Get ready for storm season.... convert your generator to propane!

Nikola Tesla may have had it right when he came up with the idea of wireless electrical power transmission. While we are very thankful for the power lines they can be severely handicapped during the event of a hurricane, tornado, or severe storm. (or... Zombie Apocalypse)

What is your plan when the power goes out?

Once the power is out we tend to remember the things we are used to having and at times can  forget to be thankful for. (There’s so much to be thankful for –  electricity seems like a small thing these days)

·         Lighting

·         Heat/Air conditioning

·         Hot water

·         Communication: Internet, telephone, radio & television

·         Charging batteries

·         Flushing the toilet (if you have a well)

·         Taking a shower

·         Cooking

But, you are prepared! You invested in a backup generator, just in case of such an emergency. So you just need to get that gasoline powered generator out of the shed and put it to work powering your home. Or at least the essential things, like the refrigerator or freezer full of food.

Once you have worn yourself out from pulling the cord on your portable generator for a half an hour, you may begin to wonder why you decided not to get the propane powered generator! You see, propane does not have the problems that gasoline has, like going stale, varnishing carburetors and with ethanol in gasoline these days, propane also shines in the fact that it does not eat up the seals in your carburetor and gum up your fuel system. A propane powered engine starts up right away, no matter how long it's been sitting in the shed!

I bet you’re breathing a little easier knowing that about propane. You’ll also breathe easier because there is much less harmful emissions from a propane powered engine.

Did you ever go to the gas station after the power went out only to find out that the gas pumps RUN ON ELECTRICITY? I called a propane company and the guy there said that even when the gasoline stations can’t pump gas, that a propane delivery truck can deliver all the fuel you need – to your home or even at the corner market or the grocery store parking lot if you live in a remote area.

With that half hour of time you spent trying to get the generator started you could have easily converted your existing 4 cycle gasoline powered generator to run on clean economical propane using our easy to install PROPANE ENGINE CONVERSION KITS.

It can be done in a few easy steps using some simple to install parts.

The basic parts to convert your generator are:

The regulator system -  ready to install.

You can attach this to the frame on your generator using the clamps that are part of this unit.

This engine adapter plate w/ fuel orifice attaches behind the carburetor. (Using two bolts and some sealant)

The fuel supply line delivers the propane to your engine and goes between the regulator system & the adapter plate and fuel orifice.

The cylinder attachment line gets the fuel from your propane tank to the regulator system.

Once you have your parts installed you can use your engine with either propane or gasoline, so you have a dual fuel engine if you want.

 If switching over your gasoline powered generator to run it on propane makes sense to you. Visit www.shop.waycooltools.com and see our propane engine conversion section to find the kit that’s right for your engine.

Feel free to call if you need any help.

You could also send us an e-mail with the engine specifications and the generator you want to convert. We’ll reply with the the information you need.

Now and again, everyone experiences a power outage. We’re pleased to offer an easy and economical solution to making sure you have the power available to you, when you need it most.

Propane engine Conversions .... and Poultry

Larry T. of Louisa, VA sent in this video of his Troy-Bilt Horse Model Tiller that he converted to propane using one of our Do It Yourself propane engine conversion kits. (Click here to see the kits).
Running a propane powered engine compared to a gasoline powered engine is worlds apart in that don't get the smelly fumes, the engine needs less maintenance and the fuel doesn't go stale like gas. You do however get all the power you need with 104 octane fuel.
One of the first things I noticed when I saw this video besides the fact that it's the same model tiller as our converted tiller, is the chickens.

Propane engine conversions & poultry; homesteading at its best!

Organic Lawn and Garden Care made EASY!

Have you resigned yourself to accepting that having a chemical free lawn and garden means putting up with weeds and less than glorious grass, food and flowers? Or maybe you think there is a way but it’s way too complicated, time consuming and expensive to think about...right now.

Let me introduce you to some new organic lawn and garden care products from Fire Belly Organics. These are all natural, organic, chemical free products produced here in the USA.

The entire Fire Belly Organics line of products has been designed for complete ease of use and absolute effectiveness while being easy on your budget. Each is packaged in a hose end sprayer applicator, no need to figure out ratios or buy yet another sprayer, or mix in a bucket...just attach to your garden hose and go!

