Ohio Propane Fleet Vehicles
One-Stop-Shop to Huge Savings on Vehicle Fuel and Maintenance, Fueling Infrastructure, and Tailpipe Emissions
STEP 1: Propane Mower Types
Lower fuel costs
Propane fuel costs less than gasoline, generally $1 less per gallon.
Less Labor
It’s a simple propane cylinder switch out—no trips to the gas station. Your propane supplier sets up and maintains your fuel supply so you don’t have to.
No Fuel Spills
Propane is a closed, secure fuel system.There’s no fuel spillage or pilferage.
CLEANER Operation
Propane has minimal emissions (EPA Clean Air Act) so engines last longer and require less maintenance (less oil and filters). Your crew and community benefit from a clean operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A propane canister is attached to the mower, connecting it to the engine through a fuel line. While the lawnmower is running, the propane gas heats up and combusts, creating the energy necessary to run the mower. There is also a pressure regulator that keeps the propane’s pressure in the canister at the appropriate level.
Propane is a great fuel source for lawnmowers because it burns very efficiently, and using propane is better for the environment, and will save you money on fuel and maintenance. A propane mower will consume fuel more efficiently, it will last longer between fill-ups.
Propane is nontoxic, has a lower flammability range than conventional gasoline, and odorized for easy detection. The containers are equipped with safety devices, including pressure-relief valves, shut-off valves that detect fuel line ruptures, and overfill protection. As well as being constructed from carbon steel and are 20 times more puncture-resistant than conventional gasoline and diesel tanks.
Ken Dykstra, product strategy manager for Kawasaki Engines said – “Those propane tanks are far more robust than any gasoline tank and don’t have to vent like a gas/diesel tank have to. It just takes education and familiarity with propane to show it’s safe on a commercial mower.”
Source: https://www.landscapemanagement.net/propane-power-may-be-the-solution-for-your-mower-fleet/
The propane tank that is typically used on a mower is a 33 lb. cylinder; they hold just over 7.5 gallons of propane.
Due to the size of the propane cylinders, mowers can run from three to six hours per single fill. Some crews have dual-cylinder mowers, allowing for even longer run times.
There are relatively no added safety concerns created by running and engine on propane compared to gasoline. The only added safety measure put in place was instilling a lock-off switch in the pressure regulator that allows the engine to cut off fuel delivery to the injection system if pressure becomes low.
Yes, the EPA considers propane a clean alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Propane cuts significantly more NOx (Nitrogen oxides) and greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel and gasoline. The EPA considers propane a clean fuel. Propane is known as the number one alternative fuel around the world.
STEP 2: Propane Engines & Conversions
| MY | Engine | Vehicle Description | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2015 - 2019 |
603cc |
Kawasaki FS481V/FS541V/FS600V |
14.5 HP/15 HP/18.5 HP |
30.9 ft-lbs/31.0 ft-lbs/32.3 ft-lbs |
|
2015 - 2019 |
675cc |
Kawasaki FH680D |
19.4 HP |
34.2ft.lbs |
|
2015 - 2019 |
726cc |
Kawasaki FR651V/FR691V/FR730V |
21.5 HP/23.0 HP/24.0 HP |
39.3 ft-lbs/39.3 ft-lbs/39.8 ft-lbs |
|
2015 - 2019 |
764cc |
Kawasaki FH770D |
28 HP |
47.6 ft·lb |
|
2015 - 2019 |
852cc |
Kawasaki FX751V/FX801V/FX850V |
24.5 HP/25.5 HP/29.5 HP |
46.5 ft-lbs/45.8 ft-lbs/48.3 ft-lbs |
|
2015 - 2020 |
999cc |
Kawasaki FX921V |
31.0 HP |
53.9 ft-lbs |
|
2015 - 2020 |
999cc |
Kawasaki FX1000V |
35.0 HP |
56.0 ft-lbs |
|
2015 - 2020 |
993cc |
Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 993 |
36.0 HP/37.0 HP/40.0 HP |
NA/NA/58 ft-lbs |
Sources: Alliance Autogas, Kawasaki
Certified Aftermarket Conversion Manufacturers
| MY | Engine | Vehicle Description | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2015 - 2019 |
603cc |
Kawasaki FS481V/FS541V/FS600V |
14.5 HP/15 HP/18.5 HP |
30.9 ft-lbs/31.0 ft-lbs/32.3 ft-lbs |
|
2015 - 2019 |
675cc |
Kawasaki FH680D |
19.4 HP |
34.2ft.lbs |
|
2015 - 2019 |
726cc |
Kawasaki FR651V/FR691V/FR730V |
21.5 HP/23.0 HP/24.0 HP |
39.3 ft-lbs/39.3 ft-lbs/39.8 ft-lbs |
|
2015 - 2019 |
764cc |
Kawasaki FH770D |
28 HP |
47.6 ft·lb |
|
2015 - 2019 |
852cc |
Kawasaki FX751V/FX801V/FX850V |
24.5 HP/25.5 HP/29.5 HP |
46.5 ft-lbs/45.8 ft-lbs/48.3 ft-lbs |
|
2015 - 2020 |
999cc |
Kawasaki FX921V |
31.0 HP |
53.9 ft-lbs |
|
2015 - 2020 |
999cc |
Kawasaki FX1000V |
35.0 HP |
56.0 ft-lbs |
|
2015 - 2020 |
993cc |
Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 993 |
36.0 HP/37.0 HP/40.0 HP |
NA/NA/58 ft-lbs |
Sources: Alliance Autogas, Kawasaki
Certified Aftermarket Conversion Manufacturers
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, gas mowers can be converted to propane.
