Equipped with AC-DC transmission, DES-DF8D is a main line freight diesel locomotive. It can meet the needs of heavy load at high speed on busy main line.

The diesel power drives a three-phase AC synchronous traction alternator to generate three-phase alternating current. Through rectifier, the current is fed to the traction motor which then drives the wheel sets through traction gears

The running gear of the locomotive consists of two exchangeable three-axle bogies, where a low four-rod mechanism traction and side bearings of rubber pads are adopted. Journal box springs and side bearings form a two-stage suspension. The traction motor is suspended from the axle of the wheel set. Type JZ-7 brake equipment is used for the braking system, which makes it possible to brake the locomotive independently or together with the whole vehicles trailed. Electric resistance brake can also be applied on long down gradient.