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Oilers Only Soon?

19th November 1954
Page 49
Page 49, 19th November 1954 — Oilers Only Soon?
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

By H. Scott Hall

M.I.Mech.E., M.I.R.T.E. THE sizes of vehicle into which oil engines are installed are becoming smaller. Fuel-consumption figures and the performance of light oilers are remarkable-beyond the expectations of operators and those who make the engines.

The critical annual mileages below which it might be expected that the petrol-engined vehicle would be prefer-. able on the ground of fuel economy are now so low that they might easily be said not to exist. Whatever the annual mileage, the oiler is the better choice.

No longer can it be said that the oil engine is suitable only for heavy vehicles or those which cover high annual mileages. An outstanding example of the superiority of the oiler is given by Kent Health Department.

Until a year ago, the department used only petrol-engined ambulances capable of carrying six sitting patients. Petrol consumption was at the rate of 14-i m.p.g. In October, 1953, a Trojan II-seater, with Perkins P3 engine, was put into commission.

A careful check was kept on fuel consumption and up to August this year the vehicle covered 22,646 miles. Fuel consumed equalled 595 gallons and an average of 38.06 m.p.g. was recorded.

In a full year, the mileage run approximated to 24,000 and, in round figures, 632 gallons of fuel were used at a cost of £120. A petrol-engined ambulance used 1.650 gallons costing 1324. Thus the oiler saved £204.

It is understood that the department are to place 14 Trojans in commission. If this is so, the total annual saving on account of fuel alone will be £2,856. I have given the Kent figures in full for purposes of explanation and not because the example is unique or unexpected. It is typical of the experience of municipal and other operators whose vehicles do not cover extensive mileages, and scores of others could easily be obtained.

The accompanying table shows the savings which refuse-collection vehicles may attain under varying conditions, Such economies justify the preference for the oiler without need for further consideration. Nevertheless, it is only fair to recognize the greater initial cost of the oiler.

In the case of ambulances, the difference is about £150, so that, according to the Kent figures, the debit is wiped Out in about nine months. If we set out this difference on the basis of depreciation over 10 years, there is only £15 a year to be deducted from the £204 saving on fuel.

Even then the picture is not complete, for there is a difference in maintenance costs of approximately 0.2d. a mile in favour of the oiler. Over 24,000 miles, that represents an additional £20 a year.

The ambulance is free of purchase tax. With other vehicles, the difference in initial outlay may be £250, but even that is less than the fuel savings which accrue. If I take .£25 a year on account of higher depreciation and check this figure against the annual savings shown in the final column of the table, the balance in each case is in favour of the oiler.

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Organisations: Kent Health Department

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