Wankel Rotary Dixie Chopper Lawnmower, Close Up

[marcusd]

Who cares about the propane, he's gotta wankel on that thing. I know it's compact for the hp, any other advantages?

[shotfirer1972]

He he he.....wankel

Gotta have one a day

[rorybz]

The alternative mower fuel of choice would be biodiesel because of its easier storage and lower volume for a given amount of thermal energy, but I understand why commercial mowers would switch to propane; there is already a large distribution network in place for propane canisters used for commercial forklifts, and there are already plenty of engines out there that can be ordered configured for LPG from companies like Kohler and Linamar.

[aaroncake]

@rorybz I've seen propane trimmers in the stores which run off of the small cylinders. Apparently they will run for about 3 hours on one cylinder. The only annoyance about that is those cylinders can't be refilled, so it is rather uneconomical to use over rechargeable electric or gas. Diesel engines tend to be very heavy due to the compression ratios required so it will be a while before we see them on small yard equipment. But ride on stuff, good point. Diesel versions should be available.

[spenceronni7]

just use a damn gasoline powered rideon lawnmower you bunch of hippie tree huggers

[BlackfiresStyle]

NICE! :D Bring it to 7Stock tat would be something new to c there

[VanDeGraaff]

Rotary is good and such, but its not worth having to run your lawnmover on propane...

[aaroncake]

Well, then run it on gasoline. This one just happens to have a propane conversion. Truth be told though, propane is a lot nicer to handle then gasoline.

[bigh4th]

in about 5 years (give or take) all new mowers will be running on propane. The EPA is already working their magic on 2 stroke engines, and the new ethanol gas is tearing carburetors all to crap these days. The Deere service center I work at has sold and installed more carburetors this year than the past 3 combined. The ethanol is ruining seals and gums up a LOT faster than the older gas. there's gonna have to be some sort of switch soon, or consumers will get fed up.

[aaroncake]

Ultimately I think most yard equipment will be electric. I've almost always used an electric mower (except when I was cutting laws as a teen) and it's a joy. Just recently I picked up a cordless trimmer and it's actually fun, compared to the old gasser. I don't doubt that ethanol is causing major havoc. I designed the fuel system of my RX-7 to be ethanol compatible and it was a pain to make sure everything was spec'ed properly. It will even eat the aluminum fuel rail!

[bigh4th]

well, the only problem I see with that is people with larger yards like me, or commercial mowers. With a 38" deck, it takes me 2.5 hours to cut my yard. As far as I know they don't make any battery powered mowers that will run that long or with a larger cut, and extension cords are out of the question for most peoople.

Propane looks to be the best option, at least at this point and time.

[aaroncake]

Yeah, for large lawns I don't think we will see good battery powered equipment for a while. In that case, propane or CNG is likely the best option. And what is nice about a system like that is you can refill from home using the natural gas supply or heating tank.

[romanosalvatore]

not yet,,

[thebadone1986]

@bigh4th Hustler has the zenon that can get 1.5 acres with like a 42 inch deck full electric

[douro20]

@aaroncake

Yeah, my Ford Focus has ceramic coated fuel rails from the factory because of that.

[petthekittyz]

@VanDeGraaff propane is cheaper and easier than gasoline, thats why they convert to propane

[somekidwithanm4]

That's sweet! How fast can it go?

[Stride40]

You can purchase a Dixie Chopper Propane Mower at any Dixie Chopper Dealership.

[krankiev]

A wankel running on propane! Genius!

[aaroncake]

It's not my mower. It was built by Atkins Rotary.

[watchdog3]

that is truly bad as hell ,when & who set your dixie up to run on propane ?

[zfrilly]

I have seen many dixie choppers running on propane.