Survey shows landscapers’ interest in propane mowers

A Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) survey shows 34 percent of landscape contractors are considering the purchase of propane mowers in the next three years. Photo courtesy of PERC

More than one-third of commercial landscape contractors are considering propane to power their fleets, according to a survey commissioned by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).

The survey, conducted by Wiese Research Associates, found that 34 percent of landscape contractors answered they are somewhat or very likely to purchase a propane mower within the next three years, PERC says. The survey results consisted of 150 landscape contractors’ answers to questions that sought to learn more about their existing perceptions and purchase habits with regard to commercial propane equipment.

“We’ve seen solid growth of propane equipment in the commercial landscape market over the past four years, and this survey only reinforces our belief that the growth will continue its trend upward as more commercial landscapers understand the financial and environmental benefits of operating a propane mower fleet,” says Jeremy Wishart, deputy director of business development at PERC.

The survey also showed misinformation exists among landscape contractors regarding propane. For example, 38 percent of contractors responded that they are less favorable to propane equipment because they do not know where to find propane. In addition, only 15 percent of respondents were aware of existing equipment incentives to help with upfront purchase costs of new propane mowers.

To help contractors find propane retailers, PERC offers its Find a Propane Retailer tool. Additionally, PERC’s Propane Mower Incentive Program provides contractors with $1,000 for every new propane mower purchase and $500 for a certified conversion.

“While we’re pleased to see so many contractors taking propane equipment into consideration, there were some responses in the survey that show we still have work to do,” Wishart says. “Fortunately, PERC has already created resources to help solve some of the existing barriers respondents said they have before transitioning a fleet to propane.”