Posts Tagged ‘EFI’

Why Electronic Fuel Injection Improves Lawn Mowers

Tuesday, October 3rd, 2017

For landscape professionals looking to cut high fuel costs, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) mowers can be a great starting point. Whether on your car or your mower, fuel injection engines use pressurized injectors to spray precise amounts of fuel into the air stream. This precision is an improvement over carburetors, which approximate the ratio of fuel to air. The result is increased performance and efficiency.

Exmark EFI mowers with E-Gov deliver enhanced performance. Because they don’t need a choke, mowers start quickly, whether the engine is hot or cold. Once running, they respond easily to changes in engine loads, like rough grass or tough uphill climbs. On mowers without EFI, engines can slow down, but with EFI and E-Gov, the engine maintains RPM and blade speed, keeping you running at peak performance without burning through extra fuel. If you mow a lot of hilly properties, EFI and E-Gov can help you mow more efficiently and with less fuel.

For landscape contractors running multiple machines all day, all season long, fuel is a top operating expense, likely your second largest expense after labor. EFI mowers can improve efficiency by 25% over traditional carburetors, drastically reducing fuel prices. When the U.S. average for gasoline is $2.10 a gallon, the savings may not seem like much. But gas prices can rise suddenly, in response to disasters or events elsewhere in the world. If your mowers are inefficient, an increase in fuel costs can mean fewer profits and thinner margins. (If you’re wondering how high gas prices can go, the highest price per gallon in the U.S. was $4.11, in July 2008, according to AAA.)

Fuel injection also means no carburetor adjustments and maintenance, reducing downtime and keeping your machines in the field longer.

So, while EFI is an additional up-front cost, the savings you’ll gain from improved performance and efficiency means you should save money in the long run. Exmark offers electronic fuel injection engines on many mowers, including Lazer-Z zero-turn mowers, Vantage stand-on mowers, and Turf Tracer walk-behinds.

Why Switching to Propane Mowers with EFI Could Boost Your Bottom Line

Wednesday, June 8th, 2016
Exmark Lazer Z S-Series Propane

State-of-the-art Exmark EFI-propane mowers offer increased fuel economy and performance, with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

If you’re looking for ways to increase profit margins for your lawn care business, one option might be to consider switching to propane mowers. On average, it is said that about 9% of production costs for landscape professionals goes toward fuel. Therefore, a move to propane mowers regulated with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), could help cut your fuel costs and improve your bottom-line.

Increased efficiency — The propane engines on Exmark mowers can increase fuel efficiency by up to 40% for extended runtimes, compared to traditional gasoline-powered mowers. At the same time, historical prices for propane run about 30% less than gasoline. With gasoline prices still low, this may not seem crucial – but if there’s one rule of gasoline prices, it’s that eventually, they always go back up.

EFI with E-Gov technology plays a big part in the efficiency of propane mower engines. Electronic Fuel Injection and E-Gov keep fuel flowing to your engine at a steady rate, even when your mower revs. This prevents engine drop-off when you hit a rough patch or tackle a steep grade. Gasoline mowers with mechanical regulators can be slow to respond to increased demand on the engine. Just as when you drive, an engine that runs at steady rate performs better than one that continually revs up to work harder.

Cleaner and Greener — Propane is remarkably stable over time, and can be stored for long periods. It also burns cleaner than gasoline, reducing build-up and engine maintenance. This means less mower downtime to have your machine in the field longer, and more profit. Another added benefit is lower emissions, which has become more of a selling point with customers.

Quieter — Propane mower engines are quieter to operate than gasoline or diesel mowers, which could let you start earlier and work later than competitors, and reduce the potential for noise complaints from neighboring properties.

For more information on switching your fleet to propane, see Exmark’s whitepaper, or talk to an Exmark dealer near you.

New Product Showcase: Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane

Wednesday, May 25th, 2016

Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane

New 60-inch Vantage S-Series is Exmark’s most productive propane-fueled stand-on riding mower

Exmark has expanded its industry-leading line of propane-fueled commercial mowers to include a 60-inch version of its Vantage S-Series Propane stand-on riding mower.

