MHM gensets/towers now compatible with HVO fuel

Leila Steed Editor, Demolition & Recycling International

07 July 2021

UK equipment supplier MHM Group has announced that all of its diesel machinery is now compatible with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel.

Solar generators and lighting towers from MHM Group are now suitable for use with HVO fuel.

The company, which sells and rents construction site equipment via three specialist divisions to rental equipment providers across the UK and Ireland, said that its generators and lighting towers are now fully compatible with the diesel alternative.

Using HVO fuel is said to lower CO2 emissions by up to 90%, in comparison to equipment powered by traditional diesel.

Mat Llewellyn, MHM Group managing director, said, “We are moving forward with plans to ensure that our rehire fleet becomes entirely emission-free. Using HVO is significant a part of this process, however we are continuing to invest heavily in other renewables such as solar and battery hybrid machines.”

MHM stipulated that the HVO fuel used with its equipment must adhere to BS EN 15940:2016, and recommend fuel specialist Crown Oil as a supplier of the diesel alternative.

What is HVO fuel?

Hydrotreated vegetable oil – more commonly known as HVO - is a renewable biofuel made from vegetable oils and other similar plant-based grease and residues.

It is an environmentally-friendly alternative to the traditional diesel fuels used to power construction machinery and site equipment.

MHM said, “Every 1,000 litres of diesel burned produces 3.6 tonnes of greenhouse gas [GHG] CO2, compared to just 195kg GHG CO2 for every 1,000 litres of HVO burned.”

“If a re-hirer or purchaser of an MHM generator or lighting tower uses a lower grade fuel this could have a negative impact on the engine’s warranty,” it said.

A supplier of companies such as Nixon Hire and Fraser Tool Hire, MHM said unlike tradition diesel, which can be stored for up to year, HVO biofuel can be “safely stored for up to ten years”. This means the risk of fuel contamination is also reduced.

In addition, “tests have indicated that HVO fuel provides better starting, cleaner combustion and consequently less chance of waxing and water retention in extreme temperatures,” said the company.

This latest news comes just months after the company added tanks for Adblue and HVO to its existing fluid storage range for gensets and heaters, and is part of ongoing efforts to meet the demand for low emission equipment in the rental market.