TheDF4 (Chinese:东风4) is a type ofdiesel–electric locomotive used in thePeople's Republic of China. It has been in production since 1969 and is still produced as of 2025 by several local companies. It is the most common locomotive in China and is used for both passenger and freight services.
The first DF4 was built in 1969 inDalian. The first 108 locomotives that were built here are the original DF4s using the 16V240ZJ engine. It took seven years to build all 108 locomotives of this type. Due to unstable technique in the production of early-built DF4 locomotives, malfunctions of mechanic and electric parts occurred frequently during the operation, especially the diesel engine. Thus, most DF4 locomotives were taken out of service for maintenance, andrailroad engineers from Fengtai Locomotive Depot sarcastically joked that the DF4 "can't make it fromDongdan toXisi", two neighborhoods of Beijing. Therefore, Dalian Locomotive Works introduced 16V240ZJA, an improved diesel engine.
Few of the early series DF4 are still in operation. The first DF4 of the class is currently in permanent exhibition at theBeijing Railway Museum.[1]
The DF4A distinguishes itself from first series DF4s with an improved engine, the 16V240ZJA. Production started in 1976 (the first model being DF4-0109) and lasted until 1984. The DF4A designation is unofficial.
Nicknamed "Watermelon", "Armed Police", or "Orange". Generally speaking, "Watermelons" and "Armed Police" versions are used for freight, while "Oranges" (DF4 2000 Series) are manufactured with alternated gear ratio for the allowance of increased operation speed, intended for passenger services. DF4B are very similar to standard DF4, apart from an improved engine (16V240ZJB) and modified engine inlet filters in certain instances. Production started in Dalian in 1984.
The DF4C was supposed to replace the DF4B as the main diesel locomotive in China and comes with several improvements, including a new engine revision (16240ZJC). The first DF4C was produced in 1985 and batch production started four years later, in 1989, and lasted until roughly the end of the 20th century. The first two DF4C (4001 and 4002) produced in 1985 continued the use of the DF4B hull. A new hull design is applied for the batch-produced configuration.
The DF4C comes in a different color scheme than the previous DF4s, namely dark blue and later light blue and beige. The passenger version, informally called DF4CK, has an A1A-A1A wheel arrangement.
The DF4, DF4B and DF4C were each produced with two different gear ratios, "passenger" (up to 120 km/h or 75 mph or 170 km/h or 110 mph for DF4C) and "freight" (up to 100 km/h or 62 mph). The passenger variant was often painted orange.[1]
The DF4D, the most recent DF4 revision, has been produced since 1996 with the 16V240ZJD engine. The passenger versions increased top speed to 145 km/h (90 mph) or 170 km/h (110 mph).[2] The freight version comes in a different color scheme than the previous DF4Ds, namely green (7000 Series) and later light blue (4000 Series) and yellow. The green version sat on radial bogies but later converted to standard bogies. Their top speed to 100 km/h (62 mph).DF4D-7000 series are configured with shorter hull compared to standard DF4D series.
The DF4DJ, originally DF4DAC, of which only 2 were built had AC drive technology supplied bySiemens. They were China's first AC drive diesel locomotive.[3][4][5][6]
Aroad switcher version of the DF4 with side walkways and afull-body cab similar to modern American locomotives. The type was the most powerful road switcher class in China until the introduction of the HXN3B andHXN5B classes.
In 2001, theKorean State Railway bought two locomotives of type CKD4A (DF4D) new fromCNR Dalian; these were delivered in July 2002.[9] These are powered by the same 16V240ZJD as the Chinese DF4D, producing 2,940 kW (3,940 hp) and have a maximum speed of 100 km/h (62 mph).[10] They are painted in the standard light blue over dark green, but their numbers are not known.
Between 2006 and 2008, three batches of refurbished second-hand DF4 ("DF4A") and DF4B were delivered toNorth Korea.[9] These are numbered in the 내연200 series (내연 =Naeyŏn, "internal combustion") and are in service for passenger and freight trains all over North Korea;[11] many are assigned to theHamhŭng area.[9] The total number delivered is not known, but the number is at least 36 units, numbered 내연201 to 내연225[12] and 내연261 to 내연271. Many are still in their former Chinese paint, but some have been repainted into the standard light blue over dark green, and two have received the dark green/yellow scheme applied to manyM62-type diesels obtained second hand fromGermany andSlovakia. There is at least one DF4D, in standard blue over green livery.
During the construction ofJakarta–Bandung high speed railway line, the Chinese construction companyPowerChina[13] brought and used several DF4 locomotives. The first unit, DF4B-1295, arrived at the Port ofTanjung Priok on 22 November 2021.[14] It was transported to Tegalluar depot inBandung on 21 January 2022.[15] The second batch arrived on 28 January, consisted of DF4B-7552, 7553, 9129 and 7549.[16][17] The third batch arrived in Tanjung Priok in December 2022, with the DF4B-6385 on 16 December and the DF4C-4151 on 31 December.[18]
During the construction of the line, one of the DF4 was involved in an accident. The DF4B-7553 was derailed on 18 December 2022 while hauling a track-laying machine. The derailment occurred in Padalarang District,West Bandung Regency.[19] The derailed train was evacuated on 20 December.[20]
At the conclusion of the line construction, the PowerChina's DF4s were moved out of the country for use elsewhere. For maintenance and backup purpose, theKereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) operated a single DF4D, numbered CC207 23 01. Under the Indonesian railway nomenclature, the DF4 operated by KCIC was classified as CC207 class.[21]
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