LPG ATV Case Study - Parkfoot Caravan Park

A successful family run business is prospering in England’s picturesque Lake District, with the help of Calor’s cleaner burning fuel and the latest Yamaha ATV.

The Parkfoot Caravan Park is situated in Ullswater, a mile from the market town of Pooley Bridge. The business has been operating for 50 years as a result of the Allen family's diversification from farming into tourism. During that time, an impressively large customer base has been built up through word of mouth and recommendation among campers, caravanners and walkers, on the warm welcome, unspoilt views and range of facilities available at the park.

Key to the park’s efficient operation is reliable transport to cover and service the site. As a result, Parkfoot has recently taken delivery of Calor powered Yamaha Rhino ATV supplied by Taylor & Braithwaite of Sandford, near Appleby. Owner Malcolm Bell says that as well as enjoying the benefits of economical, cleaner burning fuel, his business has benefited from the package of support available from the ATV manufacturer, converter and fuel supplier to ensure a hassle free LPG conversion.

“We’ve been Calor customers for over twenty years, and throughout the growth of Parkfoot Caravan Park,” he says. “Calor have always given us first class service, reliable fuel delivery and guidance on new methods that help us develop the business.”

Parkfoot’s thirty acre site has capacity for 300 tents and 132 touring and static caravans and also features 15 self catering cabins available as holiday lets. The site’s club house - with bar and
restaurant - along with the mini market, toilets, shower facilities and laundry room uses Calor LPG for all its catering, heating and water heating requirements.

With such an impressive package of support over two decades, Malcolm felt that, when the park needed a new ATV, a Calor powered model was a natural choice. “We knew from our own experience, the convenience of liquefied petroleum gas,” he adds. “In addition, being situated in an unspoilt area, we were keen to minimise any risk of pollution and to ensure a secure fuel storage option.”

Local dealer and experienced LPG converter Taylor & Braithwaite has significantly built up its business over recent years from the increased interest in LPG powered equipment and, says Sales Director, Martin Stewart, the new Yamaha Rhino has continued to drive that demand.

“Our business relies on a vibrant rural economy, and we're continually looking for ways to deliver better methods to our customers,” he says.

“We’ve invested significantly in LPG as a cleaner, economical fuel that gives equal performance to
petrol and diesel. We're seeing an increasing number of ATV models suitable for conversion and with the fuel savings available, users can quickly recoup the cost.”

Taylor & Braithwaite carried out the LPG conversion at its purpose built premises, which feature electronic diagnostic systems and a rolling road, to ensure that newly converted machinery performs to the highest standards. Malcolm’s ATV was ready within a few days of its delivery to Taylor & Braithwaite, providing a smooth and easy conversion process.

The new Yamaha Rhino enables Malcolm and his team to cover and service a large site quickly, conveniently and economically. The Rhino’s design allows two people to ride in the vehicle side by side - as with a utility vehicle - and offers increased load capacity compared to traditional ATV’s. An added safety feature is its roll bar cage which protects operators.

Several months after conversion, the new Yamaha Rhino, powered by Calor, continues to perform. “We’re very pleased with the LPG conversion,” says Malcolm Bell. “There’s no apparent difference in performance - it does everything we ask of it, whether we’re transporting items around the site, or riding up into the Fells.”

“The only real differences we can see are the reduced fuel costs, and peace of mind from an
environmental point of view,” he adds.

Calor’s Chris O’Bee confirms that gas power provides all the performance of other fuels, with reduced costs and without the same environmental risks. “The LPG powered ATV market has taken off in the past couple of years as users recognise the benefits,” he says. “In addition, new fuel storage regulations taking full effect from 2005 place added restrictions on diesel and oil storage for commercial premises, with severe penalties for non-compliance.”

“Parkfoot Caravan Park demonstrates the strong argument for LPG conversion and the package of
support available from the manufacturer, converter and fuel supplier,” he adds.