Sign Up for News Updates
In the highly competitive world of commercial landscaping, time is the most valuable currency. Every minute a crew spends idle, whether they are waiting for a battery to charge, driving to a gas station, or struggling with fuel cans, is a minute that eats into profit margin. As the industry moves toward cleaner energy, many contractors find themselves at a crossroads between traditional gasoline, emerging electric technology, and propane. While each has its advocates, propane-powered commercial mowers are rapidly gaining popularity because they offer a unique combination of high performance, environmental sustainability, and, perhaps most importantly, a refueling process that outpaces the competition.
“Not only are propane mowers better for the environment, but there’s cost savings and you’re going to be able to win more contracts by running a cleaner fuel and having less emissions in each of your mowers.” Blake Albertson
A Head-to-Head Comparison
To illustrate the efficiency of propane refueling, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) recently collaborated with Blake Albertson, a prominent lawn care specialist and owner of B&B Lawn Care, to put the technology to the test. In a race against a traditional gasoline mower, the advantages of propane became immediately apparent.
While Albertson attempted to fill his mower the traditional way, using a gas can and pouring liquid fuel into the tank, his opponent, PERC’s Director of Agriculture Business Development Mike Newland, performed a simple propane cylinder swap. The result was stark: Mike was back in business almost instantly while Albertson was still working on his fuel level. “He switched that tank! That’s insane. Very quick,” Albertson remarked, noting that the speed of the swap ensures that refueling will not cause any timing problems for crews in the field.
In real-world conditions, a propane tank can be refueled or swapped in as little as 30 seconds. This rapid turnaround is a critical advantage for contractors who need to maintain a “full day of work” without long interruptions. When compared to electric mowers, which can take several hours to recharge a single battery, the productivity benefits of propane are undeniable. Even the largest electric configurations often have a limited runtime, whereas a propane mower can operate continually as long as a fresh cylinder is available.
Eliminating the Gas Station Run
Beyond the physical act of refueling the machine, propane transforms the logistics of how a landscaping company manages its fuel supply. Traditional gasoline-powered fleets often rely on crews stopping at neighborhood gas stations to fill up mowers and handheld equipment. These stops are not just a waste of time; they are a drain on productivity and an invitation for “windshield time” that adds up over a week.
Propane offers a more streamlined alternative. Contractors can partner with local propane marketers that provide on-site refueling services. These providers can visit a shop once a week, or on whatever schedule a business requires, to either drop off fresh cylinders or refill existing tanks directly at the shop. This on-site refueling allows crews to spend more time on the job site and less time navigating traffic. As Albertson pointed out, “You don’t have to go to gas stations anymore to fill up your mower.”
Return On Investment
While the productivity gains from rapid refueling are a primary draw, the financial case for propane is equally compelling. Commercial mowers powered by propane are significantly more affordable than their electric counterparts. For example, a 60-inch zero-turn electric mower can cost $30,000 or more, whereas a comparable propane-powered unit typically costs only around $15,000. This lower entry price point makes it easier for business owners to scale their fleets without the massive capital investment required for battery-powered technology. Once the equipment is in the field, the savings continue. Propane is consistently less expensive than gasoline, often providing savings of at least $1.00 per hour of run time.
A Cut Above the Competition
The landscaping industry is built on the ability to cover more ground fast and efficiently. Propane-powered mowers deliver on this requirement by offering a refueling system that is “insane” in its speed and simplicity. By eliminating the downtime of battery charging and the logistical hurdles of gas station trips, propane allows crews to stay focused on the job at hand. “As business owners, we’re always trying to find ways to cut costs and be more efficient,” said Albertson. “Not only are propane mowers better for the environment, but there’s cost savings and you’re going to be able to win more contracts by running a cleaner fuel and having less emissions in each of your mowers.”