Först ST8

[markieg31]

Didn't timberwolf offer a petrol engine for the 280? Probably the same power plant.

Kubota WG1605

[openspaceman]

41 minutes ago, markieg31 said:

Didn't timberwolf offer a petrol engine for the 280? Probably the same power plant.

Kubota WG1605

It was about time someone offered a decent water cooled petrol/lpg engine for chippers

[Ty Korrigan]

21 hours ago, openspaceman said:

It was about time someone offered a decent water cooled petrol/lpg engine for chippers

Or E85 which is only 67.5 cents per litre, a euro less than SP98

[openspaceman]

38 minutes ago, Ty Korrigan said:

Or E85 which is only 67.5 cents per litre, a euro less than SP98

I wish. Bulk LPG and refill at the yard may work here, cheaper servicing costs and better engine life as a benefit. As long as a tank lasts all day.

[GarethM]

22 minutes ago, openspaceman said:

I wish. Bulk LPG and refill at the yard may work here, cheaper servicing costs and better engine life as a benefit. As long as a tank lasts all day.

You'd just use forklift gas cylinders, swap in and out.

 

But aren't you just adding further expense and complexity Vs almost the exact same Kubota lump running on road diesel.

 

You're not going to be getting any weight savings either

[openspaceman]

2 hours ago, GarethM said:

You'd just use forklift gas cylinders, swap in and out.

Yes but when we used an LPG forklift it was always a faff swapping cylinders and quite expensive. A chap I knew flew a hot air balloon and in bulk it was much cheaper. I used to fill with autogas but whilst cheaper than petrol it did seem expensive compared with red diesel.

 

2 hours ago, GarethM said:

But aren't you just adding further expense and complexity Vs almost the exact same Kubota lump running on road diesel.

Given the problems with DPFs and adblue I doubt it. LPG burns very clean compared with petrol which should benefit engine life.  If an engine is designed for it it can stand a higher compression ratio without pinking (though this may increase NOX) which could offset a bit of the loss of calorific value.

2 hours ago, GarethM said:

You're not going to be getting any weight savings either

No but this is less of an issue with change in licence rules so anyone could tow more than 750kg.

 

[GarethM]

1 hour ago, openspaceman said:

Yes but when we used an LPG forklift it was always a faff swapping cylinders and quite expensive. A chap I knew flew a hot air balloon and in bulk it was much cheaper. I used to fill with autogas but whilst cheaper than petrol it did seem expensive compared with red diesel.

 

Given the problems with DPFs and adblue I doubt it. LPG burns very clean compared with petrol which should benefit engine life.  If an engine is designed for it it can stand a higher compression ratio without pinking (though this may increase NOX) which could offset a bit of the loss of calorific value.

No but this is less of an issue with change in licence rules so anyone could tow more than 750kg.

 

I ran LPG vehicles for donkeys years, 120k+ miles but went back to petrol on the next car as the price became almost equal to lpg, yes it ran clean and oil changes were almost pointless as it was crystal clear.

 

I've recollections of diesel engine having a size before the dpf emissions stuff was required but I'm a KISS guy when it comes to equipment.

 

Just imagine an LPG running out half way through a job miles from home etc.

 

I'm guessing a petrol chipper will need to go 3000rpm if it's 1-2 cylinders or 1500 if it's 3-4, other than say clean air zones you lose all the benefits very quickly, it's like a niche within a couple of more niches.

Edited 21 hours ago by GarethM

[openspaceman]

1 hour ago, GarethM said:

Just imagine an LPG running out half way through a job miles from home etc.

I don't recall having to top up a chipper during work, if it's a dual fuel conversion you could add petrol.

 

Yes it is likely to be a niche but the market will decide, I'm long out of it.

[GA Groundcare]

On 02/01/2026 at 13:56, Tree monkey 1682 said:

Its probably brings and Stratton,  rebadged. It won't be kholer engine as they , I believe are still tide in with lombardini... hence kholer diesels

Kubota offer a water cooled 57hp petrol engine. Believe it uses the diesel block. Very "automotive" like in its design.