Company Saves Money Using Propane

High gas prices are forcing businesses to think creatively. A Tulsa landscaping company thinks it's found a way to save money and help the environment. News On 6's Dan Bewley reports the budget at Roark Landscaping was taking a big hit because of the ever-escalating gas prices.

But, then they made the switch from gasoline to propane.

Roark Landscaping is in the business of cutting grass. But, their mowers are a little out of the ordinary.

"This has been an idea that we have thought about for a number of years," said Alan Roark with Roark Landscaping.

It's a propane tank; no more gasoline.

"The fuel prices have got to a point where it makes sense," said Roark.

Alan Roark had his lawn mowing fleet converted to propane. Twenty mowers and three riding lawn mowers all sport a tank, sometimes two.

"The propane in here is a liquid. It comes out of here as a vapor," said Roark.

Roark has been thinking of converting for the past three years. Over the winter he finally had it down at a cost of nearly $500 a mower. But, that's money well spent he says when you consider many of his contracts were signed when gas was only $2.50 a gallon. Now it's pushing $4.00 and there's no sign of stopping.

Roark expects the propane to save him at least 30% in fuel costs this year compared to last.

In addition to the cost savings, Roark says there's another benefit to this switch. Propane is much friendlier to the environment.

"If you change the oil and go back a month later, check the oil. It's as clean as it was when you put it in. It doesn't have the soot and carbon you get from a gasoline engine," said Roark.

It's also not near as flammable as gasoline, lowering the risk of a fire. Reason after reason, Roark says to swap gasoline for the white tank of propane.

Roark says it is possible to switch your personal lawn mower to propane. But, he warns, the conversion cost is close to $500.

Roark believes his company is the first Tulsa landscaping company that has made the switch, but expects more to follow his lead.