Outdoor power equipment dealers find propane-powered commercial mowers
more favorable than comparable electric mowers, according to a recent survey
conducted by the Propane Education & Research Council. Among the more than
125 individuals who participated in the survey, electric mowers had 30 percent
less favorability than propane mowers. The survey found that 96 percent of
respondents also agreed that propane is a proven technology for mowers.
“We know how important the relationship is between a landscape
contractor and dealer, and how much influence dealers can have,” said Jeremy
Wishart, PERC’s director of off-road business development. “Knowing that
dealers see propane as the proven alternative fuel for commercial mowers is
encouraging as more contractors look for ways to distance themselves from the
high emissions and price volatility of gasoline and diesel.”
The survey showed that 62 percent of respondents agree that using
propane reduces fuel costs for landscape contractors compared to gasoline and
diesel, and 84 percent of respondents agree that using propane reduces fuel
loss.
An independent research firm, Wiese Research Associates, conducted the
survey on behalf of the Propane Education & Research Council to help get an
idea of industry perceptions of propane and propane equipment.
Additional data from the survey showed 94 percent of equipment dealers
who responded agree that propane mowers are safe for landscape professionals to
use. The survey also found that 96 percent agreed that propane has low
emissions that appeal to green-minded customers.