The machine’s innovative Kohler EFI propane powerplant delivers increased fuel economy and performance combined with reduced emissions, making it one of the most environmentally friendly commercial stand-on mowers available today.

Exmark Director of Marketing, Daryn Walters, said the 60-inch Vantage S-Series Propane is a machine customers have frequently been requesting.

“The reception to the 52-inch model we launched in 2015 was overwhelmingly positive,” Walters said. “That said, one thing we consistently heard from customers is of a need for a model with a larger cutting deck.

“The 60-inch Vantage S-Series Propane will give these customers added width of cut to maximize productivity, combined with the cost-saving advantage of our cutting-edge Kohler EFI propane powerplant. It’s a win-win situation. More productivity combined with lower cost equals greater profit. It’s as simple as that.”

Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane

The state-of-the-art Kohler EFI-propane engine is the industry’s first OEM-engineered propane powerplant for commercial mowers.

The Vantage S-Series Propane is powered by a state-of-the-art Kohler Command Pro PCV740 V-Twin EFI propane engine. The professional-grade design uses automotive-style closed-loop electronic fuel injection to eliminate carburetor-related issues and automatically adjust to load, weather and altitude for better performance every day. The EFI design also offers car-like ease of starting – just turn the key and go. No choke, no priming and no fuel pressure adjustments needed.

The 60-inch UltraCut Series 4 side-discharge cutting deck features Exmark’s patented flow-control baffles to deliver the company’s signature quality of cut. Heavy-duty welded construction and high-strength 7-gauge spindle reinforcements deliver superior strength with increased long-term durability.

Maintenance-reducing features include sealed, no-maintenance spindles and Exmark’s patented spherical bearing design idler arm pivots.

“When combined with the incredibly reliable Kohler powerplant, the maintenance-reducing features help keep the Vantage S-Series Propane out making money more of the time,” Walters added.

The new 60-inch Vantage S-Series Propane mower joins Exmark’s existing EFI propane Lazer Z (zero-turn rider), Turf Tracer (walk-behind) and Vantage (stand-on) models.

Learn more at Exmark.com.

The Value of Propane Mowers in Today’s Economy

Sunday, March 20th, 2016
Exmark Lazer Z Propane

The reduced greenhouse gasses propane mowers produce isn’t just good for the environment, it’s a great marketing advantage.

Each day, a growing number of landscape professionals open their eyes to the potential of modern propane-fueled commercial mowers. Even as gasoline prices have come down in recent months, propane is still extremely price competitive and the environmental benefits of propane mowers are in-line with what the majority of landscape maintenance customers say they’re looking for in a landscape contractor (see first bullet point below).

Exmark’s white paper, Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane, has a number of compelling reasons you should consider propane mowers for your business. Following is an excerpt from the Executive Summary.

  • 2013 market research conducted by Lawn & Landscape magazine revealed that 63 percent of homeowners responsible for decisions related to some or all landscape contract services are influenced by a sense of environmental responsibility.
  • Propane-fueled commercial mowers and equipment produce significantly fewer greenhouse gasses (GHG) than those fueled by gasoline.
  • PERC, Kohler and Exmark partnered on development of the industry’s first EFI-propane engine for commercial mower applications. The engine is the industry’s first OEM-level EFI-propane engine, offering full commercial warranty and support. The EFI design increases fuel efficiency by up to 25 percent, and coupled with the typically lower cost of propane, reduces overall fuel costs by up to 40 percent compared to carbureted gasoline engines. Uptime is also improved since the EFI engine solves startability and performance issues frequently encountered with engines using aftermarket conversions.
  • Exmark introduced a Kohler EFI-propane powered version of its Lazer Z S-Series zero-turn riding mower as well as two Turf Tracer wide area walk behind models in 2013. The EFI-propane Vantage S-Series stand-on riding mower followed in 2015.
  • Propane is widely available nationwide and is used in an estimated 12.6 million U.S. households for heating, cooking and recreation. It is a fossil fuel derived from the refining of oil and natural gas. It is a very safe fuel for commercial mowers, with an ignition temperature that’s nearly double that of gasoline (900 deg. F vs. 495 deg. F). In addition, robust, sealed containers virtually eliminate the opportunity for fuel spillage.
  • The selection of a retailer and the negotiation of a seasonal contract are two important aspects of a switch to propane for landscape maintenance professionals to consider.
  • Exmark propane mowers deliver industry-leading performance, productivity and durability.
  • Incentives from PERC, as well as a number of state marketing associations can mitigate some or all of the increased up-front cost of propane mowers. Combined with the EFI-related fuel savings and the lower cost of propane, Exmark mowers powered by Kohler propane-EFI engines can save up-to $2/hour, or more depending on duty cycle and other factors. This allows pay back of the added investment in one to two seasons.
Click the image to download the complete Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane white paper in Adobe PDF format.

