Propane powered Dixie Chopper feedback

[ACCURATE100]

I would like to get some feedback on the propane powered Do they get good gas mileage? Do they cost more than gasoline powered Dixie Choppers? Do they last longer? Please give me any and all feedback and knowledge you have on them?

[Ric]

I would like to get some feedback on the propane powered Do they get good gas mileage? Do they cost more than gasoline powered Dixie Choppers? Do they last longer? Please give me any and all feedback and knowledge you have on them?

ACCURATE

Propane power in general is less powerful and costs more to runner. But has a big advantage in being a very clean burning fuel that give twice the engine life. Most gasoline engines can be converted with only a carburetor and fuel tank. There is a big loss of horse power.

Hot water pressure washers or steaming jennys will use propane engine if propane is used for heat also. This eliminates the danger of gasoline and compressed gas on the same rig.

[LindblomRJ]

ACCURATE

Propane power in general is less powerful and costs more to runner. But has a big advantage in being a very clean burning fuel that give twice the engine life. Most gasoline engines can be converted with only a carburetor and fuel tank. There is a big loss of horse power.

Hot water pressure washers or steaming jennys will use propane engine if propane is used for heat also. This eliminates the danger of gasoline and compressed gas on the same rig.

How big a power loss is there? I figured there was some sort of loss, but have not been able to determine how much.

[Ric]

How big a power loss is there? I figured there was some sort of loss, but have not been able to determine how much.

HOW MUCH LOSS???

Just enough to cook my steaks medium rare. You will have to Google that answer, I only use Propane in my grill.

[Sammy]

I have a propane gas 16 h.p. Vanguard.
I run it off a 1,000 gallon tank.

[TRANSMAN]

More valve jobs

I would like to get some feedback on the propane powered Do they get good gas mileage? Do they cost more than gasoline powered Dixie Choppers? Do they last longer? Please give me any and all feedback and knowledge you have on them?

Generally anything ran on propane requires more frequent valve and seat attention then a gas or liquid fueled engine......

I would expect if the engine is not fitted with special alloyed or powdered metal seats you will have an engine losing compression and requiring a new head every 300 hrs or so.....

Gas cools and lubricates the valve and seat through the simple fact the mix still comes in somewhat wet cooling the intake valve "at least" where the dry gas will not provide any lubrication or cooling whatsoever.....

I know propane powered forklifts last quite a while but the engines are fitted with the correct parts to increase the resistance to wear.....

I worked on some county vehicles however that the county converted to propane and after 30,000 miles they were running on 4 of the 8 cylinders and those that did fire had 75 psi in compression per cylinder as apposed to the normal 150 psi generally found.....

I think the power loss is minus 30 percent of the same size gas engine, although they might advertise less just to get you to buy the alternative....

I know the cars were dogs compared to the same gas versions , even after putting the proper valves and seats in them.....

The oil does stay absolutely clean though , if that is any help , but i would ask if there's a guarantee you wont need new heads every month or year depending on how much use the machine gets.....

Plus the price for a new head will be marginally different then swapping engines all the time....

All my 700 and less cc small gas engines burn small amounts of gasoline so i cant see the engine on a mower making or breaking anyone unless somthing is really off......

My intec 18 hp powered Briggs ride on for example , must be a magic engine cause i swear i mow 2 acres and it doesn't use 3/4 of a gallon of gas or someone is adding fuel while im weed eating , but those kawees and kohlers may be gas hogs working with the big fuel companies....:laughing:

Is it really worth experimenting thinking you`ll save a penny and have to pay a dollar later for every penny saved with a new machine that has reduced power , more valve wear , and you cant just go across the street to get fuel?????

You`ll need to have several extra storage tanks , and that's more junk laying around needing storage and taking room up on the trailer , so i would keep that in mind unless propane stations are on every corner like gas...

One last note to consider.... If it breaks down will you have any idea what to look at or where to look to get it going again?????

Many with gas engines can limp it back to a trailer by fiddling with the choke or somthing to get a gasser back home... Will you know enough about propane to limp it back to the trailer?????

What about the mechanics at the dealership??? I'm sure they say they know but will they be able to fix it as quick as a gasser????

Iv seen rental joints sell nice propane forklifts they didnt know what to do with and couldn't find the problem so sold it and i found it was a simple collapsed gas line....

Does the dealer know enough how to repair what he sells,
or will you be left holding the bag while customers are calling wondering why the lawn isnt mowed.....


Its up to you but i hope you make the right decision whichever that is and its not for me to say but there's always negatives the dealer wont let you in on..... .......:laughing:

Ohh i see old sammy made a post while i was on the john:laughing::laughing: and he has good luck , (i think) so its somthing people will probably love , and some will think is too much of a hassle and pain.......

My gas forklift still is always out being borrowed , while i dont even take the time to refill my propane tank for the propane unit i have , but im getting lazy and people would just borrow that one also , leaving me with nothing "most of the time" when i need my own machine anyway....:laughing:

Gotta be your ultimate decision in the end ....just weigh all the factors....

Tanky.

T

[LindblomRJ]

I think I will leave the propane for the grill. Supplier is not a problem. 4 blocks away. Same place I get fuel.

Where I used to work they had a fork lift that was propane powered. Not a bad machine at all.

Is that why Dixie Chopper uses a Generac engine?

[TRANSMAN]

Every generac i`v seen is a ..................

I think I will leave the propane for the grill. Supplier is not a problem. 4 blocks away. Same place I get fuel.

Where I used to work they had a fork lift that was propane powered. Not a bad machine at all.

Is that why Dixie Chopper uses a Generac engine?

Every Generac engine i`v ever seen was a Briggs and stratton re badged but all B&S.....

Briggs Vanguards in general nowadays , (they all come with hardened seats by the way) but iv seen old generac gennies with regular briggs I / C engines so if what your looking at has the Vanguard , i personally consider them one of the best.....

Most prefer others like Honda kawis , kohler's etc, etc , but i believe their all ( genaracs) "Generacs that is" are made in wisconsin in the good old U.S of A if that accounts for anything.......................

Tanky........

T