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Lawn Mower Pollution Addressed
The Dixie Chopper compressed natural gas (CNG) mower, officially known as the Xcaliber Eco-Eagle, was unveiled at the Alternative Fuels & Vehicles National Conference & Expo in Orlando, Florida on April 19th. Powered by a 990cc Generac engine, the Eco-Eagle comes with a 66-inch cutting deck. Dixie Chopper believes that since natural gas is plentiful in the U.S., demand for this mower will only grow as natural gas becomes easier to obtain for the average property owner.
Dixie Chopper’s Press Release states studies (including a 2001 Swedish survey) have shown that air pollution from cutting grass for one hour with a gasoline-powered mower is nearly equivalent to that from a 350-mile automobile trip. Gasoline mowers emit hydrocarbons, and older models with powerful but less efficient two-cycle engines can release as much as 30 percent of their oil and gasoline unburned into the air.
Over the course of one year, a gasoline-powered mower spews 87 pounds of greenhouse gas (CO2) and 54 pounds of other pollutants, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — as much air pollution as 43 new cars being driven 12,000 miles.
The EPA says the 54 million Americans mowing their lawns each weekend with gasoline-powered mowers may be contributing as much as five percent of the nation’s air pollution.
The EPA estimates that 17 million gallons of fuel – mostly gasoline – are spilled each year while lawn equipment is being refilled. In addition to groundwater contamination, spilled fuel evaporates into the air and contributes to smog-forming ozone when cooked by sunlight and heat.
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