No worries about children, pets or wildlife being harmed by your recently treated lawn. All products are derived from natural, organic ingredients that support life in the soil and on the planet.

There are 5 products and 3 “kits” available, depending on your lawn and garden needs. Each kit treats about 5000 square feet.

Organic Lawn in a Box- contains:

1. Early Spring-Growth Activator

2.Spring- Bio-Blast

3.Summer-Bloom Blaster

4.Early Fall-Bio-Blast

Organic Lawn in a Box + 2 contains:

1.Early Spring-Growth Activator

2.Early Spring-Spray and Play liquid corn gluten

3.Spring- Bio Blast

4.Summer- Bloom Blaster

5.Early Fall-Bio Blast

6.Late Fall-Winter Protect

Organic Garden in a Box contains::

1.Planting time- Growth Activator

2. Fertilize all season with Bio-Blast

3.Use Bloom Blaster when flowers and fruits start to bud to maximize production.

You may also buy the products separately by the case(4 per case)

Growth Activator-Bio-Enhanced, Organic Soil Treatment. Promote nitrogen fixing, detoxify soil, reduce transplant shock, encourage root development, increase photosynthesis, and make nutrients more bio-available. Perfect for establishing new plants and to boost spring growth while protecting from environmental stress.

Bloom Blaster-Natural Bio-Stimulant. A nutritious blast of natural plant growth hormones, vitamins, amino acids and micronutrients to support bud development for abundant, beautiful flowers and fruit without harming beneficial organisms. Derived from cold water seaweed.

Bio-Blast 7-0-2-Bio-Enhanced, Organic natural fertilizer. Completely replace chemical fertilizers with this phosphorus free, chelated formula. Greens up leaves fast, feeds the soil and promotes vigorous growth.

Spray and Play 1-0-0-Liquid Corn Gluten. Concentrated liquid corn gluten suppresses seed germination while feeding the plants and soil. Use on lawns, mulched areas or garden beds.

Winter Protect-Winterizing Treatment. Late season soil and plant winterizer bio activates clay and sandy soils, builds organic matter, unlocks nutrients in the soil and buffers pH levels. May be used on all types of plants and turf. 

All of these products are available to buy right now at WayCoolTools.com . It’s never too late to start having a healthier, more beautiful, organic lawn and garden!

EZ Cut pruning tool treatment stops Fusarium and Fireblight!

Is it getting harder and harder to cut with your trusty old pruners? Are they sticky with sap and dirt? Don't throw away your old garden tools, clean up what you have with EZ Cut! EZ-Cut is a patented and trademark registered fluid spray for pruning tool maintenance. Dirty tools don't work as well or last as long as tools that are well maintained. With EZ Cut dirt and sap wipe easily from garden tools saving time and labor, while preventing tool cutting edge damage that can result from abrasive cleaning techniques. The all natural oil lubricates tools for smooth operation and extends tool life by inhibiting rust thereby protecting metal surfaces. EZ-Cut is university tested, proven to stop Fireblight bacteria and Fusarium fungus cross contamination while pruning roses, fruit trees and more. The pleasant lemon scent even repels mosquitoes. EZ-Cut is safe to the user, kids, pets and the environment because it contains 100% food grade ingredients. No gardener, grower or landscaper should be without EZ-Cut Pruning Tool Treatment.

• Cleans
• Disinfects
• Lubricates
• Stops Rust
• Pleasant lemon scent
• Non-toxic and safe for pets and people
• Fungicidal
• Prevents cross contamination between plants
• Made in the USA

Retail sales at www.WayCoolTools.com
Wholesalers, retailers, and growers contact us for quantity pricing.

Flame Weeding

Weeding is fun!

I'm looking over the array of carefully selected seed varieties that are promising a bountiful crop of vegetables, flowers & herbs in the coming growing season. Then I survey the garden beds. Winter weeds have taken over the garden, crept in right under our noses, or Roses as it were :-). So much work to be done before the fun of planting can begin!

Wouldn't it be great if your could just erase the old leftover plants from last fall, the grasses and vines along the fence line, dandelions and thistles that have stealthily increased in population, those prickly berry canes that try to sneak into your garden? Make it a clean slate, so to speak.

