Asplundh, an international provider of vegetation management services to utilities and municipalities, is one of the first in its industry to adopt propane autogas for some of the medium-duty trucks in its fleet, according to Roush CleanTech, a designer, engineer, manufacturer and assembler of alternative fuel systems.
“We were searching for a cost-effective alternative fuel that provides an adequate refueling infrastructure and also meets our environmental initiatives,” said John Talbot, director of fleet services for Asplundh Tree Expert Co. “Propane autogas was our answer.”
Currently, Asplundh has two Ford F-650 trucks powered by Roush CleanTech propane autogas fuel systems. Roush CleanTech highlighted Asplundh’s bucket truck equipped with a 58-ft. aerial lift that is operating in the Charlotte, N.C., area, pruning trees away from power lines.
Propane autogas boasts a relatively widespread public refueling infrastructure, with thousands of stations located across the nation, said Roush CleanTech.
“When you look at a map of all alternative fuel stations, there are lots of dots for autogas,” said Talbot, noting that Asplundh currently refuels their vehicles at public stations, but may consider using mobile refueling services in the future.
The propane autogas tanks are able to mount under the cab, which maintains a clean frame rail behind the cab, according to the manufacturer. For Asplundh, this means there is enough room for compartments to be mounted to hold the tools and other equipment needed for vegetation management services.
It is estimated by Roush CleanTech that each of these trucks will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 117,000 lbs. over its lifetime.
“Autogas is an affordable, abundant American fuel that allows companies like Asplundh to lower their operating costs while helping to preserve the environment in which they work,” said Joe Thompson, president of Roush CleanTech.