Click to download the complete white paper.

Download the complete Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane white paper in Adobe PDF format.

Learn more about Exmark’s complete line of EFI-propane commercial mowers at Exmark.com.

See the average fuel prices in your area:

 

New Product Showcase: 60-inch Vantage S-Series Propane Stand-On Rider

Sunday, March 6th, 2016

New model is Exmark’s most productive propane-fueled stand-on riding mower

Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane

Equipped with a 60-inch UltraCut Series 4 cutting deck, the Vantage S-Series Propane delivers incredible productivity.

Exmark has expanded its industry-leading line of propane-fueled commercial mowers to include a 60-inch version of its Vantage S-Series Propane stand-on rider for 2016. The machine’s innovative Kohler EFI propane powerplant delivers increased fuel economy and performance combined with reduced emissions, making it one of the most environmentally friendly commercial stand-on mowers available today.

Exmark Director of Marketing, Daryn Walters, said the 60-inch Vantage S-Series Propane is a machine customers have frequently been requesting.

“The reception to the 52-inch Vantage S-Series Propane we launched this past year has been overwhelmingly positive,” Walters said. “That said, one thing we’ve heard is of a need for a larger propane-fueled stand-on rider.

“The 60-inch Vantage S-Series Propane will give these customers the cutting width they need to maximize productivity, combined with the cost-saving advantage of our cutting-edge Kohler EFI propane powerplant. It’s a win-win situation. More productivity combined with lower cost equals greater profit. It’s as simple as that.”

Kohler Command Pro EFI Propane engine

The state-of-the-art Kohler Command Pro EFI propane engine offers increased performance, responsiveness and fuel efficiency.

The Vantage S-Series Propane is powered by a state-of-the-art Kohler Command Pro PCV740 V-Twin EFI propane engine. The professional-grade design uses automotive-style closed-loop electronic fuel injection to eliminate carburetor-related issues and automatically adjust to load, weather and altitude for better performance every day. Plus, the EFI design offers car-like ease of starting – just turn the key and go. No choke, no priming and no fuel pressure adjustments needed.

The 60-inch UltraCut Series 4 side-discharge cutting deck features Exmark’s patented flow-control baffles to deliver the company’s signature quality of cut. Heavy-duty welded construction and high-strength 7-gauge spindle reinforcements deliver superior strength with increased long-term durability. Maintenance-reducing features include sealed, no-maintenance spindles and Exmark’s patented spherical bearing design idler arm pivots.

“When combined with the incredibly reliable Kohler EFI propane powerplant, the maintenance-reducing features help keep the Vantage S-Series Propane out making money more of the time,” Walters added.

The new 60-inch Vantage S-Series Propane mower joins Exmark’s existing EFI propane Lazer Z (zero-turn rider), Turf Tracer (walk-behind) and Vantage (stand-on) models.

Learn more at Exmark.com.

New Product Showcase: Exmark Lazer Z X-Series with Rear-Discharge Cutting System

Sunday, February 28th, 2016

EX16_Rear_Discharge_webThe innovative UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting system is an option for the first time on the new Exmark Lazer Z X-Series zero-turn riding mower for 2016.

The UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting system offers a number of benefits including reduced noise, increased clipping control and the ability to trim on both sides of the deck. Patented flow-control baffles work in conjunction with a counter-rotating blade design to reduce clipping over-processing and horsepower requirements, while delivering even clipping dispersion and the company’s signature quality of cut.

Exmark Director of Marketing, Daryn Walters, said rear-discharge cutting decks make sense for a wide range of the company’s customers, from landscape professionals to acreage owners.

“The UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting deck solves many of the challenges our customers face every day. From the reduction in noise to the increase in clipping control and ease of trimming, rear-discharge is a great way to maximize productivity and versatility without sacrificing cut quality.”

Lazer Z X-Series

Exmark’s most powerful, productive mower, the Lazer Z X-Series, is now available with the awesome UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting deck.

The Lazer Z X-Series is the most powerful, productive mower Exmark builds. UltraCut Rear Discharge-equipped units feature powerful Kohler twin-cylinder powerplants with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). EFI helps the engine deliver more consistent performance and improved fuel economy in any cutting conditions.

The UltraCut Rear Discharge mowing system is designed for maximum productivity and cut quality. Available in 60- or 72-inch cutting widths, the 5.5-inch deep deck uses a welded and reinforced 7-gauge, high-strength alloy steel shell for superior strength and long-term durability. The no-maintenance spindles are sealed from the elements and designed to deliver a lifetime of reliable service without greasing. Exmark designed compression molded, ultra-high molecular weight side bumpers to protect both sides of the deck. The bumpers work in concert with durable through-axle anti-scalp rollers to precisely follow ground contour.

Pioneer S-Series zero-turn rider

The UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting system is also available on select Pioneer S-Series, Lazer Z E-Series and Lazer Z DS-Series models.

In addition to the new Exmark Lazer Z X-Series, the UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting system is available on the following models:

For highly manicured properties, Exmark offers a Finish Cut baffle kit for the UltraCut Rear Discharge cutting system. When installed, it significantly reduces visible clippings to deliver similar performance to a dedicated mulching mower deck, with the reduced sound output and power requirements of the rear-discharge design.

Learn more about Exmark Rear-Discharge zero-turn riding mowers at Exmark.com.

Why EFI? A Look at the Benefits of Electronic Fuel Injection

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016

In addition to traditional carbureted engines, most Exmark commercial zero-turn, stand-on and walk-behind mowers are also available with engines equipped with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). Today, we’ll discuss EFI’s benefits and why you might want to consider equipping your next mower with a fuel-injected engine.

Exmark EFI propane

Exmark offers state of the art EFI-propane engines on its commercial zero-turn, walk-behind and stand-on riding mowers.

What is EFI?

EFI replaces the carburetor as the mechanism responsible for mixing fuel and air, and delivering the mixture to the engine cylinders, so it can be burned, and power can be produced.

Unlike a carburetor, which relies on the vacuum created by the engine to work, a fuel-injected engine uses pressurized injectors to spray a precisely-metered amount of fuel into the air stream as it enters the engine. The system’s ability to adjust the fuel/air mixture based on altitude and environment is a major benefit for commercial mower users on a number of levels.

Exmark Navigator

Electronic Fuel Injection reduces fuel consumption, downtime and maintenance costs, while it increases power, performance and ease-of-starting.

EFI Benefits

  • Productivity — EFI optimizes the fuel/air mixture to deliver maximum power and responsiveness at any altitude, in any weather. You’ll get more work done thanks to the optimized performance.
  • Fuel economy — Save up to 25 percent or more on fuel costs compared to similarly equipped carbureted mowers. For a landscape professional, this can amount to hundreds of dollars of fuel savings per year for each machine.
  • Easy starting — With no choke, you’ll get quick starts every time, hot or cold.
  • Reduced service/downtime — With no carburetor, fuel injected engines have no carburetor-related maintenance costs or downtime.

