Posts Tagged ‘PERC’

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.

 

PERC Propane Mower Incentive Program Returns for Limited Time

Monday, October 19th, 2015

The Propane Education & Research Council is bringing back its popular Propane Mower Incentive Program for a limited time. Effective immediately, landscape contractors can apply to receive $1,000 toward the purchase of a new propane-powered mower and $500 toward a qualified conversion. The incentive will be available until program funds expire, so applicants are encouraged to act fast.

Exmark Vantage Propane Mower

For a limited time, PERC is offering $1,000 toward the purchase of any of Exmark’s industry-leading propane mowers.

“It’s officially the buying season for landscape contractors and, while many already know the value of propane mowers, a little assistance with the upfront costs associated with converting their equipment can prove to be the tipping point,” said Jeremy Wishart, PERC’s deputy director of business development. “Propane can give landscape contractors a lower total cost of operation and also reduce emissions compared with traditional fuels, so it’s exciting to be able to help offset some of those initial conversion costs for contractors wanting to take advantage of propane’s benefits.”

Since the Mower Incentive Program first began in 2012, well over 3,000 applications from landscape contractors have been received by PERC. Contractors can apply for the Propane Mower Incentive Program at propane.com/mowerincentive.

The Mower Incentive Program is just one of many tools that PERC offers contractors to help them save money with propane. PERC’s suite of cost-calculator tools is designed for use in the propane industry’s fastest-growing markets, including commercial landscape. The calculator tool, available at propanecostcalculator.com, estimates potential fuel savings and ROI for contractors using clean, American-made propane when compared with conventional fuels like gasoline and diesel.

Learn more about Exmark’s industry-leading line of 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.

Exmark Brings EFI Propane Innovation to the Vantage S-Series Stand-On Rider

Thursday, March 19th, 2015

New Kohler EFI propane power plant can reduce fuel expenditures by up to 40 percent

The Vantage S-Series Propane joins Exmark's existing EFI propane Lazer Z and Turf Tracer models.

The Vantage S-Series Propane joins Exmark’s existing EFI propane Lazer Z and Turf Tracer models.

Exmark has unveiled the latest addition to its industry leading line of EFI propane commercial mowers — the Vantage S-Series Propane 52-inch stand-on rider. The new model uses a state-of-the-art Kohler EFI propane powerplant that delivers significant increases in fuel economy, performance and reliability along with being the most environmentally friendly engine option available today.

The new stand-on machine joins Exmark’s existing EFI propane Lazer Z and Turf Tracer models, providing the broadest product line-up in the industry. Landscape professionals now have an increasing number of options that can precisely meet their needs and enjoy the reliability, economic and environmental benefits of EFI propane power.

Exmark Director of Marketing, Daryn Walters, said an increasing number of landscape contractors are turning to propane power as a way to reduce costs, increase profitability and reduce impact on the environment.

“Time and again we hear that fuel is one of our customers’ largest expenses, and increasing fuel costs have put a serious dent on the profitability of many contractors across the country. More and more of these folks are turning to EFI propane powered equipment as a way to reduce their fuel bill and get more work done with fewer resources.”

The Kohler PCV740 EFI propane engine delivers increased fuel efficiency, performance and ease-of-starting.

The Kohler PCV740 EFI propane engine delivers increased fuel efficiency, performance and ease-of-starting.

The Vantage S-Series Propane machine features the groundbreaking Kohler Command Pro PCV740 EFI propane powerplant. The engine’s automotive-style closed-loop EFI system delivers significantly increased fuel economy, reliability and improved performance, combined with easy, no-choke starting. It precisely adjusts fuel/air mixture settings in real-time for optimal performance at any altitude, any temperature, in any conditions.

The efficiency of the EFI system reduces fuel consumption by up to 40 percent compared to carbureted propane engines.

The Vantage S-Series Propane model is available with a 52-inch UltraCut Series 4 cutting deck. The deck features Exmark’s patented Flow Control baffles to provide an unmatched quality of cut, and the welded steel deck construction features 7-gauge high-strength steel reinforced spindle mounting rings for top-notch strength and durability. Blade spindle assemblies feature rugged cast aluminum housings and zero-maintenance sealed heavy-duty bearings to maximize service life, even in the most demanding conditions.

Learn more about the 2015 Exmark Vantage S-Series Propane stand-on commercial mower at Exmark.com.