How to know which fuel is right for you- diesel or propane?

When it comes to asphalt maintenance equipment, no one manufactures better equipment than Stepp Manufacturing. The choice is not which equipment to choose for your asphalt needs- Stepp Mfg is a no brainer.

The decision to be made, is which fuel source to use?

In this article we will discuss:

Pros of liquid propane
Cons of liquid propane
Pros of diesel fuel
Cons of diesel fuel

This information has been provided by Stepp Mfg.

Many of the Stepp asphalt maintenance units are offered in both LP (liquid propane) and diesel
fired burners Systems. Below, we will outline some of the pro’s and con’s of both systems.

Diesel Burners give you about 1 ½ times more BTU than LP but does cost more. The cost per BTU
is very similar and almost a wash.

LP Pro’s

Less expensive burner system
Simple design
Does not require 12 volt electric power to fire unless they have spark ignition and auto temp controls
Can regulate the amount of heat by turning the valve up or down

LP Con’s

Small orifices that can get plugged easily
Pressurized fuel system can continue burning if the unit has a malfunction
Fuel is less available than diesel
You have to deal with LP cylinders
Very flammable if you have a leak
LP burners have an exposed flame required for combustion.
More sensitive to blow outs
Many insurance companies require the LP tank to be removed before entering a building for storage
or service
Burner system that requires a combination of component parts

Diesel Pro’s

Commercially available burner system, very similar to the home heating industry
More consistent heat
Very safe non-pressurized fuel
Burner has lock-out mode that shuts the burner system down when there is a malfunction
Fuel is available everywhere
More BTU’s per gallon
Forced air burner has no exposed flame
All-in-one burner system

Diesel Con’s

Requires 12 volt power to operate
Burner system has more components to maintain: blower, fuel pump, primary control, cad cell,
ignition module
More expensive burner

There are many factors to be considered when making the decision about fuel. In order to make the best decision for your company or department, let’s sit down and discuss all your needs.