By Ed Hoffman, President, Blossman Services | Reman, Repower & Rebuilt Time to rethink propane autogas conversions These conversions meet the top three goals fleets look to achieve Every fleet is challenged with the common goals of reducing costs, increasing uptime and enhancing safety. Many times these goals can be in conflict with one another. Preventive maintenance (PM) intervals can be extended, but the result may be an increase in unscheduled maintenance. Downsizing a vehicle may create the expectation of a reduction in vehicle operating costs, but the result may end up mismatching duty cycles and creating potential safety issues. The ultimate goal is to optimize these three goals and produce a positive impact on the fleet. Alternative fuel options, such as propane autogas, can help achieve these common objectives. Propane autogas technology can reduce operating costs, increase productivity and, perhaps surprisingly, offer the benefit of a safer fuel than the native fuel source. Not Just New Vehicles The decision to adopt propane autogas is not limited to when a new vehicle is acquired. A vehicle can be converted at 25 percent or even 50 percent of its useful life and significantly reduce operational costs while offering a lower total cost of ownership. If a fleet has made the decision to further extend a replacement cycle by repowering or rebuilding Recent innovations in dispensers and filling hardware, such as the “safe connect” ultralow emission filling nozzle and adapters, allow faster vehicle fueling without the need for any personal protective devices. Photo courtesy of Blossman Services an asset, there is no better time to consider propane autogas. Alliance AutoGas, by way of example, offers engineered systems that can be installed in only a few hours. These systems do not require any permanent vehicle modifications. All wiring is “plug and play.” Everything is bracketed and designed to be installed without any drilling or fabrication. By deploying these features, labor times and conversion costs are significantly reduced. Fleets can experience a positive ROI with a partial asset life when reduced conversion costs are coupled with low, stable fuel prices. Some propane autogas engineered systems do not require any permanent vehicle modifications, as all wiring is “plug and play” and everything is bracketed and designed to be installed without any drilling or fabrication. Photo courtesy of Blossman Services ESOC Series 455/Series 250E 25 years in business Best Fuel Priming Tools for DD Series & Others Simple. Safe. Green. Reliable. Move at the speed of ESOC Call your ESOC Commercial Truck Representative today at 866.909.3762 ext 300 or checkout our new website at www.esocinc.com SERIES 455 BENEFITS: » Pneumatic system » Able to service any fuel system SERIES 250E BENEFITS: » AC Powered » Built in prime timer » Able to service any fuel module Visit us at the TMC show Booth #2500 VehicleServicePros.com/10122067 32 FLEET MAINTENANCE ❚ APRIL 2016 ❚ VehicleServicePros.com
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