Tree care companies largely did not covet new gasoline-powered equipment, including portable wood chippers, when gas hovered around $4 per gallon. But company outlooks have changed recently as gas prices have plummeted to decade-low levels.
Now, gas-powered wood chippers are in high demand within size classes that include them, manufacturers say. Portable Plants & Equipment (PP&E) discussed this shift with chipper manufacturers at the recent TCI Expo in Pittsburgh, Pa.
“We’re seeing a transition from diesel to gas go fairly quickly,” says Aaron Sorrels, marketing manager at Bandit Industries.
Other manufacturers shared similar experiences, telling us the gas models they offer are highly competitive to their diesel counterparts. The price of the fuel is one reason demand for gas-powered equipment is up, but intensifying emission standards may pave a wider path for gas and alternative fuels in the coming years.
Like Bandit, representatives from Rayco and Vermeer say their companies have experienced increased demand for gas-powered wood chippers.
Gas isn’t the only diesel alternative manufacturers are exploring, though. Bandit and Vermeer are two companies that have introduced dual-fuel chipper models that can run on either gas or propane. Bandit’s 12-inch drum-style 990XP is available as a dual-fuel model with a propane option. So is Vermeer’s BC1000XL.
“I think it makes sense to take a look at [propane] in the future because of its prevalence and low impact on the environment,” says Jay Sunderman, Vermeer’s strategic business unit manager of tree care/rental and landscape.
To date, market conditions probably aren’t fully in place for propane or alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas to thrive, Sunderman says. But a day may come when the tree care industry makes a greater shift to gas and other alternatives.
Cost, convenience and availability will shape the equipment to come, adds Brett Bartels, a Vermeer engineer.
“Plus, there’s a comfort level of the operator and their willingness to use the fuel,” he says.