Toro to introduce environment-friendly biodiesel-powered (lawn) mowers (and more)

[jpak]

Toro to introduce environment-friendly biodiesel-powered mowers and a hydrogen fuel cell utility vehicle

http://www.fuelcellsworks.com/Supppage6931.html

MINNEAPOLIS--After four years of testing everything from soybean oils to french fry grease as fuels, the Toro Co. will introduce biodiesel-powered mowers and a hydrogen fuel cell utility vehicle Thursday at the massive Golf Industry Show in Anaheim, Calif.

Two dozen models of Toro's new biodiesel ground-equipment will be on display at the world's largest golf show, as will Toro's new diesel-to-biodiesel conversion kits that range from about $30 to $500. The kits will hit the market in June. Toro's new turf equipment will be delivered to commercial customers in 2008, officials said.

Toro has branded the equipment "Biodiesel Ready," meaning it can run on 20 percent vegetable oil and 80 percent petroleum, a blend known as B-20. Vehicles that run solely on biodiesel fuel could be on the market as early as 2009, said Steve Wood, Toro's biodiesel project manager.

If Toro timed its market entry right, it should beat lawn-care competitors into the alternative fuel world, Wood said.

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[newburgh]

1. Mmmmm, I belong to a biodiesel group. I believe that if you have an

engine that is designed to run on diesel, that it will run on biodiesel- 100%. The conversions that are out there are more for people who put recycled restaurant oil directly into their vehicles without converting it- and to provide a heater for the colder months. I would imagine that lawn mowers wouldn't have the temperature problem being that they're used only when the grass is growing- and the climate is warm. The problem right now with the commercial biodiesel is that it is not quality-consistent enough for a manufacturer to have a workable warranty on their engines. However, converting biodiesel at home with good controls could provide consistent enough results.

I think the mention of Toro trying "everything from soybean oils to french fry grease" goes back again to consistency. With testing and controls- that these manufacturers cannot rely on of their consumers- this could be alleviated.

I have a electric rechargeable and have an acre of mowable land. It's a joy not to deal with the fumes and the noise of the gas engine.