They had a wheel arrangement of (2′Co)(Co2′) under the UIC classification system, generated 1120 kW (1500 hp) of power, and could achieve a maximum speed of 97 km/h.

They were allowed to move under their own power once there and haul transfer freight trains to and from Port Chalmers and Mosgiel as part of tests before returning to service.

They were to operate on the hilly Dunedin to Oamaru section of the Main South Line but a new locomotive type was chosen in the DJ class.

In 2007, with Sims Pacific requiring the area where the DF was located for redevelopment, owners Federation of Rail Organisations of New Zealand concluded an agreement with the Diesel Traction Group (DTG) to have the locomotive moved to their premises for restoration.

In January 2009, members of the Group accompanied the locomotive on a three-day 1,100 km trip to Christchurch, from where it moved to their Ferrymead Railway base a few days later.