The Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show will feature propane as a green alternative fuel for lawn equipment in the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) booth, No. 2428, during its 2011 conference this week in Chicago.
PERC’s booth at the Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show will emphasize its focus on research and development of propane-fueled mowers and other equipment. It will also introduce lawn and landscape professionals to the latest propane safety and training resources developed by PERC.
More than a dozen industry-leading manufacturers make propane-fueled mowers, including Ariens/Gravely, Bad Boy, Cub Cadet, Dixie Chopper, Exmark, Ferris Industries, Husqvarna, Scag Power Equipment, Schiller Grounds Care/Bob-Cat, Snapper Pro, and Zipper Mowers. Briggs & Stratton and Kawasaki make dedicated propane engines for some mower models, and Lehr Inc. makes propane-fueled hand-held equipment like string trimmers and blowers.
“Propane mowers are a right-here, right-now option for reducing costs and emissions in the lawn and turf maintenance business,” said Brian Feehan, vice president of PERC. “With almost 50 percent less greenhouse gas emissions and more than 80 percent less carbon monoxide emissions than gasoline mowers, propane mowers are perfect for any company looking to go green. And propane mowers can help a company’s bottom line because of competitive fuel pricing and the virtual elimination of fuel spillage and leakage common with gasoline.”
Federal incentive programs encourage the use of propane-fueled mowers and on-road vehicles that operate on propane autogas. In addition, PERC offers state propane councils and foundations matching dollars for qualifying programs that encourage the purchase of mowers, vehicles, and conversion systems certified by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show attracts key industry decision makers who specify, approve, and buy equipment, plants, products, and services for their businesses. This year, the show is expected to attract more than 5,000 attendees with a focus on green technology. The more than 300 exhibitors include PERC, Cub Cadet, Ariens/Gravely, Green Propane Power, and MetroLawn-United Propane & Energy.
For more information about the show, visit www.midam.org. For more information about propane-fueled commercial lawn mowers and other equipment, visit www.poweredbypropane.org/mowers.