The City of Columbus has partnered with the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) and R&R Products on a propane-autogas mower research program. The city is receiving four mowers for use at its airport golf course at no cost.

R&R Products is supplying the Columbus airport golf course with four new pieces of propane powered mowing equipment for use in daily operations at no cost. PERC is funding the research program. At the end of the project, the city can choose to purchase the equipment at a 55% depreciation rate for a total of $56,845, a savings of $69,478.

The city’s participation requires that golf course equipment operators track usage information such as fuel data and operator feedback and report back to the research partners. PERC, a non-profit organization that advocates for the use of propane, will use the program to acquire performance data documenting “real-world” usage.

The city’s golf course is one of seven golf courses selected nationwide to participate in the project. Another government-owned course is the Eagles Pride Golf Course at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, while the rest are private golf courses.

The City of Columbus already owns propane-powered mowers as well as vehicles fueled with biodiesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), and E-85. The total fleet consists of more than 6,300 pieces of equipment.