Asplundh Adds Propane Autogas Trucks to its Fleet
Alternative fuel trucks helping company achieve green initiatives, compete in marketplace
Raleigh, North Carolina (October 22, 2014) — 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.
“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. The most complex unit is a bucket truck equipped with a 58-foot aerial lift that is operating in the Charlotte area, pruning trees away from power lines. An Asplundh-affiliated company also operates a chip dump truck in California where emissions regulations are stringent.
Propane autogas boasts a relatively widespread public refueling infrastructure, with thousands of stations located across the nation. “When you look at a map of all alternative fuel stations, there are lots of dots for autogas,” said Talbot.Asplundh currently refuels their vehicles at public stations, but may consider using mobile refueling services in the future.
Another advantage of propane autogas is the ability to mount the tanks under the cab, which maintains a clean frame rail behind the cab. 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 that each of these trucks will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 117,000 pounds over its lifetime. Compared to conventional diesel counterparts, propane autogas vehicles also minimize smog-producing hydrocarbons, virtually eliminate particulate matter, and lessen noise levels.Propane autogas also lowers fuel and maintenance costs and decreases reliance on imported oil.
“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.
“Our customers appreciate the efforts we’re making to improve the environment in a cost effective way,” said Talbot. “It’s been a flawless operation so far.”
A North Carolina State University grant for Clean Fuel Advanced Technology helped fund one of Asplundh’s vehicles. ROUSH CleanTech will display propane autogas vehiclesat the Southeast Alternative Fuels Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, today through Friday.
About Asplundh: Asplundh Tree Expert Co. is a family-owned and managed company headquartered just outside of Philadelphia in Willow Grove, Pa. Established in 1928, Asplundh primarily provides vegetation management and utility infrastructure services to a wide range of utilities and municipalities. The company has unparalleled resources in specialized equipment and skilled personnel. The Asplundh family of companies employs over 30,000 men and women throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Learn more at www.asplundh.com.
About ROUSH CleanTech: ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of alternative fuel vehicle technology, is a division of ROUSH Enterprises based in Livonia, Mich. ROUSH CleanTech designs, engineers, manufactures and installs propane autogas fuel system technology for light- and medium-duty Ford commercial vehicles, and Type A and Type C Blue Bird school buses. As a Ford QVM-certified alternative fuel vehicle manufacturer, ROUSH CleanTech delivers economical, clean and domestically produced fueling options for fleets across North America. Learn more at ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800.59.ROUSH.
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