Annette Bertelsen 2016-09-05 00:41:10
25% MORE farms added propane-powered irrigation from 2008 to 2013
1.1 MILLION acres were irrigated with propane-powered systems in 2013
Propane engines generate 25% FEWER GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS than gasoline engines
If you think electric motors off er the most advanced technology and convenience for irrigation, think gain. That’s the advice of propane industry experts, equipment manufacturers and farmers who have been putting propane powered engines to the test.
“We walk up to our propane engine, hit the button and it starts right up. It’s that easy. It feels good to start the day without any hassle,” says Mike Griess, who irrigates about 1,000 acres of corn and soybeans near Sutton, Neb.
Maintenance for his 5.7L Husker Power Products propane engine is “real easy,” says Griess, who adds that he appreciates not having to spend time changing fuel filters or putting in a spill containment system since he’s using clean-burning, nontoxic propane.
Smart Pivots
Some of the newer EPA- certified, propane-fueled power units offer a standard control panel with options for remote monitoring and control by any web-based device. That feature wasn’t available when Griess purchased his propane engine four years ago.
“It’s a game-changer,” says Kenton Sonnenburg, CHS propane equipment account manager. “As farm footprints get larger, remote monitoring and control becomes more important. Many growers don’t realize that is possible with propane.”
Function for function, advanced propane systems can match what electrical systems bring to the table, says Bill Heese, sales account manager, Husker Power Products, Inc., Hastings, Neb. “You can be watching your son’s or daughter’s sporting event and shut off your irrigation power unit from your phone or tablet if rain is coming.”
While the Griess family farm doesn’t have pivots linked to its smartphones yet, it’s only a matter of time. “My son returned to the farm about a year ago. I know he will want that feature. It’s good to know that we can have that technology with new propane engines,” Griess says.
Simplicity Equals Reliability
Tech-savvy millennial farmers are particularly receptive to propane for irrigation, according to Cinch Munson, director of agriculture business development for the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).
“Today’s propane irrigation engines were built to operate on propane — a far cry from engines of the past that had to be converted to run on propane,” he says. “If you look at propane with a fresh perspective, it’s the logical choice for cost-conscious and environmentally conscious growers.”
Modern propane engines have an edge when it comes to efficiency and reliability, says Munson. “With just a simple catalyst, the emissions are compliant with current exhaust regulations.”
In contrast, today’s Tier 4 diesel irrigation engines are relatively complicated, requiring exhaust after-treatment devices and steps such as adding diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).
Spark-ignited engines have become more advanced, says Heese of Husker Power Products. “Similar to your car or pickup, today’s propane engines have electronic control modules with sensors that constantly measure fuel, air and other operating data so they always run in perfect tune. The result is increased life, reliability, performance and fuel economy, and longer intervals between tune-ups.
“I’m a fan of propane,” says Heese. “It’s a good value for farmers who are trying to grow more food on fewer acres at lower cost.”
Upfront Savings
For sophisticated irrigation equipment to operate as designed, “You really need a reliable engine,” Sonnenburg says.
Jeff Roberts, who grows soybeans and corn near Axtell, Neb., says he couldn’t agree more.
“I bought an 8.8-liter propane engine to run my 14-tower pivot,” he says. “I haven’t regretted my decision to go with propane at all. It’s working great for irrigation and fertigation. This is the fourth season, and all I’ve had to do is change oil.”
PERC research has shown farmers who use propane irrigation are overwhelmingly happy with that decision. “You save money on the upfront cost compared to running three- phase electricity, as well as on operation and maintenance. You can buy propane when prices are seasonally low, instead of buying electricity when prices are seasonally high,” says PERC’s Munson. “At current propane costs, in many markets it’s less expensive to run a propane irrigation engine than an electric motor to do the same job.”
For Roberts, Griess and other growers, using propane has proven to be cost-effective.
“What I like best about propane is it’s economical,” says Griess. “Propane has always been a good fuel source, and now the advanced technology is there for irrigation.
“Take a good look at your options next time you need to replace an engine,” he advises. “You might find you’re better off going with propane.”
Call your local propane dealer to learn more.
Take Advantage of Incentives
Thinking of buying a propane irrigation motor? PERC offers farmers who buy propane-fueled engines an incentive of $300 per liter of displacement when they provide performance data.
“Cooperatives and other propane marketers are encouraged to spread the word about the incentive program,” says PERC’s Cinch Munson. “Using propane for irrigation builds summer demand, and one irrigation engine can use the same propane volume as 10 residential customers.”
Visit propane.com to calculate total cost savings and apply for incentives.
Published by CHS Inc. View All Articles.
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