About Natural Gas Lawn Mowers

Traditionally, there have only been three alternatives for lawn mowers: gasoline, electric or manual. But, alternative fuels are now popular. One is compressed natural gas, which has a number of advantages over gasoline, including lower pollution and reduced engine maintenance costs.

Types

There are several alternatives for mowing a lawn. For large lawns, however, there has been no good substitute for a gasoline driven lawn mower until recently. It is now possible to buy a lawn mower that runs on compressed natural gas.

History

The first compressed natural gas lawn mower was released by Dixie Chopper in April of 2009. It was called the Xcaliber Eco-Eagle and was a ride-on lawn mower designed for large lawns.

Advantages

Compressed natural gas produces less carbon and toxins than gasoline-powered engines. Some bus companies use natural gas powered buses for this reason. Natural gas is also a more plentiful fuel and is cheaper. Additionally, it is safer if there is a fuel leak, as it disperses very quickly when released. Also, compressed natural gas engines tend to need less maintenance.

Conversion

Some companies offer a conversion service that converts your lawn mower to run on compressed natural gas, and it is possible for the mechanically savvy to do it themselves. Some companies sell conversion kits. Some kits can convert your lawn mower to run on propane.

Ecological Friendliness

Although it is cleaner than gasoline, a compressed natural gas lawn mower is not the greenest option because it is a fossil fuel that releases some carbon. The most ecologically friendly lawn mower is the kind you push.

Disadvantages

Compressed natural gas takes up more space than gasoline. This requires a larger fuel tank on the motor and reduces its range between refueling.