The DF8 is a heavy diesel locomotive for freight service, both prototypes of which were built in 1984. Series production of the actual DF8 followed in 1989. It had a sixteen-cylinder engine with an output of 3,310 kW or 4,500 hp. The same engine is also used in the DF9 and DF11 passenger locomotives. Power output was increased over the years, so that the more than 1,200 DF8Bs already had 3,680 kW or 5,000 hp. There were also experimental locomotives, such as the DF8BJ with three-phase traction motors and the DF8DJ with a 4,800 kW or 6,525 hp Caterpillar engine. The DF8 was also successful in exports, with customers found in Asia, Africa and South America. 