Click here for a list of EPA approved conversion kits that are available.
A mower conversion starts out about $800-$1500 approximately.
No, a propane mower engine runs on gaseous (vapor) propane like a barbecue grill, thus doesn’t create carbon build-up often seen in gasoline engines – meaning longer engine life with fewer maintenance issues.
Engines fueled by gaseous propane typically do not produce as much hp as a gasoline fueled engine of equivalent configuration. A general rule of thumb is that a carbureted propane engine will produce 10% less hp than an equivalent carbureted gasoline engine. A propane EFI system however, is able to substantially reduce this loss of hp.
On average, you should change your oil every 300 hours using the recommended oil and filter for a propane mower.
Yes, the Ohio Propane Gas Association offers a $1,000 rebate to Ohio residents that are either buying a new propane mower OR converting their mower to propane.
Ariens/Gravely, Bad Boy, Cub Cadet Commercial, Dixie Chopper, Exmark, Ferris Industries, Husqvarna, Scag Power Equipment, Schiller Grounds Care, Snapper Pro, and Zipper Mower.
Click here to find the closest propane outdoor power equipment dealer near you.
STEP 3: Fueling & Infrastructure
Propane has convenient refueling options for small, medium, and large mower fleets. Typically small to medium sized fleets set up a cylinder exchange where cylinders are replaced by their propane supplier on a regular basis. Larger operations often work with their propane supplier to install on-site dispensing stations at their business. Contact your local propane supplier to discuss which option is best for you.
Onsite Standard Private station
- Best for a fleet of less than 5o
- Onsite 1,000 – 3,000-gallon tank
Option 1: Propane Supplier Owns Infrastructure
The fleet is responsible for site preparation: crash protection and electrical.
Cost for Fleet: $1,500-$15,000 (site preparation)
Option 2: Fleet Owns Infrastructure
The fleet will need to account for purchasing the propane tank, pump, motor, and dispenser.
Cost for Fleet: $20,000-$60,000 (infrastructure) + $1,500-$15,000 (site preparation)
Onsite Advanced Private station
- Best for 50+ vehicles
- Larger gallon tank, canopy & multiple dispensers
Option 1: Propane Supplier Owns Infrastructure
The fleet is responsible for site preparation: crash protection and electrical for a two-dispenser setup.
Cost for Fleet: $5,000-$75,000 (site preparation)
Option 2: Fleet Owns Infrastructure
The fleet is responsible for site preparation: crash protection and electrical for a two-dispenser setup.
Cost for Fleet: $60,000-$225,000 (infrastructure) + $5,000-$75,000 (site preparation)
Private or Public Network
Fleets with limited space, or fleets needing more fueling locations along their routes can take advantage of this option with no infrastructure investment. Network refueling stations are accessible 24/7 through a card lock system.
If a network is not currently available in your area, a propane supplier may create one for your fleet, if it’s large enough. Alternatively, multiple fleets can team up to provide adequate load for requesting a refueling network.
| Options | Onsite Standard Private station | Onsite Advanced Private station |
|---|---|---|
|
Fleet Size
|
Best for a fleet of less than 50 |
Best for 50+ vehicles |
|
Set-Up
|
Onsite 1,000 - 3,000-gallon tank |
Larger gallon tank, canopy & multiple dispensers |
|
Propane Supplier Owns Infrastructure |
The fleet is responsible for site preparation: crash protection and electrical.
Cost for Fleet: $1,500-$15,000 (site preparation) |
The fleet is responsible for site preparation: crash protection and electrical for a two-dispenser setup.
Cost for Fleet: $5,000-$75,000 (site preparation) |
|
Fleet Owns Infrastructure |
The fleet will need to account for purchasing the propane tank, pump, motor, and dispenser.
