Agriculture and Farming Stationary Engines.
A stationary engine is defined as an engine that is mounted on a chassis or framework that renders it immobile. Stationary engines can also be mounted on a wheeled base, but these tend to be categorised as portable engines.
Vintage engines
Stationary engines powered by gas, petrol, paraffin, diesel and other fuels replaced steam engines and undertook a vital role in farming and agricultural life, powering equipment, pumping water and generating electricity. Engine types included hot tube, hot bulb and hit and miss and many examples can still be found today in various states of working order.
Contemporary engines
Modern iterations of vintage stationary engines are still to be found working on farms. These include diesel engines, spark ignited engines and reciprocating internal combustion engines. A point of note is that all stationary engines are subject to air quality regulations. These depend on the age of the engine, the type of ignition system used and the engines position (for example, indoors or outdoors).
Brand and manufacturer names
Those who collect, use or simply admire stationary engines will be very familiar with the brand names available. These include Lister and Petter (and later, Lister Petter), Ruston Hornsby, Bamford, Wolseley, Villiers, JAP and Enfield.
Spare parts
When owning, running or restoring stationary engines, the Holy Grail must be the availability of parts. The good news is that many parts for many vintage and contemporary stationary engines are available. From fuel tanks, ignition condensers and cast iron wheels to brass oilers, vintage spanners and air filters and housings. Additionally, many complete but non-working stationary engines are available to break down for spares and repairs.
Miscellanea
As well as a cornucopia of spares, stationary engine enthusiasts will be delighted to find rare and otherwise difficult to source items that will add interest and maybe even value to their collections. These items include sales brochures, sales catalogues, instruction booklets and even exhibition catalogues.
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