2013 Exmark® Lazer Z® S-Series Makes Compelling Case for Propane
- New Kohler® Command Pro engine with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) is industry’s first propane-specific engine package – performance is optimized for running with propane.
- Closed-loop EFI system provides increased fuel economy for extended runtimes.
- Improved “turn-key” startability, increased power and longer engine life are other benefits.
Beatrice, NE (March 01, 2013) — Exmark today announced the availability of its industry-leading propane-fueled Lazer Z® S-Series zero-turn rider through the company’s nationwide dealer network. The new model will enable landscape professionals to use propane not just as a green alternative, but as a competitive advantage for their businesses.
The Lazer Z S-Series raises the bar for propane-fueled mowers with a new Kohler® propane EFI powerplant that offers a number of significant benefits, including improved starting, stronger performance and dramatically reduced fuel consumption.
“Commercial landscapers who have adopted Kohler’s EFI technology are documenting 25-percent less fuel usage than comparable carbureted engines,” said Brandon Fredricks of Kohler Engines. “This, combined with the landscape company’s ability to negotiate wholesale prices for propane fuel, will allow landscape companies to achieve a much lower cost of operation not previously attainable.”
The increased fuel efficiency allows Exmark to achieve up to 7.5 hours of operation from the Lazer Z S-Series on a single tank of fuel. Exmark’s one-tank system also offers increased balance for improved handling when compared to competitors’ two-tank systems, which often reside outside the mower footprint.
The Kohler powerplant in the new Lazer Z S-Series is the first dedicated, propane-fueled EFI engine package that operates without conversions or aftermarket systems. The automotive-style closed-loop EFI system optimizes air/fuel settings based on exhaust output, in real time, to maximize performance and efficiency while minimizing emissions and eliminating carburetor-related issues for the life of the engine. The ECU-controlled start-up simplifies the sequence and eliminates the need for a choke.
Fredricks says the improved fuel economy of Kohler’s closed-loop propane EFI engine delivers the lowest operating cost for commercial landscapers. Beyond cost savings however, he says there are a host of other performance benefits the engine’s EFI technology brings to the table when optimized for the properties of propane as a fuel. Specifically, improved “turn-key” startability compared to carbureted propane models – most notably in lower temperatures, as well as improved responsiveness in a wide range of operating conditions.
According to Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) president and CEO, Roy Willis, propane is the fuel of choice for landscape professionals who want to reduce costs and emissions.
“Propane is made in America, it’s widely available and it comes with convenient refueling options,” he said. “Landscape professionals can run their trucks and vans on it, too.”
Thanks to incentives available from PERC, landscape contractors can now purchase propane-fueled commercial mowers such as the Exmark Lazer Z S-Series zero-turn rider, or the company’s propane-fueled Turf Tracer models, and receive an up to $1,000 rebate for each new mower purchased.
“Through the PERC incentive program, qualified buyers can get up to $1,000 back on each new propane-fueled mower, up to a maximum of 25 mowers, in return for a season’s worth of data about fuel consumption, hours and maintenance,” Willis said. “The Kohler engine propane EFI engine has its roots in the PERC research and development program. Working with Exmark to encourage widespread adoption of its products featuring the engine is the next logical step.”
According to Exmark Director of Marketing, Daryn Walters, adoption was a big reason the company chose the Lazer Z S-Series for its new propane EFI model.
“The pairing of this bar-raising Kohler propane-EFI engine package with Exmark’s industry standard zero-turn Lazer Z rider is a perfect match. Landscape professionals get all the performance, durability and cut quality they have come to expect from their Lazer Z, with increased efficiency, reduced emissions and ultimately, increased profitability for their operation.”
The propane-EFI Lazer Z S-Series zero-turn rider joins Exmark’s propane-fueled walk-behind models – the Turf Tracer S-Series and Turf Tracer X-Series – to give landscape contractors a full trailer of powerful, reliable and easy-to-use propane-powered mowers.
The new Exmark propane-fueled mowers are available now through Exmark’s nationwide dealer network. Go to Exmark.com or call (402) 223-6300 to receive complete model specifications or locate a local Exmark dealer. Learn more about the economic and environmental benefits of propane power at propanecouncil.org.
About Exmark
Exmark Manufacturing was incorporated in May 1982 as an independent manufacturer of professional turf care equipment. Today, it is the leading manufacturer of commercial mowers and equipment for the landscape professional. In additional to designing, building and marketing quality turf care equipment, Exmark’s goal is total customer satisfaction. All Exmark products are designed to help customers increase productivity while delivering unmatched quality. Products are sold to distributors and dealers who share the company’s commitment to customer service and quality products.
For More Information:
- Propane Education And Research Council – Mower Incentive Program information
- Exmark Manufacturing Co. – Propane powered equipment resources, facts, certifications, information
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Note to Editors: All media inquiries, image or interview requests should be directed to Matt Gersib at (402) 314-2150 or mattgersib@gmail.com. For other inquiries, please contact Exmark Mfg. Co., Inc., P.O. Box 808, Beatrice, NE 68310-0808; (402) 223-6300.