Beatrice, Neb. (March 30, 2009) – New LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) conversion kits make it possible for Exmark® customers to operate three of the company’s lawn mower models with propane, a clean-burning fuel that produces lower emissions than gasoline.

Conversion kits are available for:

Turf Tracer® HP (THP19KAE483 or THP19KAE523)
Turf Tracer® (T23KAE with FMD 604)
Lazer Z® AS (LAS28KA604)

To ensure the safety and high performance of the mowers, Exmark will install all conversion kits at its headquarters in Beatrice, Neb. Customers interested in LPG conversion should visit their local Exmark dealer, who will coordinate shipping and logistics.

Development of the LPG conversion kits is the latest example of Exmark’s commitment to offering environmentally-friendly products. In October 2008, Exmark announced that all 2009 model year diesel-powered Lazer Z XS mid-mount zero-turn riding mowers (serial #790,000 or higher) are approved to use B20 biodiesel fuel.

“More and more, landscape professionals are taking actions to reduce their impact on the environment. At Exmark, we have a similar focus,” said Mark Stinson, president of Exmark. “We feel strongly that it is our responsibility to provide products that are environmentally responsible, yet still offer our customers maximum performance.”

Propane has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board as a clean alternative engine fuel. According to the Propane Education and Research Council, propane’s octane rating is 104 (compared to premium gasoline at 91-92), allowing for a higher compression ratio in the engine and greater engine efficiency. This ultimately leads to reductions in certain exhaust emissions, such as carbon monoxide.

In addition, propane is a naturally stable fuel and can be stored for long periods without going stale or varnishing within the carburetor.

Using propane does not negatively impact mower performance. The clean-burning fuel results in fewer carbon deposits, leading to reduced engine maintenance costs and longer engine life. Run time is similar to gas-powered mowers.

Exmark’s LPG fuel system is designed to conform to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 58-2008 Liquified Petroleum Gas Code for safe operation.

“There are probably people who will wonder why Exmark made changes to what was already considered by many to be the best commercial riding mower on the market,” said Mark Stinson, president of Exmark. “But as the market share leader, we know it is our responsibility to evolve our products to meet the changing needs of our customers, dealers and distributors.”

The Next Lazer Z resulted from a combination of customer feedback and Exmark’s own research and development of new technologies. Long before production of the Next Lazer Z began, Exmark engineers, product managers, marketing staff and customer service representatives spent hundreds of hours in the field talking with landscape professionals.

“We started with our customers,” said Dave Converse, director of engineering at Exmark. “Our goal, as it has been for 25 years, was to understand their needs and expectations so that we could enhance our product in ways that could make customers’ lives a little easier.”

On a parallel path, Exmark began investigating a number of new technologies and solutions to improve customer experience, without sacrificing Exmark’s trademark superior quality of cut and productivity. Exmark engineers started with a blank slate when designing the Next Lazer Z, incorporating many of the Lazer Z’s most popular elements while improving upon others, or adding new features entirely.

Some of the most significant innovations on the Next Lazer Z include:

• Cutting Deck: The new UltraCut™ Series 6 was created by combining the best features of the UltraCut™ Series 4 and Triton™ cutting decks.
• Seating System: To lessen operator fatigue, Exmark created an entirely new seating system with a three-dimensional motion isolation layout that reduces vibrations, bumps and jarring. Its rubber mounts allow 1/2 inch free movement in all directions.
• Hydro Drive System: Exmark designed a custom Hydro Drive System with no hoses, a serviceable pump and motor, tougher bearings, and an improved cooling system for better productivity and increased oil capacity. When used with exclusive Exmark Premium Hydro Oil, the new Hydro Drive system requires even less maintenance.
• Rollover Protection System (ROPS): The ROPS’ new rear-sloping position allows it to shed low-hanging limbs away from the operator. Its fold points are lower so it won’t hit objects when in the folded position.
• Unibody Frame: The Next Lazer Z’s unibody frame sits close to the ground, allowing for the optimum placement of the mower’s heaviest components, and helping to improve center of gravity.

In addition to increasing comfort, traction and handling, and safety, Exmark engineers and product managers focused on reducing required maintenance of the mower. Exmark simplified or removed certain components from the original Lazer Z, reducing the number of parts on the Next Lazer Z by 40 percent. The Next Lazer Z also has fewer grease points.

The Next Lazer Z will be introduced at select dealerships in November. The new mower, available with a 3-year commercial and 5-year consumer warranty, will be available for purchase across Exmark’s network of 1,500 dealers by the end of 2008. A select number of customers tested the Next Lazer Z during the summer months. Reaction was positive.

Quick-attach design enables easy switching from bagging to side-discharge, without tools, in minutes.

Larger diameter, smooth-discharge tube handles volumes of debris with less clogging.

Compact design minimizes trailering space and lets you easily maneuver around obstacles.

Sealed hood reduces dust around the engine and operator.

High-capacity QDS hopper dramatically improves efficiency:
UltraVac QDS commercial grade steel and polyethylene hopper with rear-discharge door; (12 bushels).

You can view the complete Specifications for Mow’n Machine by clicking here.