equipment debuted, but because propane powerplants are now recognized as a viable, economical alternative to landscapers, contractors and rental centers.


Wishart at GIE
Jeremy Wishart, PERC's Deputy Director of Business Development, runs a propane fuel savings calculation for a visitor at the organization's booth. PERC had several manufacturers' products on display at the GIE+EXPO in Louisville, KY, last week. 

“Last year was a strong year for seeing propane-powered equipment out in the field and being used,” he explains. In past, the products were moving from a phase where buyers were interested in seeing what they can do, to being proven pieces of equipment that can fit into fleets. As important, he notes, the engines continue seeing more focus from manufacturers. For example, having seen consistent success with its 747 model, Kohler is rolling out its 824 model engine, with 27 hp and 29 hp propane engines available.

Use of propane power in equipment has increased significantly, from 17 manufacturers and 80 to 85 different models in the past, to 20 or 21 manufacturers this year and about 130 different models, he says.

The availability of equipment – and of the fuel – is very good. “About 75% of the questions I get about using propane-powered equipment focus on ‘Where do I get the fuel?’, Wishart says. “Propane is widely available – many people probably drive past a distribution center every day and don’t even realize it. Many rental centers already have propane delivered and available.”

What about last year’s price spike? He says a few factors were involved. First, high demand from the ag sector to dry down a wet grain and soybean crop – “up to seven or eight times what we would expect in a normal year,” followed by a polar vortex, created supply issues. “Overall, though, the supply-side is strong.”

Having been involved with PERC for six years and soliciting and reviewing user feedback, Wishart says propane powered engines, whether designed from the ground up or adapted using conversion systems, have shown no out-of-the-ordinary issues for engine maintenance and durability. Newer engines, such as those produced by Kohler or Kawasaki, have hardened valves and valve seats, “but this is technology being adapted from other engines. In general, the engines are durable and proven and, with training, are easy to maintain,” he comments.

Because it’s a clean fuel, a with strong domestic supply chain, rental centers should see ongoing advantages for their customers. On campuses or on government-related projects, propane-powered equipment offers “green” advantages important to contractors working on those sites. The quality and security of propane supply is an advantage, “and I also think rental centers will see a revenue opportunity in selling propane for the equipment. Plus, you can lock in your price over a long-term contract and see less volatility compared to other fuels,” Wishart says.

While demand and availability of propane-powered equipment are both increasing, he admits there’s plenty of room for growth. “We have a communications opportunity,” he says, “to help more and more contractors and rental centers see all the value that propane offers.”

One, of course, is fuel savings. To help highlight how propane compares to other fuels, PERC created an online propane fuel calculator. You can find it here.

Here’s some information from Kohler on the company’s two new propane engines:
Kohler will also introduce two propane 824cc Command PRO EFI engines PCV850 and PCV860 (27 and 29 hp, respectively). Kohler is the only company in the industry to manufacture a closed-loop EFI engine designed and optimized for propane use, producing equivalent power and torque to carbureted gasoline engines. 

With propane prices averaging up to 20-40 percent better per BTU than gasoline, commercial users of the 824cc Command PRO EFI propane engines can experience significant savings in their cost of fuel. Additionally, there are numerous incentives for using propane, including a $1,000 rebate from the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) on new equipment purchases, additional state incentives of up to $2500 offered by 11 states around the country, and municipal incentives in many local areas.

Since propane is a cleaner burning fuel, the 824cc Command Pro EFI propane model will be ideal for users in states that enforce Ozone Action Days, which limits mowing with carbureted gasoline engines. Propane-fueled equipment can also help commercial cutters win business contracts with municipalities and other organizations seeking “green” fuels and technologies.

SPONSORED ADS