The authors present results of fleet tests carried out by the Austrian Armed Forces concerning the practical application of esterified vegetable oils ("Biodiesel") namely Rape Oil Methyl Ester (RME) and Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester (UOME), used as alternative fuel for off-road vehicles. Furthermore a review of research results by universities and research institutes is given. In the tests great emphasis has been placed on two of the most discussed disadvantages of biodiesel - the high vaporization of engine oil and the behaviour in cold temperatures. Military and civilian off-road vehicles are frequently driven in ecologically sensitive areas. Spillage of fuel and lubricants is sometimes unavoidable. In this regard, biodiesel has the great advantage of low toxicity and its ability of being quickly biodegradable. Both kinds of fuel (diesel oil and biodiesel) were examined from the viewpoint of environmental protection (exhaust emissions and toxicity). The Austrian Armed Forces in co-operation with external research institutes proved that biodiesel can be used in off-road vehicles instead of standard diesel fuel without any additional preparations or modifications. Moreover, biodiesel is more friendly to the environment than diesel fuel.
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