Diesel and gas power fuels Hardstaff’s Mercedes-Benz investment18 May 2011

A fleet of 31 new Mercedes-Benz tractor units is helping haulier Hardstaff Group to cut both fuel costs and exhaust emissions.

Putting its money where its mouth is, the Nottinghamshire-based company's dual-fuel system, developed in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz, reminds fleet engineers that its system can also be specified by other operators.

Hardstaff's patented oil ignition gas injection (OIGI) system works hand in hand with the existing diesel drivetrain. It automatically reduces the amount of diesel injected into the engine, replacing the fuel with the same energy equivalent of natural gas.

The injection equipment is able to vary the amount of gas metered into the engine – known as the substitution rate – depending on operating conditions and engine load.

Starting from cold, and moving off, power is supplied by 100% diesel but gas can be introduced from as low as 620rpm and, as the vehicle reaches cruising speed, substitution rates of up to 70% are common.

Steve Storrar, Hardstaff's vehicle applications manager, explains that it also works without the need to access the engine's electronic management system so the integrity of intelligent vehicle systems, such as braking control and other safety features, is not compromised.

"The advantages of the system are both environmental and economical," explains Storrar. "If you reduce the amount of diesel being burned, and replace it with methane, you get a reduction in regulated exhaust emissions, while gas is about half the price of diesel in most countries."

Hardstaff's latest order comprises five Actros 2544 MegaSpace premium long-haul tractor units and 26 Axor 2543s with high-roofed sleeper cabs and optional PowerShift automated transmissions.

All were supplied by local dealer Mertrux and some are funded by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.

The new arrivals have joined a fleet of just over 100 trucks, more than 60% of which are now powered by natural gas technology.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Hardstaff Group Ltd
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

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