East Ayrshire Cleans Up With LPG Mowers

A unitary authority in Scotland is leading the way in environmental responsibility,
by adopting the cleaner, more economical approach to groundcare.

East Ayrshire Council, based in Kilmarnock, is Scotland’s first local authority to operate LPG powered groundcare equipment. It covers a large mixed urban and rural area in west central Scotland, of 190 square miles - including five and a half million square metres of grass, maintained by a summer workforce of some 100 employees. The Council’s fleet of 9 ride on and walk-behind mowers has historically been powered by petrol, but thanks to a drive towards cheaper, cleaner fuels, East Ayrshire has taken delivery of 8 new LPG models.

The new LPG converted bi-fuel mowers arrived in August 2002 and are used in maintaining grass verges in 30mph zones and parks, along with cemeteries and play areas across the district.

Bob McCulloch, East Ayrshire’s outdoor amenities manager, says that the new mowers will enable East Ayrshire to achieve significant savings in fuel costs, reduce downtime and enable the department to play its part in the Council’s environmental policy. "LPG represents a better fuel all round. The environmental benefits are obvious," he says. "But in terms of fuel costs it’s a winner when you compare LPG per litre to petrol per litre. We’re filling up LPG mowers at one third of the cost of petrol," he adds.

Under the Council’s delegated authority, Bob McCulloch had been considering his department’s fuel options for some time. Cost had become a major issue with fuel representing the main concern. A major evaluation exercise took place, with LPG the clear winner. "We looked at it from all angles," says Bob. "We had to satisfy ourselves that LPG’s performance was comparable, and having been more than reassured, we started the process."

As part of the move towards LPG, a 4,000 litre "back to base" LPG refuelling tank was installed by Calor, the UK’s leading supplier of LPG, allowing convenient, easy refuelling. A dedicated training programme was put in place by Calor and STM, importers of Scag Power Equipment to the UK, to equip East Ayrshire’s own team of experienced mechanics with the knowledge to provide on site maintenance.

STM Scotland’s Bob Deans, who supplied the bifuel mowers to East Ayrshire, emphasises the success of the working relationship between ourselves, Calor and East Ayrshire. "It’s crucial to work with an experienced manufacturer who can meet your needs, and an established fuel supplier who can lead you smoothly through the conversion and tank installation process," he says. "We’re seeing an increasing number of enquiries for LPG mowers and expect that demand to continue, as the arguments in favour of LPG are convincing."

Bob McCulloch points out that the Council’s grass cutting crews have taken to the new machines without complaint and were involved in the decision making process. "I am therefore confident that the workforce is happy with LPG," he says.

The ride on LPG mowers were also assessed by the Council’s own health and safety officers and passed with flying colours. Users report easy refuelling, and greatly reduced noise and vibration compared to petrol or diesel powered mowers – a big factor for those spending most of their working day in the driving seat.

East Ayrshire is set to replace a number of its remaining groundcare machines over the next year and, says Bob, LPG has proved itself throughout the Council’s strict tendering process. "We take a balanced view where all the available options are carefully considered," he says. "I can honestly say that the LPG mowers have delivered on the early promises of fuel savings, convenient refuelling and cleaner emissions, and that’s all I can ask of any fuel."

Another key benefit from Bob’s point of view is the compliance with environmental policy offered by LPG. "Councillors here were kept fully aware of the process and are pleased that we’re doing our bit to achieve a more environmentally responsible fleet of equipment," he says. "It’s worth bearing in mind that Councils can look beyond road vehicles to make their own impact on air quality."

Bob points out that working with an established fuel supplier and mower manufacturers smoothes the process and minimises disruption. "You do have to do your homework and be quite clear about what you’re aiming to achieve. You must also have confidence in your suppliers and their expertise – that’s what delivers best value," he says. "There are benefits to be had from LPG and
its well worth the investment in time and effort."

Calor’s Barry Ohrman points out that LPG is an established fuel which offers clear benefits to local authorities. "LPG is readily available and offers advantages over both petrol and diesel," he says. "Local authorities can look to LPG to deliver on their own commitment to environmental and air quality policies across a range of applications, including groundcare