Rated at 2430kW, Type DF12 diesel-electric locomotive is the shunting locomotive with highest power at present in China. It is suitable for the shunting and transfer operations of 5000 ton freight train in large railway marshalling stations and industrial enterprises as well as traction operation of freight train on main line.The engine of locomotive drives a three-phase synchronous traction alternator. The AC power generated is supplied to traction motor through the thyristor, then traction motors drive the wheel sets via traction gears. The running gear of locomotive is two three-axle bogies.The locomotive was designed on the basis of type DF4B locomotive. While the main components such as diesel engine, traction motor, transmission and so on retain the versatility of those in type DF4B locomotive, frame with walking way outside is adopted. With microcomputer control installed and the innovated bogie structure, the working conditions for the drivers are highly improved and the shunting performance is greatly enhanced.

    The locomotive, characterized by high power, excellent performance, good versatility, high reliability, simple operation and easy maintenance, is an ideal heavy-duty shunting locomotive for heavy load transportation.