The F class were used for shunting within the Melbourne metropolitan area, and were the only non-Clyde diesel-electric loco in Victoria. F201-210 were originally numbered F310-319 respectively, their numbers being changed with the introduction of the T class. F211-216 were bought from the SECV, where they were regarded as being excess, and were originally numbered SEC3,4,5,6,1,2 respectively.