How to: Convert to propane

More than three years ago, Austin and San Antonio, Texas-based Clean Scapes decided to switch its mowers to propane fuel. The company started with converting its existing fleet and, as mowers reached the end of their life cycle, bought new propane mowers. Now Clean Scapes has about 30 ride-on and walk-behind propane mowers.

There are environmentally-friendly reasons to switch to propane, but there are also economical benefits. Both played a part in Clean Scapes making the switch.

"The propane offers us the ability to be able to operate on Ozone Action Days," says Scott Tintera, head mechanic. Other factors, Tintera says, that led to the conversion: maintenance is easier because the fuel burns cleaner and the engine lasts longer.

Lawn & Landscape spoke to Tintera and Robert Ortiz, Clean Scapes equipment manager and warehouse supervisor, about how their company made the conversion and how companies can easily switch their equipment to propane.

– Carolyn LaWell

1. First determine how many hours your mowers have logged, Ortiz says. This will help you decide whether it will be easier and cheaper to convert mowers or buy new propane mowers once the machine’s service-life comes to an end.
    
2. Establish a relationship with a propane provider. Clean Scapes works with a service company that comes to its facility and exchanges cylinders on site. "That happens once a week so we don't run out of propane," Tintera says.
    
3. Ensure you have proper storage space and handling in place. Clean Scapes had to make sure it had the capability to store the cylinders on site and on the trucks. "The crews are all briefed on the safe handling and transportation of cylinders," Ortiz says.
    
4. A company committed to propane mowers should have a staff mechanic certified in propane conversion, Ortiz says. Propane-powered equipment will have some maintenance differences than gasoline.
    
5. Down equipment doesn't help anyone. When switching to propane make sure you have a support system in place, meaning a distributor that can easily replace parts on propane-powered machines, Ortiz says.