Seventy per cent of farmers are keen to convert their existing ATV from petrol to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) according to a recent survey conducted by Calor as this year’s Game Fair in Romsey, Hampshire. This highlights the ever-increasing popularity for the cheaper, greener and cleaner fuel on farms.

Farmers can save up to 70% on their annual fuel bills by choosing LPG over petrol, potentially saving the average ATV-user in the region of £1,000 per year. Farm extensions, updated machinery, additional staff, exotic holidays and even new wives were among the suggestions for how the money saved could be spent!

Although LPG is already widely used on farms in applications such as grain drying, crop chilling, poultry and pig rearing and for crop dessiccation and weed control, only 6% of those interviewed have previously used LPG with ATVs indicating the potential in the market for major growth in the foreseeable future.

The increased demand for LPG is hardly surprising when the dramatic fuel cost savings are considered. Farmers currently running an ATV on petrol spend an average of £37.75 per week based on a vehicle using 50 litres at 75.5 pence per litre. By comparison, those reaping the benefits of LPG look to spend around £16.45 using 62.5 litres at up to 26.32 pence per litre. This amounts to a weekly saving of around £21.30.

In addition, due to the fuel’s outstanding environmental characteristics, farmers can potentially increase subsidies by meeting the government’s strict environmental targets. As the country’s farming community gradually shifts away from the current production-based subsidy system (Pillar I) towards a more environmentally-based structure (Pillar II), green considerations will progressively have a greater influence on farming policy and income. LPG ATVs could therefore potentially provide an opportunity for farmers to meet new targets and possibly be rewarded with additional funds.

These savings however do not compromise vehicle performance. Calor LPG powered machines have the rapid acceleration necessary for animal management and efficient travel around sites with current customers stating that LPG makes no difference to driveability.

Furthermore, converting an ATV is made more convenient due to Calor’s complete LPG conversion kit which is designed to be transferable when the ATV is eventually replaced. In addition, the fuel can be stored in bulk on site with tanks that are closely monitored by Calor and regularly filled up and maintained by the company’s team of trained experts to ensure the fuel supply never runs out.

“As LPG is a clean burning fuel, farmers will not only notice a reduction in maintenance costs but there is no such thing as a fuel crisis. It can be stored in bulk on site, meaning no more time-consuming hikes to the petrol station”, comments Barry Ohrman, sales development manager for Calor. “Overall, it is a less expensive and more secure supply of fuel for ATVs”.

The initial cost of the LPG conversion kit installed by the ATV Dealer will normally pay for itself in less than a year for farmers working with an industry leader like Calor.

For additional information and a list of Calor’s nation-wide network of ATV dealers across the UK offering LPG conversion packages, please contact Calor on 0845 6038097 or email atv@calorgas.co.uk.