With their versatility across various light-duty equipment applications, residential, commercial, and landscape contractors can unlock innovative ways to cut costs and enhance efficiency.
The Future of Flexibility: Why Dual-Fuel Engines Should Be on Your Radar for 2025
Dual-fuel engines offer unmatched adaptability, making them a must-watch innovation for contractors in the coming year. These engines are designed to run on both propane and an alternative fuel—such as gasoline—giving users the freedom to choose the most cost-effective and readily available option for their specific job.
How Dual-Fuel Engines Work
Equipped with a seamless fuel-switching system, these engines allow operators to toggle between propane and another fuel using a simple control knob. Many models come pre-configured as “dual-fuel,” “bi-fuel,” or “dual-powered” propane systems. Despite the fuel flexibility, these engines maintain the same power and performance as traditional internal combustion engines, with added advantages.
Key Benefits for Contractors
1. Unmatched Convenience
Propane is widely available throughout the U.S., and many contractors already maintain propane cages or on-site fueling stations, making refueling quick and hassle-free. Since propane storage doesn’t require extensive infrastructure, it’s an ideal fuel choice for remote job sites, rural properties, and mobile operations—where sourcing gasoline, diesel, or natural gas can be more challenging.
For contractors on the move, propane tanks are easy to transport in a truck or trailer, offering a practical and spill-resistant fuel solution. Unlike gasoline, propane remains stable over time, eliminating concerns about fuel degradation or potency loss when stored properly.
2. Eco-Friendly Performance
Propane stands out as a cleaner alternative to gasoline, with the Department of Energy reporting that it produces at least 13% fewer greenhouse gas emissions. As industries push toward net-zero goals, propane-powered equipment offers a smart solution for contractors working on sustainability-focused projects—especially when using renewable propane. Beyond environmental benefits, propane also enhances the operator experience by eliminating harsh odors and excessive exhaust fumes, making it a healthier option for those with respiratory sensitivities.
As a clean and reliable fuel, propane provides a stable power source for equipment. Its naturally low impurity levels and resistance to oxidation and degradation ensure long-term performance without fuel breakdown. Additionally, as a high-octane fuel, propane delivers superior combustion control, even in extreme temperatures. These advantages translate to reduced maintenance needs and lower operational costs over the lifespan of the equipment.
3. Upgrade with Conversion Kits
Contractors looking to enhance their existing gas-powered equipment can invest in conversion kits, allowing them to integrate propane as an additional fuel source. These kits include essential components such as fuel tanks, fuel injection systems, and fuel lines designed to regulate the propane-to-air mixture for optimal combustion. While installation requires some mechanical expertise, the ability to switch between fuels adds flexibility and efficiency to any job site.
Carbureted engines are generally simpler to convert compared to fuel-injected models, making them ideal candidates for propane adaptation. Lawn mowers, in particular, are excellent options for conversion, which is why many landscape contractors lead the way in adopting propane and alternative fuels. With just a few hundred dollars in parts and a couple of hours of work, a standard mower engine can be modified to run on propane. This upgrade leads to significant long-term fuel savings, as propane typically costs around 30% less per gallon than gasoline.