That can be a daunting task though, and backbreaking work to prepare the garden. You want to focus on the growth of spring, not laboring to clear the past! (Especially if you let things slide a little in the fall ;-)) It's tempting to resort to “easy” chemicals to knock back the spring weeds, or use pre-emergents...but are they really as safe as we've been led to believe? And what is the long term effect on your garden, soil, and your food?

The intense heat of the propane flame destroys the cell structure of living plants,causing them to wither and die within a day or so. While it doesn't immediately kill the deep roots of perennial weeds, repeatedly knocking back the top growth will eventually exhaust the plant. Additionally, weed seeds and overwintering pests and their eggs are killed by the heat and cannot become resistant to this form of control. Flame weeding takes the power of heat, and uses it in a controlled and efficient manner.

And you know what? It's fun! (shhhhh!)

I LOVE WEEDING... with my Red Dragon garden weeding torch. I can slip on my handy backpack tank  for rough terrain or just pull a grill tank on the dolly-cart in the tamer areas.

First I can clean up the gravel driveway of any weeds that have popped up since last fall.

Then attend to the mulched areas around the ornamental and fruit trees and bushes.

I no longer waste string line when trimming the grass and weeds along the stone walls, patio or walkways. A clean sweep with the flame weeder is all that's needed. Fence lines are another chore to look forward to..... Well, it's true if you're flame weeding! Then clean up the veggie garden, turning last year's leftovers into soil building ash and bio-char. And, at the end of a chilly spring day, light a fire for marshmallows with the kids.

Now string trimmers do have their place. There are times when a weed whacker is a wiser choice than a weeding torch. If you are working near highly combustible materials like pine needles, around plants like Poison Ivy or certain evergreens, or under very dry, windy conditions.

(You might consider converting your motorized 4 cycle trimmer to a low polluting, low emissions fuel: propane.

Find out more about converting your small engine equipment, including lawn and garden equipment, generators, and more to propane: click here.)

 Just call me the Hank Hill of gardening!

Red Dragon Flame Weeders are made with pride in the USA .

Buy flame weeders from WayCoolTools.com

Propane upgrades for small engines

We are thrilled to be offering AltFuel propane conversion kits for small gas engines. All components are made in the USA, and the company is run by two young entrepreneurs from Ohio.

All kinds of equipment can be quickly, easily, and inexpensively converted to clean, green, domestic propane by anyone with basic tools and knowledge of small engines 1-45 hp. ATVs, golf carts, mules, log splitters, generators, power washers, backpack blowers, snowthrowers, string trimmers, leaf vacs, mowers of all kinds, wood chippers...
For more information on all of the benefits of propane as an engine fuel see: AllPropaneMowers.com
So, if you are already running propane mowers or trucks and want to switch over your other existing equipment, this is a great way to do just that. Or, if you want to check out propane as an engine fuel, this is an easy, cost effective way to do so. (The kit can be removed quickly and you're back to the original gasoline engine). You can also run your engine as a dual fuel engine (either gasoline or propane) The kits are transferable to other equipment, only needing a different "adapter block" if it is a different engine type.

Depending on the size of the engine, you can use recyclable 1lb cylinders(available widely at camp, hardware and variety stores), the NEW refillable 1 lb cylinders from Manchester Tank(coming soon), 5-10 lb cylinders, grill tanks or forklift cylinders with adapters.

Here are a couple of video links...

 

Our old tiller is converted to propane

 

Alex at GIE explaining the basics

Overview of the conversion process

2 great gardening events in Virginia

First, Michael Dirr will be at the Piedmont Landscape association's annual seminar in Charlottesville. Michael Dirr is the author of several essential gardening tomes that we became familiar with while taking Ian Robertson's Horticulture classes.
http://www.piedmont-landscape.org/2011SaveTheDateFlyer.pdf
THEN, the next day in Danville we have Eliot Coleman at the VABF(Virginia Biological Farmers) conference. Eliot has also authored several books on organic vegetable growing which he does year round-in MAINE:
http://www.vabf.org/annual-conference
Exciting times for gardeners in central Virginia!!