The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) offers landscape contractors two ways to save on propane-fueled mowers through its Propane Mower Incentive Program. Groundskeepers can receive $1000 toward the purchase of a qualifying new propane mower or $500 to convert eligible gasoline- or diesel-powered mowers to propane. Participants in the incentive program assist PERC in documenting the cost savings and benefits of propane-fueled mowers.
The $1,000 incentive can be applied toward any new, commercial propane-fueled mower purchased from any mower dealer in the nation. The mower must be equipped with a 60- to 72-inch cutting deck and the incentive can be combined with any manufacturer rebates and state propane gas association rebates for which the customer is eligible.
To qualify for the $500 incentive, a conversion mower must be a commercial, heavy-duty mower that has been operated for less than 10 hours, and it must be a dedicated propane-fueled mower, not a dual-fueled model. The mower conversion kit must meet Environmental Protection Agency or California Air Resources Board requirements, and it cannot void the original equipment manufacturer’s warranty on the engine.
A single applicant company can receive incentives for up to 10 mowers, including both new and conversion mowers. Program participants of new and conversion mowers must report to PERC on the usage and operation of the equipment for one mowing season.
Major manufacturers offering propane-fueled mowers include Ariens/Gravely, Bobcat, Briggs and Stratton (including Snapper Pro and Ferris brands), Cub Cadet, Dixie Chopper, Exmark, Husqvarna, Kubota, Scag, Toro, and Zipper.
Propane-fueled mowers cost less to operate than gasoline-fueled mowers owing to greater usage during ozone action days, convenient on-site fuel delivery, and the virtual elimination of fuel spillage and loss. Propane mowers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly half compared with gasoline mowers and meet or exceed Environmental Protection Agency emissions requirements. Propane is made here in the United States, and using it instead of imported fuel can help increase the nation’s energy security.
For more information on PERC and its programs, visit www.propanecouncil.org. For more information about the mower incentive program, visit www.poweredbypropane.org.
Dealer Demonstration Program
PERC’s Dealer Demonstration program offers commercial mower dealers a $2,000 discount on a propane-fueled mower, while bringing landscape contractors into their showroom.
Under the Dealer Demo, PERC is partnering with up to 300 commercial mower dealers across the nation, offering them a propane-fueled mower that their lawn and landscape contractor customers can test in the field. After a 90-hour demo period, participating dealers will submit usage data and PERC will give the dealer a check for $2,000 that can be applied to their OEM floor plan purchase price for the mower.