The Town of Fishers, Ind., took delivery of eight propane-powered mowers on April 11, according to Keith Condra, director of fleet management for the Town. The mowers are ExMark EFI Laser Z mowers. They will be added to the fleet of 90 existing mowers, and they’re the first that run on an alternative fuel.

The Town is responsible for mowing 1,800 acres of parks, the school system, ball fields, cemeteries, and right-of-ways.

“One of our current gasoline and diesel suppliers is setting and maintaining a tank/fueling station for us. There is no upfront charge for this. They will maintain the fuel and location,” Condra said. “We will be able to refuel our 8 mowers and 8 spare tanks at our Public Works location at the end of the day.”

The Town received grants of $1,000 for each mower from the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC). As a grant requirement, Town staff will maintain maintenance, fuel use, and acres mowed records for a minimum of 13 weeks and report this back to PERC. Condra expects the mowers will be in service this week, after staff receives operational and maintenance training.

Condra learned about the grant from a GF article about the City of Columbus’ purchase of 14 propane-powered mowers.