Exmark EFI-Equipped Mowers

Exmark offers Electronically Fuel Injected engines across its line of commercial mowers, including Lazer Z (zero-turn rider), Navigator (dedicated bagging rider), Vantage (stand-on rider) and Turf Tracer (walk-behind) models.

Learn more about Exmark Electronic Fuel Injection mowers.

Additional Information

Exploring Fuel Options for Exmark Mowers

Wednesday, January 27th, 2016

One of the most basic decisions you’ll make when purchasing a new mower is fuel type. Today, Exmark offers more fuel options than ever, including gasoline, diesel and propane. So while the decision of which fuel is best for you is one only you can make, Exmark offers industry-leading mowers designed to run on whichever fuel you choose.

Exmark Commercial 30

Gasoline engines are found throughout the Exmark line, on every type of mower we build.

Gasoline-Powered Exmark Mowers

The majority of the mowers Exmark builds are powered by gasoline engines, and they are found throughout the line. Because gasoline is readily available across the country, today it’s the most popular fuel type among homeowners and landscape professionals alike.

Electronic Fuel Injection − EFI

While carbureted engines are still the most popular choice among Exmark mower buyers, today an increasing number of Exmark models are equipped with EFI gasoline engines. EFI replaces the traditional carburetor with a smart fuel system that optimizes settings based on environmental conditions. Performance and productivity are increased, while fuel consumption is reduced by 25-percent or more.

EFI-equipped gasoline engines are available on Exmark walk-behind, stand-on and zero-turn mower models.

Learn more about Exmark EFI-equipped mowers

RED E-Gov governor droop

The increased responsiveness of the E-Gov allows RED-equipped engines to operate at a reduced RPM for increased fuel economy without compromise to performance.

RED Technology

By combining EFI with an electronic governor (E-Gov) and its patented RED Technology, Exmark has further raised the bar on the fuel efficiency, performance and durability of its zero-turn riding mowers. RED enables unprecedented communication among key mower system components, tracking critical engine metrics to prevent critical issues from perpetuating a catastrophic failure.

Exmark offers gasoline engines equipped with RED Technology on its top-of-the-line Lazer Z X-Series zero-turn riding mower.

Learn more about RED Technology-equipped Exmark mowers

Exmark Lazer Z S-Series Propane

State-of-the-art Exmark EFI-propane mowers offer increased fuel economy and performance, with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Propane-Powered Exmark Mowers

Today, an ever-increasing number of landscape professionals are turning to propane as their fuel of choice for their mowers and other equipment. The benefits are compelling: including reduced operating costs and an up to 25-percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (compared to gasoline). Additionally, Exmark propane mowers are powered by state-of-the-art EFI engines, which raise the bar on propane mower performance and ease-of-starting, with dramatically reduced fuel consumption.

When it comes to an environmentally friendly fuel, today propane is the leading option. Exmark offers EFI-propane engine options on its commercial walk-behind, stand-on and zero-turn mowers, making it easy to outfit your trailer with a full suite of industry leading propane-powered mowers.

Learn more about Exmark EFI Propane mowers

Exmark Lazer Z DS-Series

With a torquey liquid-cooled Kubota diesel engine, the Lazer Z DS-Series is the perfect partner big, tough mowing jobs.

Diesel-Powered Exmark Mowers

Exmark diesel mowers are popular with landscape professionals, parks crews and others responsible for maintaining large areas of grass. Equipped with a liquid-cooled Kubota twin-cylinder engine with a reputation for extreme durability, the Lazer Z DS cuts big jobs down to size. Choose from Exmark UltraCut cutting decks in side-discharge or rear-discharge configurations, in 60- or 72-inch cutting widths.

Learn more about Exmark diesel-powered mowers

Exmark White Paper: Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane

Sunday, November 1st, 2015
Exmark Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane white paper

Click the image to download the free white paper in Adobe PDF format.

