Conversion mowers added to Propane Mower Incentive Program

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) announced Aug. 20 that it has expanded its Propane Mower Incentive Program, which offers a $1,000 incentive for the purchase of qualified new propane-fueled mowers, to include a $500 incentive for qualified mowers that have been converted to run on propane.

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 (EPA) or California Air Resources Board requirements, and it cannot void the original equipment manufacturer’s warranty on the engine.

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 they meet or exceed EPA 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.

PERC recently launched its Propane Mower Incentive Program with a $1,000 incentive for mower operators that purchase a new propane-fueled mower equipped with a 60- to 72- inch cutting deck. That incentive program is still open to applicants.

A single applicant company can get 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.

“The strong response to our original mower incentive convinced us to expand the program to include conversion mowers,” said Roy Willis, president and CEO, PERC. “Propane-fueled mowers help lawn and landscape professionals save money and cut emissions. The program rewards them for choosing a propane-fueled mower while helping PERC to meet its research goals.”

The $1,000 incentive for a new mower can be combined with any manufacturer rebates and state propane gas association rebates for which the customer is eligible.

Major manufacturers offering propane-fueled mowers include Ariens/Gravely, BOB-CAT, Briggs & Stratton (including Snapper Pro and Ferris brands), Cub Cadet, Dixie Chopper, Exmark, Husqvarna, Kubota, Scag, Toro and Zipper.

To find out whether you qualify to take part in the Propane Mower Incentive Program, or for questions about application guidelines, contact Alison Dimond at (877) 411-3243, extension 801, or Jesse Marcus at (202) 452-8975; or send an e-mail to mowerincentive@propane.com.