[1] The type replaced the smaller P class 2-4-0T engines, which were struggling with the increasing sizes of suburban passenger trains.

From the 1930s on lightly patronised routes, F class locomotives were replaced by Brill model 55 and 75 railcars.

They continued to be deployed on busier suburban routes until they were displaced after 1955 by increasing numbers of 300 and 400 class "Red Hen" railcars.

Some locomotives were retained for shunting duties at Port Adelaide and Mile End with F225, the final member of the class being condemned in 1969.

They were a capable locomotive that faced few restrictions other than on the Belair line in the Adelaide Hills, on which they were limited to hauling three carriages.