Every day, an increasing number of landscape maintenance professionals are opening their eyes to the potential of propane-fueled commercial mowers. Here are a few compelling reasons why that shift is occurring, from our white paper, Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane:

  • 2013 market research conducted by Lawn & Landscape magazine revealed that 63 percent of homeowners responsible for decisions related to some or all landscape contract services are influenced by a sense of environmental responsibility.
  • Propane-fueled commercial mowers and equipment produce significantly fewer greenhouse gasses (GHG) than those fueled by gasoline.
  • PERC, Kohler and Exmark partnered on development of the industry’s first EFI-propane engine for commercial mower applications. The engine is the industry’s first OEM-level EFI-propane engine, offering full commercial warranty and support. The EFI design increases fuel efficiency by up to 25 percent, and coupled with the lower cost of propane, reduces overall fuel costs by up to 40 percent compared to carbureted gasoline engines. Uptime is also improved since the EFI engine solves startability and performance issues frequently encountered with engines using aftermarket conversions.
  • In 2013, Exmark introduced a Kohler EFI-propane powered version of its Lazer Z S-Series zero-turn riding mower as well as two Turf Tracer wide area walk behind models. In 2015 it introduced an EFI-propane Vantage S-Series stand-on riding mower.
  • Propane is widely available nationwide and is used in an estimated 12.6 million U.S. households for heating, cooking and recreation. It is a fossil fuel derived from the refining of oil and natural gas. It is a very safe fuel for commercial mowers, with an ignition temperature that’s nearly double that of gasoline (900 deg. F vs. 495 deg. F). Plus, robust, sealed containers virtually eliminate the opportunity for fuel spillage.
  • The selection of a propane retailer and the negotiation of a seasonal contract are two important aspects of a switch to propane for landscape maintenance professionals to consider.

    Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane

    Exmark propane mowers deliver industry-leading performance, productivity and durability.

  • Incentives from PERC, as well as a number of state marketing associations can mitigate some or all of the increased up-front cost of propane mowers. Combined with the EFI-related fuel savings and the lower cost of propane,
  • Exmark mowers powered by Kohler propane-EFI engines can save up-to $2/hour, or more depending on duty cycle and other factors. This allows pay back of the added investment in just one to two seasons.

Download the complete Transitioning Mower Fleets to Propane white paper in Adobe PDF format.

Learn more about Exmark’s complete line of EFI-propane commercial mowers at Exmark.com.

 

Clean American Innovation: Exmark Manufacturing

Thursday, April 16th, 2015

Click to go to view the Exmark video on the Clean American Innovation site.

The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) has released the latest video in its “Clean American Innovation” video series, which highlights America’s propane technology leaders. Exmark is proud to be featured in the video, as it recognizes the commitment we’ve made to our growing line of EFI propane commercial mowers.

Lazer Z S-Series Propane

The Lazer Z S-Series Propane leads the industry for propane mower performance and durability.

Exmark’s Lazer Z S-Series Propane was the industry’s first EFI propane commercial zero-turn mower in 2013, and it continues to deliver industry-leading performance, durability and cut quality today.

In 2014, Exmark introduced two new EFI propane Turf Tracer walk-behind models — the Turf Tracer X-Series Propane and the Turf Tracer S-Series Propane.

Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane

The new Vantage S-Series Propane brings EFI propane advantages to commercial stand-on riding mowers.

Recognizing the growing popularity of stand-on mowers among landscape professionals, as well as the need for a propane-powered option, in 2015 Exmark launched its Vantage S-Series Propane stand-on rider. It delivers the productivity benefits of a stand-on rider combined with the fuel  and cost efficiency benefits of propane and Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) in a progressive, operator-focused design.

Exmark’s propane mowers use state-of-the-art Kohler Command Pro EFI propane engines to deliver increased fuel efficiency for longer run times and decreased operating costs, with significantly improved starting and running performance compared to carbureted propane engines.

See the Clean American Innovation: Exmark Manufacturing video, and the other videos in the series, on the Clean American Innovation website, or learn more about Exmark’s industry-leading EFI propane products at Exmark.com.