Cost for Fleet: $20,000-$60,000 (infrastructure) + $1,500-$15,000 (site preparation) |
The fleet is responsible for site preparation: crash protection and electrical for a two-dispenser setup.
Cost for Fleet: $60,000-$225,000 (infrastructure) + $5,000-$75,000 (site preparation) |
|
Private or Public Network |
|---|
|
Fleets with limited space, or fleets needing more fueling locations along their routes can take advantage of this option with no infrastructure investment. Network refueling stations are accessible 24/7 through a card lock system.
If a network is not currently available in your area, a propane supplier may create one for your fleet, if it’s large enough. Alternatively, multiple fleets can team up to provide adequate load for requesting a refueling network. |
Work With Your Propane Provider to
Get the Lowest Cost Per Mile
Work With Your Propane Provider to Get the Lowest Cost Per Mile
There are 263 Propane Marketers in Ohio, Use the Map to Find One in Your Local Area
Work with Ohio's Propane Mower Dealers
to Find the Mower that Works for You
Work with Ohio's Propane Mower Dealers to Find the Mower that Works for You
There are over 15 Propane Mower Dealers in Ohio, Use the Map to Find One in Your Local Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Propane has convenient refueling options for small, medium, and large mower fleets. Typically small to medium sized fleets set up a cylinder exchange where cylinders are replaced by their propane supplier on a regular basis. Larger operations often work with their propane supplier to install on-site dispensing stations at their business. Contact your local propane supplier to discuss which option is best for you.
Unlike diesel’s one-year shelf life and gasoline’s 3 to 6 month shelf life, propane can be stored indefinitely so it is highly effective and convenient for both residential and commercial sectors.
Contact your local propane marketer and they can offer an inexpensive lease of the tank, pump, and dispensing equipment in return for a fuel supply contract or they can contact an infrastructure manufacture to help you purchase your own fueling equipment and shop around for propane fueling prices.
Landscapers must be aware of local ordinances for the storage and transportation of propane tanks. Check with your local propane distributor and they should be able to guide you through transporting your mowers with propane tanks on them.
Vehicle qualifications (EPA approved engines / conversions) include:
STEP 4: Funding Options
OPGA Offers up to $20,000 for Propane Vehicles, up to $5,000 for Mowers
I. Propane Vehicles and Lawn Mowers
The Ohio Propane Gas Association (OPGA) is offering Ohio propane customers $4,000 rebates, up to $20,000, for the purchase of new propane vehicles or new propane vehicle conversions. $1,000, up to $5,000, is being offered for new propane lawn mowers or mower conversions. Propane companies and their employees are also eligible to apply. Rebates are available first come, first serve, while funding lasts.
Vehicle qualifications (EPA approved engines / conversions) include:
- Vehicle registered and operated in Ohio
- New OEM propane vehicles
- New propane conversion vehicles (current model year or previous model year with less than 15,000 miles)
- New propane OEM lawn mower
- New propane converted mower (less than 250 hours)
Funding qualifications include:
- Limit of five (5) rebates per single entity
- All eligible purchases or propane retrofit installations must occur within 2023, as program closes Dec. 31, 2023
- Before receiving an OPGA Autogas rebate, all federal and state incentives must be applied, and funds may be used for incremental cost of propane vehicle vs. gasoline or diesel vehicle only.
- A completed initial survey and final survey is required for each vehicle incentive
- Recipient agrees to maintain and submit a report one-year after rebate received:
- Miles driven for vehicles or hours used for mowers
- Gallons of propane used
- Anecdotal performance characteristics
- 50% rebate funds disbursed after initial survey, 50% rebate funds disbursed at final survey
(The OPGA uses data for vehicle performance vs. gasoline)
- Vehicle Information
- Applicant information
- Propane Marketer information
- Attach invoice for new propane vehicle or propane retrofit system
Return completed application in one-of-three ways:
- Email to: OPGA@kdafirm.com
- Fax to: (517) 485-9408
- Mail to:
OPGA
605 N. High St. #214
Columbus, OH 43215
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ohio Propane Gas Association offers a $1,000 rebate (up to $5,000) to Ohio residents that are either buying a new propane mower OR converting their mower to propane.
- Entities residing in Ohio where on-road vehicles or lawn mowers are registered and operated in Ohio
- First time purchasing a new propane vehicle or converting an existing vehicle in 2023
- Any 2015 or newer OEM vehicle or lawn mowers converted to a propane autogas system that is EPA approved
- New vehicles have no more than 5,000 miles.
To find the closest propane outdoor power equipment dealer near you click here
