Toro has taken environmental responsibility to heart and has announced products that use economical alternatives to petroleum-based fuels.
First, they announced that all their diesel-powered golf course and sports fields and grounds equipment will be “Biodiesel Ready” by 2008. In addition, that they are creating upgrade kits available in June, 2007 to convert diesel models in production or in the field to be compatible with biodiesel fuel.
What is biodiesel fuel? It is an alternative fuel source derived from biological sources that are completely biodegradable and non-toxic. Toro diesel products will be able to use biodiesel fuel blends of up to B20. B20 biodiesel fuels represent a mixture of 80 percent petroleum and 20 percent bio-fuel.
The second Toro announcement involves a partnership with the State of New York. Toro will provide Niagara Falls State Park with three hydrogen-powered utility vehicles by mid-2007. (See picture of hydrogen fuel cell above)
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority included hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in their project because they reduce noise pollution; increase machine efficiency over gasoline or diesel-powered equipment; allow rapid refueling versus slow recharging of battery-operated equipment; and have low emissions because hydrogen fuel cells emit water vapor as a byproduct.
Do you suppose this is a "bandwagon" with one industry player on board?
The real question is whether our customers are ready to pay a premium for alternative fueled OPE products? We know they will pay a premium for hybrid automobiles, with the extra cost spread out over multi-year payments. Perhaps in the commercial and higher-end product arena of the outdoor power equipment industry, today's customers will be willing to pay a premium for equipment that is more environmentally responsible. Time will tell.
www.biodiesel.org/
www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/
First, they announced that all their diesel-powered golf course and sports fields and grounds equipment will be “Biodiesel Ready” by 2008. In addition, that they are creating upgrade kits available in June, 2007 to convert diesel models in production or in the field to be compatible with biodiesel fuel.
What is biodiesel fuel? It is an alternative fuel source derived from biological sources that are completely biodegradable and non-toxic. Toro diesel products will be able to use biodiesel fuel blends of up to B20. B20 biodiesel fuels represent a mixture of 80 percent petroleum and 20 percent bio-fuel.
The second Toro announcement involves a partnership with the State of New York. Toro will provide Niagara Falls State Park with three hydrogen-powered utility vehicles by mid-2007. (See picture of hydrogen fuel cell above)
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority included hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in their project because they reduce noise pollution; increase machine efficiency over gasoline or diesel-powered equipment; allow rapid refueling versus slow recharging of battery-operated equipment; and have low emissions because hydrogen fuel cells emit water vapor as a byproduct.
Do you suppose this is a "bandwagon" with one industry player on board?
The real question is whether our customers are ready to pay a premium for alternative fueled OPE products? We know they will pay a premium for hybrid automobiles, with the extra cost spread out over multi-year payments. Perhaps in the commercial and higher-end product arena of the outdoor power equipment industry, today's customers will be willing to pay a premium for equipment that is more environmentally responsible. Time will tell.
www.biodiesel.org/
www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/
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